On August 15, 1906 the first El Camino Real Bell was installed at the Pueblo De Los Angeles Mission Church near Olvera Street in Los Angeles. It still stands today. The El Camino Real Bell is made of cast iron, weighs 85 pounds and is 17 1/2" by 17 1/2" in size. The Mission Bell Marker is 15 1/2' tall. The bottom of the bell measures 11' from the ground.
They didn't. These vehicles are propelled by the tires making contact with the tracks. I take it you have never seen one.