Built in 1916 by Duncan and Fraser for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust where it ran as No. 5. Renumbered 111 and classed “M” by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board in 1920. Sold to the Electric Supply Co. of Victoria Ltd. in 1931 and received its present number, passed on to the SEC. in 1934.
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MUSEUM STATUS
Operational vehicle, general use in museum service (during summer).
History
1915 – Delivered to Hawthorn Tramways Trust as tram No 5.
1920 – Taken over by Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board as No. 111, class M.
1930 – Sold to Electric Supply Co. of Victoria for use on the Ballarat tramway system as No. 26. Converted to an early form of one-man operation.
1934 – Ballarat tramway system formally taken over by the SEC.
1936 – Converted to final Ballarat form – waist level panels in drop ends, with closeable doors in each corner of the tramcar.
1971 – Acquired by the BTPS.
1978-87 – Converted back to California combination configuration and painted in ESCo colours.
Historical Significance
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HISTORIC
Tram built for the developing eastern suburbs of Melbourne in 1916, but became surplus to needs in Melbourne and sold to Ballarat in 1930 to replace by then the worn out ESCo trams. The four wheel tram is synonymous with Ballarat serving the city and its community from 1930 until 1971. It was converted to operate in Ballarat for one man operation, with doors on each side of both ends. Reconverted to an open form by the BTM to represent the late ESCo era when the trams were received from Melbourne.
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TECHNICAL
allows comparison with other Ballarat trams that underwent modifications for service in Ballarat, being in its as delivered form.
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PROVENANCE
known in detail – see Fleet Register sheet.
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SOCIAL
One of the fleet of four wheelers that served Ballarat.
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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.
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interpretive potential
shows the form and colour scheme of Ballarat Trams in the early 1930’s and can be used in Wendouree Parade for visitor hands on experience.
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conservation plan
Retain in ESCo Colour Scheme as an open California combination tram with some further minor work to be completed.
Technical Details
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TYPE
Single truck, drop ends, open California combination
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WHEELBASE
7' 6" (2.29m)
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LENGTH
31' 10" (9.70m)
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WIDTH
8' 11" (2.72m)
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APPROXIMATE MASS
12 tons (12.2 tonnes)
