Built in 1916 by Duncan and Fraser for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust where it ran as No. 10. Renumbered 116 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. The tram continued in service, despite a number of accidents until 1971 when the SEC operated Ballarat system closed and the tram was transferred to the ownership of the Museum. It is one of the Museum’s most popular cars.
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MUSEUM STATUS
Operational vehicle, general use in museum service.
History
1916 – Body built by Duncan and Fraser Adelaide and Delivered to Hawthorn Tramways Trust as tram No 10. Truck, motors and control equipment fitted at the Hawthorn Tram Depot.
1920 – Taken over by Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board as No. 116, class M.
1930 – Sold to Electric Supply Co. of Victoria for use on the Ballarat tramway system as No. 27. Converted to an early form of one-man operation.
1934 – Ballarat tramway system formally taken over by the SEC.
1935 – First Ballarat tram to be painted dark cream and green.
1938 – Converted to final Ballarat form – waist level panels in drop ends, with closeable doors in each corner of the tramcar.
1951 – Repainted to mid Bristol green and ivory.
1971 – Acquired by the BTPS.
1981 & 1982 – Operated in Melbourne for the Australia Day Parade.
1984 – Repainted in 1930’s SEC colour scheme.
2010 – Repainted in 1930’s in better matching SEC colour scheme using a deeper green that was matched from an artifact.
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. Painted by the BTM and minor modifications made to represent the 1930’s era of the SEC operations, different livery to that of the 1950’s.
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TECHNICAL
shows how the type underwent modifications and an earlier colour scheme in Ballarat.
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PROVENANCE
known in detail. Full service records are maintained.
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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, 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 form and colour scheme of Ballarat Trams in the mid 1930’s and can be used in Wendouree Parade for visitor hands on experience.
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conservation plan
Retain in the 1930's SEC colour scheme;
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
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)
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motors
Westinghouse 225
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controllers
Westinghouse T1F
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brake valves
General Electric S-L1
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compressor
General Electric CP25
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compressor governor
General Electric MLA1
