One of 5 cars built by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board between 1933 and 1935 and classed “W4”.
This was the first class of Melbourne cars to have wide bodies and transverse seating in the saloons. Purchased by the Society in 1975.
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MUSEUM STATUS
Operational vehicle, general use in museum service.
History
1934 – Built by the MMTB, and entered service as tram No. 671, class W4.
1968 – Withdrawn from service and stored.
1976 – Acquired by the BTPS and stored off site.
1980 – Entered service at Ballarat.
1992 – Repainting to 1950’s MMTB green and cream colour scheme commenced.
1995 – Following reassessment, repainted to Ballarat City colours completed 12/95. Operated for a period on the Melbourne City Circle route.
2009 – Repainted externally in an all-over livery for Pipers by the Lake
Historical Significance
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HISTORIC
One of a number of this type of tram still in working order in Australian museums. Tram shows the transition in Melbourne tramcar design in the early 1930’s between the W2 and W5. Not part of the Ballarat public transport era.
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conservation plan
ram body and equipment to be retained in as-received condition, livery may be varied following assessment of Museum needs.
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
46' 0" (14.02m)
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WIDTH
9' 0" (2.74m)
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APPROXIMATE MASS
16.4 tons (16.7 tonnes)
