Built in 1915 by the Meadowbank Manufacturing Co. in Sydney for the Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust as No. 68. It was classified as a “J” class when taken over by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board in 1919. Purchased by the Melbourne Electric Supply Co. Ltd. in 1928 for the Geelong tramway it was renumbered as Geelong No. 30. After the State Electricity Commission to over the regional tramways it was transferred to Ballarat in 1936, becoming tram No. 13. On closure of the Ballarat tramways, this tram was donated to the Lake Goldsmith Steam Preservation Society. It returned to Ballarat in 1983 on loan to the Ballarat Tramway Museum. The tram re-entered service in May 1988 after repairs.
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MUSEUM STATUS
Operational vehicle, general use in museum service.
History
1915 – Body built by the Meadowbank Manufacturing Co. Sydney, delivered to Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust as tram No 68. Separate contractors supplied and fitted the electrical and mechanical equipment.
1920 – Taken over by Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board as No. 68, class J.
1928 – Sold to Melbourne Electric Supply Co. for use on the Geelong tramway system as No. 30. Converted to Geelong one-man style.
1930 – Geelong tramway system taken over by the State Electricity Commission (SEC).
1936 – Transferred by the SEC to Ballarat tramway system as Tram No. 13. Converted to Ballarat configuration of waist level panels in drop ends, with closeable doors in each corner on the tramcar.
1971 – Acquired by the Lake Goldsmith Steam Preservation Co-Op Ltd.
1988 – Re-entered Museum service carrying passengers.
1990 – Fully repainted in the SEC colour scheme.
2013 – Repainted for the 2nd time in BTM service.
Historical Significance
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HISTORIC
The tram has operated in Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. The four wheel tram is synonymous with Ballarat serving the city and its community from 1936 until 1971. It has been converted to operate in Ballarat for one man operation, with doors on each side of both ends. Tramcar retained by the BTM in the final form of Ballarat’s four wheelers – that is with marker lights and tiger stripes.
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TECHNICAL
Shows how the type underwent modifications for service in Ballarat.
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PROVENANCE
Known in detail. Full service records are maintained.
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SOCIAL
Donated to the Lake Goldsmith Steam Preservation Co-Op at the time of closure by the SEC. Made available to the Ballarat Tramway Preservation Society for operation on permanent loan.
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RARITY
One of small number of similar trams in Australian tramway museums.
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condition integrity
Remains in operable condition, though with some minor cosmetic and equipment changes for safety purposes. The tram has been painted a number of times since 1971.
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interpretive potential
Shows the final form and colour scheme of Ballarat trams and can be used in Wendouree Parade for visitor hands on experience.
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conservation plan
Retain in the final SEC colour scheme with marker lights.
Technical Details
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TYPE
Single truck, drop ends, built as an open California combination
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TRUCK (BOGIE)
Brill 21E
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WHEEL SIZE
33" nominally (840mm)
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WHEELBASE
6'6" (1.98m)
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LENGTH
30'8" (9.35m, though the driver's compartment is a bit shorter at the No. 1 end after an accident many years ago.
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WIDTH
8'11" (2.72m)
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APPROXIMATE MASS
12 tons (12.2 tonnes)
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motors
Westinghouse 225
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controllers
Westinghouse T1F
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brake valves
WH SL
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compressor
Westinghouse DH10
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compressor governor
Westinghouse S6B
