Fleet Details
Updated: 23 February 2008
| BENDIGO TRAMWAYS FLEET: | ||
| Tram Number: | Status: | Historic and Technical Details: |
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Maximum Traction Bogie Tram |
In storage at the Gas Works Depot. |
History: This tram first operated in Melbourne as Hawthorn Tramways Trust #20. With the formation of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board, it became M&MTB # 126. It was sold to the SECV Geelong Tramways in 1947 to become #34. Upon the closure of the Geelong Tramways in 1956, the tram was transferred to Bendigo where it became #2.
Builder: Duncan & Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1916) for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust as #20.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 22E. Motors - 2 X 65 hp GE 201. Controllers - GE B23E. Braking - hand brakes and air operated manual-lapping valves. Weight - 16.0 tonnes. Length - 13.59 metres.
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Single Truck Battery Tram |
Undergoing restoration at the main Depot. |
History: Tram services using these trams commenced in June 1890 but because of the inefficiency of the battery trams, the entire system was abandoned in September 1890 and the assets sold to the Bendigo Tramway Company Limited.
Builder: Brush Electrical Engineering Company Limited, Loughborough, United Kingdom (1889) for the Sandhurst and Eaglehawk Tramway Company Limited (S&ETCo Ltd) as #3.
Technical Information: The trams were powered by a single motor, with a wheel operated controller located on each platform. Braking was obtained by the use of a hand brake also located on each platform.
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Maximum Traction Bogie Tram |
In storage at the Gas Works Depot. |
History: This tram first operated in Melbourne as Hawthorn Tramways Trust #14. With the formation of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board, it became M&MTB # 120. It was sold to the SECV Geelong Tramways in 1947 to become #33. Upon the closure of the Geelong Tramways in 1956, the tram was transferred to Bendigo where it became #4.
Builder: Duncan & Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1916) for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust as # 14.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 22E. Motors - 2 X 65 hp GE 201. Controllers - GE B23E. Braking - hand brakes and air operated manual-lapping valves. Weight - 16.0 tonnes. Length - 13.59 metres.
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Maximum Traction Bogie Tram |
In storage at the Gas Works Depot.. |
History: This tram first operated in Melbourne as Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust #26. With the formation of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board, it became M&MTB #26. It was sold to the SECV Geelong Tramways in 1948 to become #36. Upon the closure of the Geelong Tramways in 1956, the tram was transferred to Bendigo where it became #5.
Builder: Duncan & Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1913) for the Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust as #26.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brush 22E. Motors - 2 X 65 hp GE 201. Controllers - GE B23E. Braking - hand brakes and air operated manual-lapping valves. Weight - 16.0 tonnes. Length - 13.56 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
In storage at the Gas Works Depot and partly dismantled in preparation for restoration as M&MTB #110. |
History: Originally built as California Combination tram #4 for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust. Sold by the M&MTB to The Electric Supply Company of Victoria, Ballarat tramways in the 1930s and became #25. Converted to Ballarat style one-man configuration at Ballarat during the 1930s. Transferred to Bendigo in 1960 in exchange for Bendigo bogie tram #1.
Builder: Duncan & Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1916) for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust as #4.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 21E 7' 6". Motors - 2 X 45 hp Westinghouse 225. Controllers - WH TIF. Braking - hand brakes and air operated manual-lapping valves. Weight - 12.0 tonnes. Length - 9.7 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
On static display at the main Depot. |
History: Electric Supply Company tram retired in 1930s and used as part of a residence at North Bendigo. Early in 2000, the body was transferred to the main depot, stripped of any structural additions, cleaned and put on display in order to alert visitors to the Museum of the condition a number of the exhibits have been in before restoration. This was the fourth ESCV tram to be rescued by The Bendigo Trust.
Builder: Duncan and Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1903) - for the Electric Supply Company of Victoria, Bendigo Tramways as #7.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 21E (6 feet wheel base). Motors - 2 X 25 hp Westinghouse 26. Controllers - Westinghouse. Braking - hand brakes and controller operated electrical brakes. Weight - 10 tonnes. Length - 9.4 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
On display at the main Depot, available for hire. |
History: This tram was built as California Combination tram #76 for the Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust. Sold to the ESCV Ballarat Tramways in the 1930s where it became #19. Converted to Ballarat style one-man configuration at Ballarat. Transferred to Bendigo in 1960 along with Ballarat #25 in exchange for Bendigo bogie #1. This tram was restored to the livery first used when it arrived in Bendigo.
