One of 16 cars built by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board between 1930 and 1934 and classed “W3”. This was the first class of Melbourne drop centre cars to have all steel framing. Purchased by the Society in 1975.
Decorated with plastic flowers from recycled bottles - 24-2-2019 - Photo Warren Doubleday
W3 661 and X2 675 crossover the Elsternwick level crossing during reconstruction - c1960 - Photo John Alfred
661 in Bourke St Mall, 29/4/1989 - Photo William F Scott.
History
1934 – Built by the MMTB, and entered service as tram No. 661, class W3.
1969 – Withdrawn from service and stored.
1976 – Acquired by the BTPS and stored off site.
1980 – Entered service at Ballarat.
1984 – Repainted to am 1920’s MMTB chocolate and cream colour scheme completed.
2019 – Decorated as the Flower Tram for the 2019 Begonia Festival.
Historical Significance
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HISTORIC
Technical Details
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TYPE
Equal wheel truck, bogie, drop centre combination.
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WHEELBASE
5' 9" (1.76m)
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LENGTH
47' 0" (14.32m)
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WIDTH
9' 0" (2.74m)
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APPROXIMATE MASS
15.7 tons (16.0 tonnes)
