Riding on MMTB W7 NO. 1029 - 1956

Riding on MMTB W7 No. 1029 - 1956

12/05/2024

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.

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