Tram history - Chapter 6 - Part 1

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Figure 97: Melbourne’s Tramways at its present extent Melbourne Metropolitan Tramway Heritage Study, Gary Vines B I O S I S R E S E A R C H 1 2 8
6.2 Rolling Stock, motive power and controllers Melbourne Metropolitan Tramway Heritage Study, Gary Vines Melbourne’s Tramways are recognised in the public mind as much for the tramcars as any other element. The trams can be considered moveable cultural heritage, and in fact are best appreciated when moving. When recognisably historic trams are in use, they take on the character of an historic place, but one found in a different location each time. Therefore, seeing a W class in normal operation might recall an image of historical Melbourne, even if the context is a busy modern roadway amidst contemporary traffic and streetscapes. What makes a tram an historic object (or even an historic place when come across in static display) is the recognition in its shape, style, finishes, details and character, something from the past. Tram design in Melbourne, prior to the introduction of the Z class, had more relationship to coach building, than modern motor vehicles (although other cities such as Adelaide and Brisbane introduced modernistic streamlines metal bodied trams on their systems from the 1930s). The visibly distinctive design of trams was the result of a tradition going back to 17 th century carriage building design. This included a shape which curved outwards gracefully from the narrower frames (probably intended to provide a harmonious transition), panelled frames and doors (where fitted) organic shapes in brackets and ironwork reflecting the traditional blacksmithing skills, decorative glass panels and inclusion of clerestory windows in the roof, and finely-finished polished timber, painted colour schemes, decorative linework, and company monograms. The Green and Cream of the later MMTB livery was introduced in 1925 (supposedly to complement Melbourne's tree-lined boulevards). This colour scheme has become such an intrinsic sight in Melbourne tram travellers imagination, that there was an outcry when it was changed, and continues to be an issue with some, even spawning a “Melbourne Trams Should Be Green!” Facebook group. The earliest trams probably took their design cues from railway carriages (which themselves developed from British stage coach designs). Early examples were imported, and soon locally manufactured (probably still closely following overseas patterns). Brill and Birney in the US was the major early provider of chassis and running gear, while James Moore & Sons Pty Ltd, a Melbourne timber joinery company and Duncan & Fraser of Adelaide, ere the major assemblers and coachbuilders until the MMTB commenced its own manufacture in Preston workshops. 6.2.1 Horse Trams The horse trams used in Melbourne bear a strong physical and historical relationship with the cable trams introduced by Clapp in the 1880s. This relationship can be seen in the model used for promoting the MT&OCo at the Melbourne Exhibition, which was exhibited initially as a horse tramcar, but later displayed with a cable tram dummy car to demonstrate the appearance of the rolling stock for the new system. The horse trams tended to be small and simple, built on a four wheel truck. 211 The cable trailer was based on the design of Stephenson of New York - a very common design, used in London as well. Equipment was confined to wheel or lever operated brakes, a bell, and shafts and harness, similar to that employed for centuries on horsedrawn wagons and carriages. 211 "truck" generally refers to a four wheel tram or single bogie. B I O S I S R E S E A R C H 1 2 9
Page 1 and 2: 6.0 DESCIPTION OF HISTORICAL ELEMEN
Page 3: Melbourne Metropolitan Tramway Heri
Page 7 and 8: Figure 99: Cable Tram Grip mechanis
Page 9 and 10: No MMTB class Melbourne Metropolita
Page 11 and 12: 6.2.7 FNPTT Trams Melbourne Metropo
Page 13 and 14: Melbourne Metropolitan Tramway Heri
Page 15 and 16: Z3 A1 B1 B2 C1 C2 D1 D2 Figure 101:
Page 25: Figure 114: The Argus Sat 7 July 19

Tram history - Chapter 6 - Part 1

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