Tram history - Chapter 6 - Part 1

Melbourne Metropolitan Tramway Heritage Study, Gary Vines
Figure 98 Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Co Ltd. Tramcar model from Melbourne Centennial Exhibition –
1888, exhibit No. 1152
6.2.2 Cable Trams
While little of the track work, cabling or drive engines and only a few examples of rolling stock
from the cable era survive, the distinctive technology of cable trams is still evident in the few
components. In Abbotsford Street North Melbourne, a section of abandoned and buried cable
track and tunnel was unearthed recently. 212 The grip mechanism was the key patent to making
the system work, employing a geared lever which closes and opens a jaw set over the cable, to
alternately drive and slow the tram. Brakes were hand lever operated friction type with curved
shoes working against the wheels, or track brakes, where a timber block is pressed down directly
on the track between the wheels.
Of the several hundred cable tram dummies and trailers, only a handful have survived, the
original No 1 set was set aside six months before the final closure of the last line and donated to
the Science Museum (now Museum Victoria). It was restored in 1975 at the Preston Workshops,
and displayed for many years outside the Russel Street museum entrance. 213
Surviving cable trams include grip cars (Dummies) No 1 held by Museum Victoria. No. 28, and
No. 436, Melbourne cable grip car is also held by the Powerhouse Museum Sydney. Trailers
have fared better with Bogie cars #190, 192, 475, 485 and Standard cars #1, 256, 290, 299, 462,
469, 586 all held by the TMSV Bylands. Replica Trailer No 95 with Grip car powered by petrol
motor are in used in Portland. A replica trailer and dummy car were built at Malvern Depot by
trainees and are owned by the TMSV but on loan to the Hawthorn Tram Museum. ,
A cable grip mechanism is held at Scienceworks and another mechanism is believed to be held
in the Powerhouse Museum Sydney, but may be a different model used on the Sydney cable
trams.
212 Victorian Heritage Inventory H7822-0981 and VHR H0988.
213 A Twentyman, The Melbourne Cable Tram Network, Trolley Wire October 1975, p.13
B I O S I S R E S E A R C H 1 3 0