Builder: Meadowbank Manufacturing Company, Sydney, New South Wales (1915) for the Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust as #76.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 21E 6' 6". Motors - 2 X 45 hp WH 225. Controllers - WH TIF. Braking - hand brakes and air operated manual-lapping valves. Weight - 11.0 tonnes. Length - 9.43 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
At the Bendigo Tramways workshop undergoing restoration. |
History: 1 of 4 surviving bodies of the 12 1903 Brill cars at the time restoration commenced.
Heavily rebuilt on two occasions before withdrawal – represents significant technological changes and design improvements to the original 1903 design. The 1913 alterations are represented in this image of ESCV #5, while the 1947 rebuild is represented in this image of ESCV (later SECV) #9.
The last of 2 surviving 1903 Brill cars to operate on a regular basis on the Bendigo Tramways, #8 was decommissioned in 1947.
#8 is the only tram to carry the number 8 on the Bendigo Tramways from 1903 to the present – all other 1903 Brill trams have had their road numbers allocated to replacement trams therefore making number 8 tram unique to Bendigo.
It was the first tram acquired by The Bendigo Trust – significant in that it helped generate great public support for the cause to retain the trams in Bendigo. View the tram after rescue: Image 1 Image 2
Restoration of this tram to its 1903 configuration commenced in 2001.
Builder: Duncan and Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1903) - for the Electric Supply Company of Victoria, Bendigo Tramways as #8.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 21E (6 feet wheel base). Motors - 2 X 25 hp Westinghouse 26. Controllers - Westinghouse. Braking - hand brakes and controller operated electrical brakes. Weight - 10 tonnes. Length - 9.4 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
Currently in operation as the Bendigo Tramways track maintenance vehicle. |
History: This tram was first built as a passenger tram by the M&MTB in 1923. It was converted to an 'all night tram' in 1937 and continued in that form until it was withdrawn as a passenger tram in 1958. It was initially converted to a 'blow-down' car and later became scrubber #9 (9W). In 1999, the tram was transferred to the Bendigo Tramways and has been used regularly as a scrubber. To view the livery in which the tram operated after arriving at Bendigo - click here.
During early 2007, the tram was repainted in The Bendigo Trust livery and will carry advertising on hoardings fitted to the sides of the tram.
Builder: Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (1959) - rebuilt from former Q class car #197.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 21E 7' 6". Motors - 2 X 55 hp GE 241. Controllers - GE K36JR. Braking - hand brakes and air operated self-lapping valves. Weight - 12.0 tonnes. Length - 10.06 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
On lease to the Sydney Tramway Museum as SECV Bendigo Tramways #11. |
History: This tram was built new by J G Brill and Co., Philadelphia, USA in 1923 for the Melbourne Electric Supply Company (MESC), operators of the Geelong Tramways, Victoria, Australia. While in Geelong, it operated as #14 and was transferred under SECV ownership to Bendigo in 1949, where it became #11.
In 1968, the SECV assessed damage to the tram after an accident with an automobile. Upon inspection, it was found that the side bearers of the tram body had spread, and the centre bearers had been severely distorted because of the impact. Repairs of this nature required costly engineering work and with the closure of the tramway being imminent, it was decided to place Car 11 in storage on 6 road until the cessation of SECV services in 1972.
Work commenced on the restoration of this tram in 1975 and it returned to service in 1986, being painted in the SECV livery of the 1950s.
This tram and its sister #15 are unique among Birney trams as they are the only known Birneys to have longitudinal seating. Builder: J. G. Brill & Co, Philadelphia, USA, 1923 - for Melbourne Electric Supply Co (Geelong Tramways) as #14. Technical Information: Imported in kit form, assembled at Geelong and entered service as MESC #14. Trucks - Brill 79E1 (8 feet wheel base). Motors - 2 X 25 hp GE264. Controllers - GE K63G. Braking - hand brakes, air operated and dead-man equipped. Weight - 7 tonnes. Length - 8.54 metres.
