Tram No. 116, a Melbourne Z3 class tram, is the class leader of 115 trams built at Commonwealth Engineering Dandenong between 1979 and 1984. While similar to the Z1 and Z2 class trams, the additional of a third door made for better passenger flow.
No. 116 was delivered to the MMTB on 8 March 1979, and entered service on 25 September 1979. It was withdrawn from service on 1 April 2024 and delivered to the Ballarat Tramway Museum on 6 May 2025.
The third door will suit Museum operations in Wendouree Parade. The Museum thanks VicTrack and Yarra trams for making the tram available in good working order. The tram is operational, but is currently stored offsite.
History
| 8/3/1979 | Delivered by Commonwealth Engineering to Preston Workshops. |
| 25/9/1979 | Entered Service after commissioning at Preston Workshops. |
| 2/1987 | Painted Met Green and Yellow |
| 2001 to 2008 | Used as an all over advertising tramcar. |
| 2008 | Livery changed to Yarra Trams |
| 7/2019 | Underwent a life extension refurbishment and given the PTV livery |
| April 2024 | Withdrawn from service at Essendon depot and stored. |
| 6/1/2025 | Transfered from Essendon Depot to Preston Workshops. |
| 7/5/2025 | Transferred to the Museum’s off site facility. |
Historical Significance
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HISTORIC
The first Z3 built.
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PROVENANCE
Known in detail. Full service records are maintained.
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RARITY
One of 115 Z3 trams, currently the only one saved for preservation.
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condition integrity
Operational
Technical Details
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TYPE
Z3 - three door bogie saloon
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TRUCK (BOGIE)
Duwag tandem drive.
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WHEEL SIZE
660mm
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WHEELBASE
1.8m
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LENGTH
16.64m
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WIDTH
2.67m
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BOGIE CENTRES
8.5m
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APPROXIMATE MASS
21.8 tonnes
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motors
2 x AEG ABS 3322 195kW
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controllers
Siemens / AEG Chopper
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passenger capacity
42 seated
