Tram No.829 was a W5 class tram built between 1939 and 1940. In 1984 sliding doors were fitted to the tram and it was reclassed as an SW5.
In 1986 it was painted by Eve Glenn and Megan Evans for the Transporting Arts Scheme. It was repainted in July 1992 by Lin Onus for the Transporting Arts Scheme. Onus’s art work is still on the tram. The design draws from Victorian aboriginal symbols (the square and round patterns) and the ochre colours are inspired by Northern and Central Australian aboriginal art. The general theme of the tram is the creation and representation of harmony through a balance of colour and symbols. The Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Yirritja) and the Red Tailed Black and Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo (Dua) represent the different groups at major gatherings in Victoria prior to European settlement.
The tram was retired from service and placed in storage at Newport. It was one of 85 SW5s in storage. In 2024 the tram was brought to Ballarat for eventual restoration. It is currently stored offsite and is not available for public inspection.
Lin Onus’ original design was recreated and added to a modern tram in 2022 using a plastic wrap.
History
| 28/6/1938 | Entered Service after construction at Preston Workshops. |
| 12/1949 | Controller changed to the standard EE Q2RC1. |
| 8/1963 | Lined ceilings fitted. |
| 3/1972 | Head and tail-lights fitted |
| 7/1984 | Given an 01 overhaul, rebuilt with new body sections, converted to a SW5 with sliding doors, painted Met Green. |
| 9/1986 | Painted as The Peace tram by Eve Glenn & Megan Evans |
| 12/1991 | Painted by Lin Onus. |
| 2/1994 | Transferred to Newport Workshops East block for storage, sliding doors removed for use on other trams and replaced with green doors from another tram. Controllers and other electrical equipment removed. |
| 10/2024 | Transferred by VicTrack to the Museum’s off site facility. |
Historical Significance
Technical Details
-
TYPE
W5 - Bogie, drop-centre combination
-
TRUCK (BOGIE)
MMTB No. 15.
-
WHEEL SIZE
28" nominally (700mm)
-
WHEELBASE
5'2" (1.575m)
-
LENGTH
46'6" (14.17m)
-
WIDTH
9'0" (2.74m)
-
BOGIE CENTRES
28'0" (8.53m)
-
APPROXIMATE MASS
16 tons (16.25 tonnes)
-
motors
General Electric 247
-
controllers
Built with English Electric Q2RC1 pan handle type originally. Converted to a standard rotating handle type.
-
brake valves
Westinghouse Self-Lapping Drivers Brake Valve - Type W
-
compressor
Westinghouse DH16
-
compressor governor
General Electric MLA1
-
passenger capacity
52 seated with 98 standing
