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Added section for each subclass, made infobox for all Ws not specific subclasses. Minor changes throughout, including pictures.
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{{Infobox tram
{{Infobox tram
| name = SW5 class
| name = W class
| image = [[File:SW5.728FlindersStreet.jpg|300px|Tram SW6.728 on City Circle]]
| image = [[File:W6 Melbourne tram, Nicholson Street.jpg|300px|A W6-class tram in Victoria Street]]
| caption = Tram SW6.728 on City Circle
| caption = A W6-class tram in Victoria Street, Melbourne
| manufacturer = [[M&MTB]]
| manufacturer = [[M&MTB]]
| assembly =
| assembly =
| constructed = 1939-1940
| constructed = 1923–1956
| number built = 95
| number built = 752
| number in service= 36 in Melbourne <small>(26 in revenue service, 12 on [[City Circle (tram route)|City Circle]])</small>
| number in service= 3
| fleet numbers = 681 - 849 <small>([[#Fleet numbers|see below]])</small>
| fleet numbers = 219–1040 <small>(Not all numbers in that range are used by W classes.)</small>
| depots = [[Southbank tram depot|Southbank]]
| depots = [[Glenhuntly tram depot|Glenhuntly]] and [[Southbank tram depot|Southbank]]
| designer =
| designer =
| predecessor =
| predecessor =
| successor =
| successor =

| articulations =
| articulations =
| length = {{convert|14.17|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| length =
| width = {{convert|2.73|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| width =
| height = {{convert|3.16|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| height =
| wheelbase =
| wheelbase =
| weight = {{convert|17.2|t|abbr=on}}
| weight =
| passenger capacity seats =
| passenger capacity seats =
| passenger capacity standing =
| passenger capacity standing =
Line 29: Line 28:
| floor height =
| floor height =
| power =
| power =
| traction motors = 4 x {{convert|30|kW|abbr=on}} ([[General Electric|GE]] 247 AX2)
| traction motors =
| axleload =
| axleload =
| powersupply =
| powersupply =
| collectionmethod =
| collectionmethod = [[Trolley pole]] or [[Pantograph (rail)|pantograph]]
| electricsystem =
| electricsystem = 600[[volt|V]] [[direct current|DC]], [[Overhead line|Catenary]]
| wheels driven =
| wheels driven =
| steep gradient =
| steep gradient =
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| gauge = {{RailGauge|1435}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/today.html |title=Trams Currently In Service |author=David Hoadley |year=1998 |work=Trams of Australia |accessdate=16 December 2011}}</ref>
| gauge = {{RailGauge|1435}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railpage.org.au/tram/today.html |title=Trams Currently In Service |author=David Hoadley |year=1998 |work=Trams of Australia |accessdate=16 December 2011}}</ref>
}}
}}
⚫
'''W class trams''' are family of [[Tram#Electric (trolley cars)|electric trams]] built by the [[Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board]] between 1923 and 1956. They continue to operate on the [[Trams in Melbourne|tramway network]] of [[Melbourne]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[Australia]], as well as operating on tourist and heritage systems across the world. The tram model is a cultural icon to Melbourne. While a number of older variants have been withdrawn from service and later sold to cities such as [[Seattle]], [[Copenhagen]] and [[Savannah, Georgia|Savannah]], and private enthusiasts, those that remain in Melbourne are classified by the [[National Trust of Australia]] and operate on the [[City Circle (tram route)|City Circle]] tourist route, the [[North Richmond, Victoria|North Richmond]] to [[Prahran, Victoria|Prahran]] / [[St Kilda, Victoria|St Kilda]] Beach route (Routes:[[Melbourne tram route 78|78]]/[[Melbourne tram route 79|79]]), the St Vincents Plaza to Docklands route (Route:[[Melbourne tram route 30|30]]) and the [[Colonial Tramcar Restaurant]] fleet.
{{Infobox tram
| name = W6 class
| image = [[File:Acnewtram3.jpg|300px|Tram W6.983 on route 30]]
| caption = Tram W6.983 on route 30
| manufacturer = [[M&MTB]]
| assembly =
| constructed = 1951 - 1955
| number built = 30
| number in service= 4
| fleet numbers = 970 - 979, 981 - 1000
| depots = [[Southbank tram depot|Southbank]],
[[Glenhuntly tram depot|Glenhuntly]]
| designer =
| predecessor =
| successor =