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Four Motor Tram |
In storage awaiting accreditation to operate at Bendigo. |
History: Entered service in Melbourne, Victoria in 1977. Retired from Glenhuntly depot November 2002. Donated to the Bendigo Tramways by M Tram, Melbourne. Arrived in Bendigo December 2002.
Builder: COMENG, Dandenong, Victoria, Australia (1977) for the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board as Z1 11.
Technical Information: Trucks - ASEA. Motors - 4 X ASEA LJB 23/2 57kW. Controllers - ASEA Tramiac. Braking - dynamic. disk and emergency track shoes. Length - 16.60 metres.
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Single Truck Tram
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In storage at the Gas Works Depot and body dismantled in preparation for restoration as HTT #1. |
History: The tram operated in Melbourne as Hawthorn Tramways Trust California combination tram #1 and later as Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board #107. Sold to ESCV Bendigo in 1930 and numbered #19 - the monochrome image depicts the tram soon after its arrival and conversion to a one-man tram. This was the first of the ex-Melbourne trams to arrive in Bendigo. In 1935, with the arrival of additional trams from Melbourne, the tram was renumbered as #12. It was converted to Bendigo style one-man configuration during the 1930s.
In 1962, the tram was withdrawn from service by the SECV because it was "black-banned" by the Bendigo Branch of the the ATMOEA. The tram was considered by the ATMOEA to be in poor condition and not suitable for traffic. It languished at the rear of #3 road for many years - mainly being used as a "sleeping" car for the night shift personnel!
In March 1962, the M&MTB Footscray system closed and the ATMOEA used the deterioration of #s 12 and 16 as a reason to agitate for the acquisition of the retired Footscray trams. The SECV put the case that the Footscray trams would not be compatible at Bendigo and did not pursue this option - the SECV being keen to divest itself of the tramways at Ballarat and Bendigo.
Prior to the cessation of services by the SECV, the tram was trialled as a 'spare' because a number of the birneys had been withdrawn due to accident damage. During its trial trip in service, it was found that the motor cases scrapped along the cobble stones in Pall Mall when the tram was fully loaded and was thus withdrawn. SECV maintenance records indicate that the wheels fitted to this car were near life-expired and instead of scrapping the tyres, they were "trimmed" (SECV maintenance terminology) in order to obtain a "cheap" temporary fix.
The tram was made fully operational by The Bendigo Trust in 1975 and did run on special occasions without passengers from time-to-time until work commenced on it restoration back to HTT #1 in the late 1970s. During the mid-to-late 1980s, the truck and motors received a complete overhaul (even though the original wheel sets were retained) and the body was dismantled in preparation for restoration. Work was suspended and the tram was transported to the Gas Works depot where it is in storage awaiting restoration to continue.
Builder: Duncan and Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1916), for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust as #1.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 21E. Motors - 2 X 45 hp WH 225. Controllers - WH TIF. Braking - hand brakes and air operated manual-lapping valves. Weight - 12.0 tonnes. Length - 9.43 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
Located at the main Depot, available for hire. |
History: The history of this tram is similar to #11. While in Geelong, it operated as #15 and was transferred under SECV ownership to Bendigo in 1948, where it became #15.
In 1959 this tram was involved in an accident with an automobile. Because of the extensive damage, the SECV decided to de-register the tram and use it for spare parts for the remaining Birney trams. In 1975, work commenced on the restoration of the tram as Melbourne Electric Supply Company - Geelong Tramways #15.
Initially, most of the work was concentrated on the truck, with the installation of re-profiled wheels, reconditioned motors and brake rigging, so that the tram would be able to move under its own power once again.
The tram has been restored in the Melbourne Electric Supply Company (MESC) - Geelong livery of the 1920s and is available for use as a Talking Tram.
Builder: J. G. Brill & Co, Philadelphia, USA, 1923 - for Melbourne Electric Supply Co (Geelong Tramways) as #15.
