Few applications demand more from a mechanical drive than a high-visibility public landmark, where reliability, smooth operation, and safety are non-negotiable and downtime impacts thousands of visitors. That’s exactly the environment inside the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, where a unique tram system transports visitors to the observation deck at the top of the monument.

The challenge: Mission-Critical Motion in a One-of-a-Kind System
During the Gateway Arch reconstruction/expansion project in 2016-2017, the tram system drive configuration was updated, including the addition of two custom gearboxes to power the tram system – one gearbox per tram. These gearboxes needed to integrate into a constrained, existing mechanical layout, operate consistently under repeated daily cycling, and support a system where precision and predictability matter as much as durability.

PEM’s solution: Custom-Engineered FMSR-58 Gearboxes
Power Engineering & Manufacturing was selected to design and manufacture the FMSR-58 gearboxes that drive the tram system, purpose-built for the application and engineered with the same mindset we bring to every mission-critical project: design it correctly, manufacture it precisely, and validate performance before it leaves our facility. Because schedule performance and field reliability were critical, the project included specialized load testing performed at PEM to confirm performance prior to shipment. Load testing, engineered and performed by PEM to reflect real-life application load spectra and duty cycle, included continuous monitoring of horsepower, torque, speed, temperature, vibration, and sound as part of a validation test that spanned the course of two weeks.

A Visitor-Facing Impact: Dependable Movement for an Iconic Destination
The tram ride is a core part of the Gateway Arch experience. The tram system operates at approximately 3.9 mph, traveling roughly 748 feet, with a journey time of about 4 minutes, and it attracts nearly 1 million visitors each year. Those kinds of numbers put a spotlight on what matters most to PEM: reliability, longevity, and consistent performance over countless cycles.

Built to Last and Supported for the Long Haul
The true measure of performance isn’t just how a system works on day one – it’s how it performs years down the line. Each gearbox was designed, manufactured, and load-tested at PEM in Waterloo, Iowa. The FMSR-58 gearboxes installed in the Gateway Arch tram system have continued to perform reliably since installation, and PEM continues to provide ongoing support for Gateway Arch National Park centered on maintaining long-term performance. That’s exactly how PEM approaches every project: We don’t just deliver a gearbox. We stand behind it, supporting critical equipment throughout its entire lifecycle.

Why PEM is Trusted for the Most Critical Projects
Projects like the Gateway Arch tram system highlight what PEM does best:

· Custom gearbox engineering for demanding, constrained applications

· Precision manufacturing and assembly backed by rigorous internal controls

· Application-appropriate validation and load testing before shipment

· Long-term support for equipment that can’t afford failure

If your operation depends on a drive system where uptime, safety, and reliability are essential, PEM is ready for the challenge.