| articulations =
| length = {{convert|14.17|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|2.73|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|3.16|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| wheelbase =
| weight = {{convert|17.7|t|abbr=on}}
| passenger capacity seats =
| passenger capacity standing =
| maximum speed =
| acceleration =
| deceleration =
| doors =
| lowfloor =
| floor height =
| power =
| traction motors = 4 x {{convert|30|kW|abbr=on}} ([[General Electric|GE]] 247 AX2)
| axleload =
| powersupply =
| collectionmethod =
| electricsystem =
| wheels driven =
| steep gradient =
| bogies =
| minimum curve =
| gauge = <!-- {{RailGauge}} -->
}}
⚫
The '''W class''' is a class of [[Electricity|electric]] [[tram]]s that operates in [[Melbourne]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[Australia]]. The tram model series is a cultural icon to Melbourne. While a number of older variants have been withdrawn from service and later sold to cities such as [[Seattle]], [[Copenhagen]] and [[Savannah, Georgia|Savannah]] and private enthusiasts, those that remain in Melbourne are classified by the [[National Trust of Australia]] and operate on the [[City Circle (tram route)|City Circle]] tourist route, the [[North Richmond, Victoria|North Richmond]] to [[Prahran, Victoria|Prahran]] / [[St Kilda, Victoria|St Kilda]] Beach route (Routes:[[Melbourne tram route 78|78]]/[[Melbourne tram route 79|79]]), the St Vincents Plaza to Docklands route (Route:[[Melbourne tram route 30|30]]) and the [[Colonial Tramcar Restaurant]] fleet.


==History==
==History==
'''W-class trams''' were introduced to Melbourne in 1923 as a new standard design. They had a dual [[bogie]] layout and were characterised by a substantial timber frame supplanted by a steel under frame, a simple rugged design, and fine craftsmanship (particularly the older models). The W class was the mainstay of Melbourne's tramways system for 60 years. A total of 748 trams of all variants were built.
'''W-class trams''' were introduced to Melbourne in 1923 as a new standard design. They had a dual [[bogie]] layout and were characterised by a substantial timber frame supplanted by a steel under frame, a simple rugged design, and fine craftsmanship (particularly the older models). The W class was the mainstay of Melbourne's tramways system for 60 years. A total of 752 trams of all variants were built.


[[Image:HCF Tram in Victoria 1969.JPG|thumb|A W5 class tram, 1969]]
The original and most numerous '''W2''' variant was supplemented in the late 1930s by 120 '''W5''' (or "Clyde") class trams with wider cabins, and more powerful motors, however these were notorious for being difficult to drive smoothly. The '''W6''' followed on, and became the most popular W-class tram with crews and passengers alike as they were fast, smooth and comfortable, compared with earlier W variants. Construction came to a halt for some years, with the final 40 W-class trams emerging from the [[Preston Workshops]] in 1956, when the need to provide something more capable of dealing with [[1956 Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]] crowds than Bourke Street's buses prompted the last expansion of the network.
The original and most numerous '''W2''' variant was supplemented in the late 1930s by 120 '''W5''' (or "Clyde") class trams with wider cabins, and more powerful motors, however these were notorious for being difficult to drive smoothly. The '''W6''' followed on, and became the most popular W-class tram with crews and passengers alike as they were fast, smooth and comfortable, compared with earlier W variants. Construction came to a halt for some years, with the final 40 W-class trams emerging from the [[Preston Workshops]] in 1956, when the need to provide something more capable of dealing with [[1956 Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]] crowds than Bourke Street's buses prompted the last expansion of the network.


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}}</ref> Today numbering 53, they run regularly on the [[Melbourne_tram_route_78|route 78]] / [[Melbourne_tram_route_79|79]] service from [[North Richmond, Victoria|North Richmond]] to [[Prahran, Victoria|Prahran]] / [[St Kilda, Victoria|St Kilda]] Beach, as well as the inner city [[Melbourne_tram_route_30|route 30]] along Latrobe Street. These routes were chosen due to their limited interface with other routes, and their relatively low speeds.
}}</ref> Today numbering 53, they run regularly on the [[Melbourne_tram_route_78|route 78]] / [[Melbourne_tram_route_79|79]] service from [[North Richmond, Victoria|North Richmond]] to [[Prahran, Victoria|Prahran]] / [[St Kilda, Victoria|St Kilda]] Beach, as well as the inner city [[Melbourne_tram_route_30|route 30]] along Latrobe Street. These routes were chosen due to their limited interface with other routes, and their relatively low speeds.