Technical Information: Imported in kit form, assembled at Geelong and entered service as MESC #15. Trucks - Brill 79E1 (8 feet wheel base). Motors - 2 X 25 hp GE264. Controllers - GE K63G. Braking - hand brakes, air operated and dead-man equipped. Weight - 7 tonnes. Length - 8.54 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
On display at the main Depot available for hire. |
History: Built as California combination tram #84 for the P&MTT. Later became M&MTB B class #84. Sold to the ESCV in 1931 and became Bendigo #16. Converted to one-man configuration at Bendigo in 1935. Only Bendigo one-man tram to have swinging doors instead of concertina gates on the handbrake side platforms. Currently available for hire in its SECV configuration. To be restored as PMTT California combination tram #84 in the future.
In 1962, the tram was withdrawn from regular service by the SECV due to a ban by the Bendigo Branch of the ATMOEA because the body was in poor condition. The tram was thus allocated to short workings - most notably the "School Special" which ran from Eaglehawk to Thorpe Street during the afternoons and as an 'extra' car on the Eaglehawk line during Easter.
In 1965 the tram was withdrawn from all services and work commenced on addressing the issue of excessive body movement, when the 2 platform floors were removed with the intention of bracing the bearers and relaying the floor boards in a diagonal-herring-bone format. A disagreement between the SECV works overseer and the tram depot body builder as to how the job was to be completed ensued, which resulted in a stale-mate and so #16 sat out the final SECV years at the rear of 6 road minus its compressor and end platform floors.
The tram was made fully operational by The Bendigo Trust in 1975 and has run on special outings from time-to-time. It now sits at the top of 6 road and whilst the paint work is in a "shabby" state, it has been responsible for generating donations to the Tramways Paint Fund.
Builder: James Moore & Co, Melbourne (1917) for Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust as #84.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 21E. Motors - 2 X 45 hp WH 225. Controllers - WH TIF. Braking - hand brakes and air operated manual-lapping valves. Weight - 12.0 tonnes. Length - 9.43 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
In reserve as a Vintage Talking Tram. |
History: This tram operated in Bendigo as one of two 'Summer trams' from 1913 until 1953, when it was converted to a track cleaning tram. The tram continued in this role until it was involved in a 'car-ahead collision' with the tram it was replaced by - bogie car #17. The tram remained out of service during the final years of operation by the SECV.
When The Bendigo Trust took over the tramway, the damaged upper sections of the front end were removed and the tram ran in this state until withdrawal for rebuilding in 1975.
In January 1978, #17 was transported to Melbourne to take part in the Australia Day Cavalcade of Transport celebrations along Spencer Street. The tram was the first Bendigo tram to operate on the Melbourne system and since then a number of former Melbourne trams have returned to operate there on special occasions.
A re-build of the body and truck was completed in time for the centenary of electric operation of the Ballarat Tramways in 2005.
Builder: Duncan and Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1913), for the Electric Supply Company of Victoria, Bendigo Tramways as #17.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brush (modified using Brill 21E components). Motors - 2 X 45 hp WH 225. Controllers - GWH TIF. Braking - hand brakes and air operated self-lapping valves. Weight - 11.2 tonnes. Length - 9.5 metres.
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Maximum Traction Bogie Tram |
In service as AAPT corporate tram #18. |
History: This tram first operated in Melbourne as Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust #45. With the formation of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board, it became M&MTB #45. It was sold to the SECV Bendigo Tramways in 1951 to become #18. The tram was converted to one-man operation in 1952, but because of union 'work-to-rules' measures, did not operate as a one-man tram.
Because of its ability to be used as a one-man tram when carrying large charter groups, #18 became the second maximum traction bogie tram to be painted in The Bendigo Trust livery during 1974.
In 1980 work commenced to completely rebuild the tram so that it was more suitable for charter groups. This work was completed in 1983.
In 2001 the tram was painted in a gold livery to commemorate the 150th celebrations for the discovery of gold in Victoria. It operated in Ballarat as the Ballarat Tramways #45 from then until its return to Bendigo in 2005. The tram has since been re-painted and now operates in the AAPT corporate livery.
Builder: Duncan & Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1914) for the Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust as #45.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brush 22E. Motors - 2 X 65 hp GE 201. Controllers - BCC RC2. Braking - hand brakes and air operated self-lapping valves. Weight - 17.0 tonnes. Length - 13.56 metres.
