Technics
The GT4 was developed because the longer 6-axle articulated trams with Jacob's bogies, such as the GT6, were not suitable for the Stuttgart network, which had a large number of sharp curves and steep gradients due to that city's hilly topography.
The design of articulation is unique: Both bogies are connected by an underframe, upon which the two halves of the tram body rest. When the tram drives around a curve, the underframe prevents the body from overhanging the inside of the curve, allowing tighter clearances and more flexibility than a non-articulated tram.
On standard gauge vehicles only the inner axles on each bogie were powered, therefore the wheel notation was (1A)(A1). 2/3 of the vehicle weight were rested on both powered axles.
The bi-directional variants have a second driver's cab and additional side doors, unlike the uni-directional models.
Read more about this topic: GT4 (Stuttgart)
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“However far modern science and technics have fallen short of their inherent possibilities, they have taught mankind at least one lesson: Nothing is impossible.”
—Lewis Mumford (1895–1990)