[[Image:City-circle-trams-melbourne.jpg|thumb|City Circle trams on La Trobe Street]]
The [[zero-fare]] [[City Circle (tram route)|City Circle]] tourist route also operates using the W class. The oldest W-class trams remaining in service, dating from 1936, run this route. Others have been converted for use on the [[Colonial Tramcar Restaurant]] service which cruises the suburbs in the evening.
The [[zero-fare]] [[City Circle (tram route)|City Circle]] tourist route also operates using the W class. The oldest W-class trams remaining in service, dating from 1936, run this route. Others have been converted for use on the [[Colonial Tramcar Restaurant]] service which cruises the suburbs in the evening.


Line 137: Line 96:
Two unrelated MATAs, the [[Dallas]] [[McKinney Avenue Transit Authority|MATA]] and the [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]] [[MATA Trolley|MATA]] both run W-class trams on their downtown streetcar service. A highly modified W class tram [[River Street Streetcar|began running]] in 2009 along River Street in Savannah, Georgia, its AC motors powered by biodiesel-fueled generators.
Two unrelated MATAs, the [[Dallas]] [[McKinney Avenue Transit Authority|MATA]] and the [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]] [[MATA Trolley|MATA]] both run W-class trams on their downtown streetcar service. A highly modified W class tram [[River Street Streetcar|began running]] in 2009 along River Street in Savannah, Georgia, its AC motors powered by biodiesel-fueled generators.


[[Image:KS 470 and Melbourne on Sporvejsmuseet Skjoldenæsholm.JPG|thumb|Melbourne tram W6 965 at the [[Danish Tramway Museum]]]]
In 2005 a tram was restored at a cost of $25,000 and given as a wedding present from the Victorian Government to [[Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark|Princess Mary]] and [[Frederik,_Crown_Prince_of_Denmark|Crown Prince Frederik]] of Denmark. Shipping line [[Maersk]] transported the tram to Denmark free of charge, waiving the estimated bill of $40,000.<ref>{{cite web
In 2005 a tram was restored at a cost of $25,000 and given as a wedding present from the Victorian Government to [[Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark|Princess Mary]] and [[Frederik,_Crown_Prince_of_Denmark|Crown Prince Frederik]] of Denmark. Shipping line [[Maersk]] transported the tram to Denmark free of charge, waiving the estimated bill of $40,000.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/wclass-tram-for-the-royal-garage/2005/10/14/1128796710130.html
|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/wclass-tram-for-the-royal-garage/2005/10/14/1128796710130.html
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==Subclasses==
==Subclasses==
===W2===
===W===
{{under construction |placedby= |section= |notready= |comment= |category= |altimage= }}

===W1===
{{under construction |placedby= |section= |notready= |comment= |category= |altimage= }}

===W2 and SW2===
The '''W2''' were introduced in 1927 and remained in service until their final withdrawal in mid-1987.
The '''W2''' were introduced in 1927 and remained in service until their final withdrawal in mid-1987.