Photo: Doubleday, W (2002) Trolley Wire No 285 Vol 42. No. 2, Sutherland, NSW: South Pacific Electric Railway Cooperative Society Ltd. 1
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Single Truck Tram |
In service as a Vintage Talking Tram. |
History: One of four trams to open the Bendigo Tramways as a 'Vintage Talking Tramway', it is believed that this tram was built during the second decade of the 20th century for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust. The tram was not able to be delivered until 1918, because the electrical components could not be obtained due to the influence of WW1. The tram was sold to the newly established Footscray Tramways Trust in 1919, but did not operate for that company, because the FTT had not opened its tramways due to an unavailability of power supply.
The Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board had been formed in 1920 and by the the time the tram was available for use, it had become M&MTB California combination M class tram # 185. The tram was once again, sold this time to the SECV Bendigo Tramways in 1935 and on its arrival was converted to one-man configuration as #19.
In September 1972, The Bendigo Trust converted the tram back to its former California combination configuration, using components from scrapped former SECV Bendigo tram #10.
In October 2003, the tram was out-shopped sporting a new coat of paint and the installation of unique lead-lights commemorating the history of the tram.
Builder: Duncan and Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1917) for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 21E 7' 6". Motors - 2 X 45 hp WH 225. Controllers - GE K36. Braking - hand brakes and air operated self-lapping valves. Weight - 12.0 tonnes. Length - 10 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
In storage at the Gas Works Depot awaiting motor overhaul. |
History: The early history of this tram is similar to #19, except it operated in Melbourne as M&MTB #187. When in operational condition, the tram is available for hire and will be restored to SECV 1972 configuration.
In 1966, the tram was withdrawn from service by the SECV because it was "black-banned" by the Bendigo Branch of the the ATMOEA. The tram's body was in poor condition and considered to be unsuitable for traffic.
The tram was made fully operational by The Bendigo Trust in 1975 and had run on special outings from time-to-time. It now sits at the Gas Works depot awaiting an armature replacement and other minor works before it will again be roadworthy.
Builder: Duncan and Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1917) for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 21E 7' 6". Motors - 2 X 50 hp GE 202. Controllers - GE K36. Braking - hand brakes and air operated manual-lapping valves. Weight - 12.0 tonnes. Length - 10 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
In service as a Vintage Talking Tram. |
History: Like its 2 sister trams #s185 and 187, #188 arrived in Bendigo in 1935. As Bendigo #21, it has retained its one-man configuration and in 1975 the body work received attention and was painted in the SECV livery of the 1930s.
In October 1992 the tram was repainted in the grey, white and blue livery of the HTT/FTT to celebrate a significant event in the history of the City of Footscray. This livery was temporary, with the colours of the HTT being represented in the future with the restoration of HTT #1.
#21 has since been re-painted in a more accurate representation of its 1930's livery.
Builder: Duncan and Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1917) for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 21E 7' 6". Motors - 2 X 50 hp GE 202. Controllers - GE K36. Braking - hand brakes and air operated self-lapping valves. Weight - 12.0 tonnes. Length - 10 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
In storage at the Gas Works Depot awaiting restoration. |
History: Car 22 arrived in Bendigo from Melbourne in 1936. It was unique to Bendigo as it was the only single truck tram of this design to operate here. The tram saw little use as it was unpopular with passengers because of its high steps. Crews did not like the tram either, because it was rough riding when travelling at speed. The tram was scrapped in 1956 and the body was used by a Bendigo resident as a wood shed. In 1995, the tram was eventually retrieved and placed in storage for future restoration.
Builder: James Moore & Son (1920) - for Fitzroy Northcote and Preston Tramways Trust as #3.
Technical Information: Entered service in Melbourne under the ownership of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board. Trucks - Brill 21E (7 feet 6 inches wheel base). Motors - GE202. Controllers - GE K36. Braking - hand brakes and air operated. Weight - 11.7 tonnes. Length - 10.6 metres.
