Heritage Week Ballarat

Trams at Lake Wendouree during Heritage Week Ballarat Victoria

25/05/2024

SEC Ballarat No. 28 - 1916

Built in 1916 by Duncan and Fraser for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust where it ran as No. 7. Renumbered 113 and classed "M" by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board in 1920. Sold to the Electricity Supply Co. of Victoria Ltd. in 1931 and received its present number, passed on to the SEC in 1934

MMTB W7 NO. 1029 - 1959

Tram 1029 is a member of the 40 strong W7 class completed by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board between March 1955 and August 1956. The class was the final development of the ubiquitous W class tram that commenced in 1923. Built for the conversion of the Bourke St lines from bus to electric trams, the trams were designed to be as quiet as possible with sound proofing, resilient wheels, double helical gears and a different layout in the drop centre, though this was still earmarked as the Smoking area. No. 1029's steelwork section of the body was built by Ansair Industries with the wooden coachwork undertaken by the MMTB at Preston Workshops. The tram entered service on 1/2/1956 based at either North Fitzroy or the East Preston depots where it ran from for the whole of its service life

During 2018 VicTrack commenced a process to find new homes for some 134 trams stored at Newport Railway Workshops. Over 1500 applications were received. The Museum was allocated trams SW5 836 and W7 1029. Our thanks to VicTrack for this tram. Being an open format tram, it makes it very suitable for days of heavy loading, functions, bus parties etc.

Work on the tramcar was completed during September 2023 with the tram transported to the Museum's depot in Wendouree Parade on 27/9/2023. Work included a complete repainting inside and outside, new flooring, electric wiring, repairing the trucks, replacing bearings and a lot of other work. Thanks to those who worked on the tram while at Bungaree and then at Ballarat after delivery

Cuthberts 939

The tram was built by the MMTB as No. 939 in 1948 at Preston Workshops as a standard SW6 tramcar. It was resident for most of its life at Camberwell, Kew and South Melbourne depots and finally Southbank depot.

1985

Makes an appearance with tram 918 in Victoria Parade East Melbourne in a painting by Phil Belbin that appeared in a 1985 Comeng Calendar. Thanks to his son Bruce for permission to use the image. - Reg Item 7022.

1986

Makes a cameo appearance in the film Malcolm

1994/95

The tram was converted into Melbourne Restaurant tram No. 3 in 1994/95, being launched on 8-2-1995. While in the later part of its use by the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Co, it was named “Valentine” during July 2008. It was withdrawn from service in May 2012, when it was replaced by No. 935 (Restaurant No. 6).

2014

Acquired by the BTM and stored offsite.

2015

In August 2014, the Museum received a grant from the Victorian Government of $40,000 to refurbish tram – part of the Transport Investing in Regions Program. The tram was relocated to the Ballarat depot on 29/10/2014.

2016

Refurbishment work was completed during March 2016 and the tram was formally launched on 5/4/2016.. The tram is named after Sir Henry Cuthbert (1829 - 1907), the first Chairman of the Ballaarat Tramway Co (the horse tram operator). Sir Henry was a Ballarat based solicitor, member of the Legislative Council, Knighted in 1897 and strong supporter of many Ballarat institutions.

100 Gillies Street North
Lake Wendouree
Victoria
3350

Monday Closed
Tuesday 10 am–3 pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday 11 am–4 pm
Sunday 11 am–4 pm