[[Image:Melbourne tram surf.jpg|thumb|A W2 class tram overloaded with passengers in Brunswick St, North Fitzroy, 1944]]
The 406-strong class was the backbone of the [[Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board]] (MMTB)'s
The 406-strong class was the backbone of the [[Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board]] (MMTB)'s
vast fleet during their heyday from the 1940s to 1960s. Most class members had been converted from the earlier W & W1 classes.The trams featured two enclosed saloon areas at either end of the tram and an open "drop-centre" section in the middle. A trademark feature of these vehicles until the 1970s was their uncomfortable wooden bench-style seats, a feature they shared with most other Melbourne trams of that period.
vast fleet during their heyday from the 1940s to 1960s. Most class members had been converted from the earlier W & W1 classes.The trams featured two enclosed saloon areas at either end of the tram and an open "drop-centre" section in the middle. A trademark feature of these vehicles until the 1970s was their uncomfortable wooden bench-style seats, a feature they shared with most other Melbourne trams of that period.
Line 161: Line 128:
From 1978 until 1982 many W2s were painted by well-known Australian Artists as part of the "Transporting Art" program. W2.442 was converted for use with the [[Colonial Tramcar Restaurant]] in 1981, entering service in 1983.<ref name="book">{{cite book | author = John Beckhaus | title = Australian Rail Companion | publisher = Sherborne Sutherland Publishing | year = 1989 | isbn = 1-86275-005-X }}</ref> The last W2 to run in regular service in Melbourne ran in December 1987 on the number 93 City (La Trobe Street, via St.Georges Road and The Hump in Miller Street) to [[Bundoora, Victoria|Bundoora]] route although a small number were used well into the early 1990s during extended tram shortages.
From 1978 until 1982 many W2s were painted by well-known Australian Artists as part of the "Transporting Art" program. W2.442 was converted for use with the [[Colonial Tramcar Restaurant]] in 1981, entering service in 1983.<ref name="book">{{cite book | author = John Beckhaus | title = Australian Rail Companion | publisher = Sherborne Sutherland Publishing | year = 1989 | isbn = 1-86275-005-X }}</ref> The last W2 to run in regular service in Melbourne ran in December 1987 on the number 93 City (La Trobe Street, via St.Georges Road and The Hump in Miller Street) to [[Bundoora, Victoria|Bundoora]] route although a small number were used well into the early 1990s during extended tram shortages.


===SW5===
===W3===
{{under construction |placedby= |section= |notready= |comment= |category= |altimage= }}

===W4===
{{under construction |placedby= |section= |notready= |comment= |category= |altimage= }}

===W5 and SW5===
[[Image:SW5.728FlindersStreet.jpg|thumb|SW5.728 in advertising livery at Flinders and Market Streets, 2007]]
The '''SW5 class''' was introduced between 1939 and 1941 and are still in use today.
The '''SW5 class''' was introduced between 1939 and 1941 and are still in use today.


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* Built as SW5: 840 - 849
* Built as SW5: 840 - 849


===W6===
===W6 and SW6===
[[Image:Acnewtram3.jpg|thumb|W6 class tram on route 30, 2005]]
The '''W6 class''' was introduced between 1951 and 1955 and are still in service today. At their introduction, W6-class trams were popular with passengers and crew alike for being fast, smooth and comfortable. Today a total of six are still in service in Melbourne with [[Yarra Trams]]. The [[tram controls|Cab controls]] are the same as of other W-class trams.
The '''W6 class''' was introduced between 1951 and 1955 and are still in service today. At their introduction, W6-class trams were popular with passengers and crew alike for being fast, smooth and comfortable. Today a total of six are still in service in Melbourne with [[Yarra Trams]]. The [[tram controls|Cab controls]] are the same as of other W-class trams.


W6-class trams initially begun as a sub group of the '''SW6-class''' trams, but later became their own class. They are similar to the '''W7-class''' trams. Two of the trams are in the hands of preservation groups, one of which is used as a café tram in [[Bendigo, Victoria|Bendigo]]. Three '''SW6-class''' trams also operate on the [[Colonial Tramcar Restaurant]] service.
W6-class trams initially begun as a sub group of the '''SW6-class''' trams, but later became their own class. They are similar to the '''W7-class''' trams. Two of the trams are in the hands of preservation groups, one of which is used as a café tram in [[Bendigo, Victoria|Bendigo]]. Three '''SW6-class''' trams also operate on the [[Colonial Tramcar Restaurant]] service.


==Current use==
===W7===
{{under construction |placedby= |section= |notready= |comment= |category= |altimage= }}

==Current use on the Melbourne tram network==
The W-class are currently used on the following routes:
The W-class are currently used on the following routes:
*[[Melbourne tram route 30|30]] - St Vincients Plaza to City
*[[Melbourne tram route 30|30]] - St Vincients Plaza to City
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The W-class tramcars are highly popular trams in preservation both throughout Australia and around the world. In addition, the plentiful supply of these cars has seen a number sold to museums who have dismantled them for spare parts to restore other cars.
The W-class tramcars are highly popular trams in preservation both throughout Australia and around the world. In addition, the plentiful supply of these cars has seen a number sold to museums who have dismantled them for spare parts to restore other cars.


