The tram was built in 1892 by Benjamin Carne as an unpowered saloon cable car trailer. It was number 18 for the New South Wales Government Tramways, North Sydney line. It was one of 12 similar trailers purchased by the Electric Supply Company of Victoria Ltd in 1905 for use in Ballarat. Converting the unpowered trailer was much cheaper than building a new tram. Duncan and Fraser Ltd rebuilt it an electric single-truck California combination car. It was converted to one-man operation in 1913. The tram was finally withdrawn in 1935 and the body was sold to become became a home extension on a small cottage at Nerrina. It was retrieved in 1990 when the home and land were purchased for the construction of the Ballarat Bypass freeway. This tram is currently under reconstruction to operating condition. It is the only surviving original Ballarat electric tram. The body work was largely completed by 2019. The Museum has had a new truck built and this was placed under the tram in in January 2025. Work is now being undertaken on the electrical and mechanical systems.
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MUSEUM STATUS
Under reconstruction. Body is virtually complete.
History
1905 – Delivered to Electricity Supply Co of Victoria by Duncan and Fraser as Ballarat tram No. 12. Saloon portion built from North Sydney cable tram No. 18, which was built by Benjamin Carne (Sydney) in 1891. The conversion work was done in Ballarat.
1913 – Windscreens added to each end and converted to enable one-man-operation.
1934 – Ballarat tramway system formally taken over by the SEC.
1935 – Sold by SEC to a local landowner and used as a house extension.
1990 – Property acquired by VicRoads, body given to BTPS and transported to depot.
1994 – Reconstruction commenced.
2019 – Reconstruction of the body nearly complete.
2023 – New truck designed and patterns made
2024 – Truck parts cast and assembled
2025 – Truck placed under the tram.
Historical Significance
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HISTORIC
The only surviving example of a former Sydney cable tram body converted to an electric tram. Body shows results of modifications, alterations defects and some repairs during its nearly 30 year working life. Electric power and the trams transformed Ballarat from the horse drawn era to that of a world city in 1905, as it enabled further economic development.
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TECHNICAL
Shows how an older body underwent modifications to become an electric tramcar. Demonstrates the development at the time of an underframe that proved to be to light for use as electric tramcars. Diminishing the technical value is the lack of any mechanical
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PROVENANCE
Known in general detail.
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SOCIAL
One of the few reminders of the era when electricity was brought to Ballarat by ESCo, the era when electricity was privately funded and managed. Electricity enabled Ballarat residents to improve their lifestyles.
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RARITY
One of a few conversions from cable to electric trams that survive in the world.
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condition integrity
Reconstruction currently underway using as much of the original body as possible.
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interpretive potential
At this time during the reconstruction process, can show visitors the way the vehicle was converted and how it was built.
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conservation plan
Reconstruct body to the appearance prior to the fitting of windscreens. Electrical and Mechanical Equipment yet to be finalised.
Technical Details
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TYPE
Single truck, straight sill, open combination.
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TRUCK (BOGIE)
Brill 21E
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WHEEL SIZE
33" nominally (840mm)
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WHEELBASE
6' (1.84m)
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LENGTH
28'4" (8.65m)
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WIDTH
7'3" (2.10m)
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APPROXIMATE MASS
10 tons (10.1 tonnes)
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motors
Westinghouse 205