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Maximum Traction Bogie Tram |
In storage at the Gas Works Depot, available for hire. |
History: This tram first operated in Melbourne as Hawthorn Tramways Trust #17. With the formation of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board, it became M&MTB # 123. It was sold to the SECV Bendigo Tramways in 1945 to become #23.
Builder: Duncan & Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1916) for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust as #17.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 22E. Motors - 2 X 65 hp GE 201. Controllers - GE K36. Braking - hand brakes and air operated manual-lapping valves. Weight - 16.0 tonnes. Length - 13.59 metres.
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Maximum Traction Bogie Tram |
In storage at the Gas Works Depot, available for hire. |
History: This tram first operated in Melbourne as Hawthorn Tramways Trust #27. With the formation of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board, it became M&MTB # 133. It was sold to the SECV Bendigo Tramways in 1947 to become #25. In 1972, this tram was selected as one of four cars to inaugurate the talking tram service for The Bendigo Trust and was painted in the new livery of The Bendigo Trust.
Builder: Duncan & Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1917) for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust as #27.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 22E. Motors - 2 X 65 hp GE 201. Controllers - GE K36. Braking - hand brakes and air operated manual-lapping valves. Weight - 16.0 tonnes. Length - 13.89 metres.
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Maximum Traction Bogie Tram |
On display at the main Depot, available for hire. |
History: This tram first operated in Melbourne as Hawthorn Tramways Trust #29. With the formation of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board, it became M&MTB # 135. It was sold to the SECV Bendigo Tramways in 1947 to become #26. On 16th April 1972, this was the last tram to travel from the Borough of Eaglehawk to the City of Bendigo.
Builder: Duncan & Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1917) for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust as #29.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 22E. Motors - 2 X 65 hp GE 201. Controllers - GE K36. Braking - hand brakes and air operated manual-lapping valves. Weight - 16.0 tonnes. Length - 13.89 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
Restoration to SECV livery complete, awaiting a wheel reprofile. |
History: Car 28 was one of 4 trams which reintroduced trams to the streets of Bendigo in December 1972. Initially the tram operated in its former SECV livery and in 1974 the tram was painted in the livery of The Bendigo Trust.
#28 was built new by J G Brill and Co., Philadelphia, USA in 1925 for the MTT. While in Adelaide, it operated as #304 and was purchased by the SECV for the Geelong Tramways in 1936 where it operated as #28. It transferred under SECV ownership to Bendigo in 1947, as #28.
This Birney and #29 was available for service right up to the cessation of SECV tram services, and was often used as a decorated tram for special occasions. The tram was the last tram to return to the tram depot upon cessation of SECV tramways operations on 16th April, 1972.
#28 and #30 were the mainstay of weekend Talking Tram services in the first decade of operation by the Bendigo Trust. With the increase in patronage on the tramway, the tram now serves as a backup unit to the larger cars. Easter Monday in particular sees the Birneys operating as a double header with the larger service cars.
Builder: J. G. Brill & Co, Philadelphia, USA, 1925 - for Municipal Tramways Trust, Adelaide, South Australia as G 304.
Technical Information: Entered service as MTT #304. Trucks - Brill 79E1 (8 feet wheel base). Motors - 2 X 25 hp GE264. Controllers - GE K63G. Braking - hand brakes, air operated and dead-man equipped. Weight - 7 tonnes. Length - 8.54 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
In service as a Vintage Talking Tram. |
History: The history of this tram is similar to #28. While in Adelaide, it operated as #301 and was purchased by the SECV for the Geelong Tramways in 1936 where it operated as #30. It transferred under SECV ownership to Bendigo in 1947, as #30. However, upon its arrival in Bendigo, this tram was placed in storage in the paint shop at the tram depot and used for spare parts for the other Birneys; it was deemed to be surplus to requirements, as the tramway had sufficient one-man trams at that time. It was not until #27 was severely damaged that #30 was brought into service, with some parts being exchanged between #27 and #30 in order to make #30 operational.
At the time The Bendigo Trust took over the running of the Bendigo Tramways, car 30 had been in a damaged condition since 1970. It was decided to repair car 30 as one of 4 trams which were to inaugurate the Talking Tram service and work commenced on 18th September 1972.