==List of preserved W class trams==
'''W class''' (1923-27)
'''W class''' (1923-27)
* '''N<sup>O</sup> 220''' is owned by the Tramway Museum of Victoria, who are restoring it to original condition.
* '''N<sup>O</sup> 220''' is owned by the Tramway Museum of Victoria, who are restoring it to original condition.
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commonscat|W class trams}}
{{Commonscat|Ex-Melbourne trams in the United States}}
{{Commonscat|Ex-Melbourne trams in the United States}}
*[http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams§ion=class&class=SW5 List of SW5-class trams at vicsig]
*[http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams§ion=rollingstock A list of Melbourne trams at including all varieties of W class]
*[http://www.vicsig.net/index.php?page=trams&section=class&class=W6 List of W6-class trams at vicsig]
*[http://www.railpage.com.au/modules.php?set_albumName=album52&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php Railpage Tram Photo Gallery]
*[http://www.railpage.com.au/modules.php?set_albumName=album52&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php Railpage Tram Photo Gallery]



{{MelbourneTramNavbox}}
{{MelbourneTramNavbox}}

Revision as of 07:41, 23 March 2013

W class
A W6-class tram in Victoria Street
A W6-class tram in Victoria Street, Melbourne
ManufacturerM&MTB
Constructed1923–1956
DepotsGlenhuntly and Southbank
Specifications
Electric system(s)600V DC, Catenary
Current collector(s)Trolley pole or pantograph
Track gauge1435[1]

W class trams are family of electric trams built by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board between 1923 and 1956. They continue to operate on the tramway network of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, as well as operating on tourist and heritage systems across the world. The tram model is a cultural icon to Melbourne. While a number of older variants have been withdrawn from service and later sold to cities such as Seattle, Copenhagen and Savannah, and private enthusiasts, those that remain in Melbourne are classified by the National Trust of Australia and operate on the City Circle tourist route, the North Richmond to Prahran / St Kilda Beach route (Routes:78/79), the St Vincents Plaza to Docklands route (Route:30) and the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant fleet.

History

W-class trams were introduced to Melbourne in 1923 as a new standard design. They had a dual bogie layout and were characterised by a substantial timber frame supplanted by a steel under frame, a simple rugged design, and fine craftsmanship (particularly the older models). The W class was the mainstay of Melbourne's tramways system for 60 years. A total of 752 trams of all variants were built.

A W5 class tram, 1969

The original and most numerous W2 variant was supplemented in the late 1930s by 120 W5 (or "Clyde") class trams with wider cabins, and more powerful motors, however these were notorious for being difficult to drive smoothly. The W6 followed on, and became the most popular W-class tram with crews and passengers alike as they were fast, smooth and comfortable, compared with earlier W variants. Construction came to a halt for some years, with the final 40 W-class trams emerging from the Preston Workshops in 1956, when the need to provide something more capable of dealing with Olympic Games crowds than Bourke Street's buses prompted the last expansion of the network.

The W7 class with its pneumatic sliding doors (later retrofitted to most W5 and W6 trams too) and softer suspension proved popular with passengers. It was not until the 1990s that the W class was finally considered 'surplus' to rolling stock requirements.

In 1992 an official mass withdrawal of the W class was announced by the then transport minister Alan Brown, this was generally due to the fact that over 200 W class remained in service while the newer Z-class trams were in storage in varying locations, displaced by the newer A- and B-class vehicles. Protests over the disappearing icons brought about a reconsideration of the withdrawal policy, so it was decided 53 W's would be retained for tourist purposes. The popular zero-fare city circle tourist route commenced in 1994 using 12 of the 53 trams retained.

The remaining 150 or so withdrawn W's are in storage at Newport Workshops, their fate is undecided, although an embargo on the sale of these trams to overseas interest was placed on them. The government has made the odd donation to tram museums abroad, the most recent tram was gifted to Princess Mary, and Prince Frederick in 2006.

