Tram No. 939 – Cuthberts

1948 – The tram was built by the MMTB as No. 939 in 1948 at Preston Workshops as a standard SW6 tramcar. It was resident for most of its life at Camberwell, Kew and South Melbourne depots and finally Southbank depot.

1985 – Makes an appearance with tram 918 in Victoria Parade East Melbourne in a painting by Phil Belbin that appeared in a 1985 Comeng Calendar. Thanks to his son Bruce for permission to use the image. – Reg Item 7022.

1986 – Makes a cameo appearance in the film Malcolm

1994/95 – The tram was converted into Melbourne Restaurant tram No. 3 in 1994/95, being launched on 8-2-1995. While in the later part of its use by the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Co, it was named “Valentine” during July 2008. It was withdrawn from service in May 2012, when it was replaced by No. 935 (Restaurant No. 6).

2014 – Acquired by the BTM and stored offsite.

2015 – In August 2014, the Museum received a grant from the Victorian Government of $40,000 to refurbish tram – part of the Transport Investing in Regions Program. The tram was relocated to the Ballarat depot on 29/10/2014.

2016 –Refurbishment work was completed during March 2016 and the tram was formally launched on 5/4/2016. The tram is named after Sir Henry Cuthbert (1829 – 1907), the first Chairman of the Ballaarat Tramway Co (the horse tram operator). Sir Henry was a Ballarat based solicitor, member of the Legislative Council, Knighted in 1897 and strong supporter of many Ballarat institutions.