#30 was the flag ship of the tramway during the early period from 1972 and hosted such distinguished guests as Prince Charles, the Prime Minister of Australia and other Regal, Vice-Regal and Diplomatic guests.
Builder: J. G. Brill & Co, Philadelphia, USA, 1925 - for Municipal Tramways Trust, Adelaide, South Australia as G 301.
Technical Information: Entered service as MTT #301. Trucks - Brill 79E1 (8 feet wheel base). Motors - 2 X 25 hp GE264. Controllers - GE K63G. Braking - hand brakes, air operated and dead-man equipped. Weight - 7 tonnes. Length - 8.54 metres.
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Four Motor Tram |
In service as a Vintage Talking Tram. |
History: Purchased by The Bendigo Trust in 1985 as W2 #421, this tram was stored at the Gas Works Depot before being converted to W1 configuration in 2000. The tram was painted in the corporate livery of the "Rivers" footwear company and operated in this livery until 2004.
The tram was repainted in the corporate livery of "Centro" promoting the Lansell Plaza shopping complex at Kangaroo Flat.
Builder: Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board Preston Workshops (1927) for the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board as W1 421.
Technical Information: Originally built as a W1 class tram then converted to the W2 configuration in 1936. Trucks - MMTB No 1. Motors - 4 X 40 hp MV101. Controllers - GE K35JJ. Braking - hand brakes and air operated self-lapping valves. Weight - 17.6 tonnes. Length - 14.59 metres.
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Maximum Traction Bogie Tram |
On loan as part of the heritage fleet at Hawthorn Depot, Melbourne. |
History: This tram first operated in Melbourne as Hawthorn Tramways Trust #32. With the formation of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board, it became M&MTB # 138. It was sold to the SECV Bendigo Tramways in 1945 to become #24.
The tram was repainted in the MMTB livery of 1945 during 1975.
The tram has been cosmetically restored as Hawthorn Tramways Trust #32. In March 2006, the tram was on loan in Melbourne as part of the heritage fleet.
Builder: Duncan & Fraser, Adelaide, South for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust as #32.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 22E. Motors - 2 X 65 hp GE 201. Controllers - GE K36. Braking - hand brakes and air operated manual-lapping valves. Weight - 16.0 tonnes. Length - 13.89 metres.
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Four Motor Tram |
In service as a Vintage Talking Tram. |
History: The tram was sold to The Bendigo Trust minus its trucks, however a spare set of trucks had been located else-where by TBT, thus enabling the tram to be mobile from the day of its arrival in Bendigo. This tram was selected as one of the first to be painted in TBT livery (operating with its former MMTB #275), because the sliding doors would facilitate the use of the tram for one-person operation, and the tram could also be used for parties etc.
In 2003 the tram was painted in corporate colours of Bendigo Community Telco and resumed operation at Bendigo as #33.
With the arrival of the W class cars from Melbourne, these trams were allocated numbers commencing from #31. This number being the next available after the last of the former SECV trams - Birney #30. As was the practice with the introduction of second-hand trams to Bendigo, some of the W class trams have been numbered according to their date of arrival at Bendigo.
Builder: James Moore & Co (1925) for the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board as W 275.
Technical Information: Originally built as MMTB W class tram #275 then converted to the W2 configuration in 1929. After being involved in a severe accident in 1955 the tram was given a major upgrade to its present configuration as one of two prototypes for the mass conversion of the W2 class fleet. Trucks - MMTB No 1. Motors - 4 X 40 hp MV101. Controllers - GE K35JJ. Braking - hand brakes and air operated self-lapping valves. Weight - 17.0 tonnes. Length - 14.59 metres.
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Four Motor Tram
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In service as a Vintage Talking Tram. |
History: Introduced to service in Melbourne between 1939 and 1951. The tram was placed in storage during the late 1990s as part of the "reserve fleet" and was transferred to Bendigo in March 2005. Repainted in 2006 as the Department of Sustainability and Environment corporate tram.
Builder: Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board Preston Workshops (1939-51) for the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board as SW6 918.
Technical Information: Trucks - MMTB No 15. Motors - 4 X 40 hp GE 247AX2. Controllers - MMTB RC2. Braking - hand brakes and air operated self-lapping valves. Weight - 17.5 tonnes. Length - 14.17 metres.
