Launceston Municipal Tramways, owned by the Launceston City Council, began operating on three routes on 4 August 1911 from Brisbane Street in the Launceston central business district to King’s Bridge (Cataract Gorge), David Street (Newstead) and McKenzie Street (Mowbray).
This tram was one of the first 14 single-truck trams built locally by J.&T. Gunn with Brush Electrical Engineering, Loughborough supplying the trucks. By 1927 a further 12 had been delivered. In 1930 three drop centre bogie trams were bodied at the Invermay Road depot.
The tram network was gradually replaced by trolleybuses from December 1951. The trolleybus network closed in 1968.
This tram was part of a swap between the Launceston Tramway Museum and the Sydney Tramway Museum, which saw No. 1 returned to Launceston for restoration. No. 8 is a static display at the LTM. No. 13 is a bar in a Launceston hotel, and No. 13 has also been preserved by the Tasmanian Transport Museum.
Tram No. 14 is currently on loan from the Sydney Tramway Museum.
History
Historical Significance
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RARITY
One of five of the original 1911 trams surviving.
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condition integrity
Body restored, no electrical work or motors
Technical Details
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TYPE
Single Truck, straight sill, open Californian combination.
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TRUCK (BOGIE)
Original was by Brush Electrical Engineering, Longborough
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WHEEL SET
Original gauge 1067mm (3ft 6in), now converted to standard gauge
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WIDTH