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Four Motor Tram |
In service as a Vintage Talking Tram. |
History: Before arriving in Bendigo in October 1988, #470 was based at Glenhuntly Tram Depot during its last years of operation with the Public Transport Corporation. The tram was painted in The Bendigo Trust livery and entered service during 1989 as a vintage talking tram.
In late October 2000, #470 was withdrawn from service in order to facilitate the conversion of the drop-centre to an open design. The tram was refurbished as a high capacity W1/Queensland drop-centre tram, being able to seat 66 passengers. The platform enabled 30 passengers to be seated, while in its former W2 configuration, the tram could only seat 16 seated passengers! The tram was also painted in the corporate livery of the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria.
To facilitate the re-introduction of conductors to the talking tram services, the drop-centre seats had a passage-way cut into them, reducing the seating capacity in that part of the tram to 24. The tram was also repainted in a livery resembling that of the early Victorian Railways trams and promotes the Bendigo Bank as a corporate tram.
Builder: Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board Preston Workshops (1928) for the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board as W1 470.
Technical Information: Originally built as a W1 class tram then converted to the W2 configuration in 1936. Trucks - MMTB No 1. Motors - 4 X 40 hp MV101. Controllers - GE K35JJ. Braking - hand brakes and air operated self-lapping valves. Weight - 17.6 tonnes. Length - 14.59 metres.
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Maximum Traction Bogie Tram |
At the main Depot, under-going body and truck over-haul.
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History: This tram first operated in Melbourne as Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust #44. With the formation of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board, it became M&MTB #44. It was sold to the SECV Bendigo Tramways in 1951 to become #17. Work commenced on the tram's restoration as PMTT #44 and it became available for service as a talking tram in April 1981.
Builder: Duncan & Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1914) for the Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust as #44.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brush 22E. Motors - 2 X 65 hp GE 201. Controllers - GE B23E. Braking - hand brakes and air operated manual-lapping valves. Weight - 16.0 tonnes. Length - 13.56 metres.
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Four Motor Tram |
In service and operating as a shuttle and talking tram. |
History: Entered service in Melbourne, Victoria in 1977. Retired from Glenhuntly depot November 2002. Donated to the Bendigo Tramways by M Tram, Melbourne. Arrived in Bendigo 22nd November 2002.
Builder: COMENG, Dandenong, Victoria, Australia (1977) for the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board as Z1 74.
Technical Information: Trucks - ASEA. Motors - 4 X ASEA LJB 23/2 57kW. Controllers - ASEA Tramiac. Braking - dynamic. disk and emergency track shoes. Length - 16.60 metres.
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Maximum Traction Bogie Tram |
In storage at the Gas Works Depot. |
History: The history of this tram is similar to #2, only it operated in Melbourne as Hawthorn Tramways Trust #16 and later as M&MTB #122. The tram was sold to the SECV Geelong tramways in 1947, where it became #32 and in 1956 with the closure of that tramway, the tram was transferred to Bendigo where it became #3. In 1975 the tram was painted in the chocolate and cream livery of the M&MTB.
Builder: Duncan & Fraser, Adelaide, South Australia (1916) for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust as #16.
Technical Information: Trucks - Brill 22E. Motors - 2 X 65 hp GE 201. Controllers - GE B23E. Braking - hand brakes and air operated manual-lapping valves. Weight - 16.0 tonnes. Length - 13.59 metres.
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Single Truck Tram |
In storage at the Gas Works Depot. |
History: The history of this tram is similar to #28. While in Adelaide, it operated as #302 and was purchased by the SECV for the Geelong Tramways in 1936 where it operated as #29. It transferred under SECV ownership to Bendigo in 1947, as #29.
Car 29 had been promised to the Australian Electric Transport Museum (AETM) at Saint Kilda, South Australia by the Victorian Government Minister for Fuel and Power. When it came time for the AETM personnel to collect the tram from Bendigo in October 1972, a blockade of the tram Depot by the Mayor and citizens of Bendigo prevented its release. As a face saving measure for the Government and its Minister, a compromise was reached |