Heute

In mid-2000 the remainder of the W-class fleet was removed from service after a series of incidents involving brake problems. Some returned to service in a limited way in May 2001 on the City Circle route. The remainder followed in late 2003 after installation of speedometers and a 40km/h speed limit, replacement of trolley poles with a single pantograph, and new brake systems.[2] Today numbering 53, they run regularly on the route 78 / 79 service from North Richmond to Prahran / St Kilda Beach, as well as the inner city route 30 along Latrobe Street. These routes were chosen due to their limited interface with other routes, and their relatively low speeds.

City Circle trams on La Trobe Street

The zero-fare City Circle tourist route also operates using the W class. The oldest W-class trams remaining in service, dating from 1936, run this route. Others have been converted for use on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant service which cruises the suburbs in the evening.

The condition of the W-class fleet has been criticised by the Rail Tram and Bus Union, who in September 2008 demanded remedial works be carried out, or the fleet taken out of service due to poor maintenance standards. A Yarra Trams spokesman said that the fleet met maintenance standards, but required more cosmetic work than other trams due to the wooden structure. Yarra Trams maintenance of these icons has been under public scrutiny for some time. Yarra Trams have a budget that applies to all trams.[3]

In late 2009, the acting Transport Minister, Lynne Kosky announced that the remainder of the W-class trams operating regular routes would be scrapped, leaving only the zero fare City Circle in situ. In early 2010 the newly appointed Transport Minister, Martin Pakula announced that as his first act as Transport Minister he would confirm that W-class trams would eventually be "out" of the system on regular routes.[4] There is now a campaign headed by the National Trust to overturn this decision, they believe the decision to withdraw over 40 W-class trams still in operation lacks a long-term vision for Melbourne's heritage, and undermines the unique value of the trams to Melbourne.

In 2010, New Zealand expressed interest in obtaining a large percentage of stored W-class trams for its heritage tramway in Christchurch, no response has yet been given on behalf of VicTrack, who currently have ownership of the mothballed trams.

Disposal

Approximately 200 later model W-class trams remain stored at various locations around Melbourne such as the Newport Workshops, with the future use of these trams is unknown. A number of these were used in the filming of the HBO mini-series The Pacific, including W3-class tram number 667.[5]

A number of W-class trams have been sent overseas, including five that went to Seattle between 1978 and 1993, where they operated as Seattle's own heritage streetcar line, George Benson Waterfront Streetcar Line, between 1982 and 2005. Since 1990, public outrage over the sale of these popular trams to overseas interest has forced an embargo to be placed on the sale of these trams to any overseas interest.

In February 2004, after some years of negotiation, a W-Class tram was shipped to Edmonton as an ambassador for the City of Melbourne. The tram operates as part of the High Level Bridge Streetcar fleet connecting Old Strathcona to Downtown.[6]

Two unrelated MATAs, the Dallas MATA and the Memphis MATA both run W-class trams on their downtown streetcar service. A highly modified W class tram began running in 2009 along River Street in Savannah, Georgia, its AC motors powered by biodiesel-fueled generators.

Melbourne tram W6 965 at the Danish Tramway Museum

In 2005 a tram was restored at a cost of $25,000 and given as a wedding present from the Victorian Government to Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark. Shipping line Maersk transported the tram to Denmark free of charge, waiving the estimated bill of $40,000.[7]

In 2010, a large scale campaign was headed by the National Trust to encourage the further use of the W-class trams throughout Melbourne. The campaign was heralded a success with the Transport Minister vowing to hold a summit to decide how the trams may be used after 2012, when the W-class trams are scheduled for withdrawal. Although the W-class trams are scheduled for withdrawal, their use seems guaranteed into the future with the Premier of Victoria declaring that the W class would now remain in regular service beyond 2012.

Subclasses

W

W1

W2 and SW2

The W2 were introduced in 1927 and remained in service until their final withdrawal in mid-1987.

A W2 class tram overloaded with passengers in Brunswick St, North Fitzroy, 1944

The 406-strong class was the backbone of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB)'s vast fleet during their heyday from the 1940s to 1960s. Most class members had been converted from the earlier W & W1 classes.The trams featured two enclosed saloon areas at either end of the tram and an open "drop-centre" section in the middle. A trademark feature of these vehicles until the 1970s was their uncomfortable wooden bench-style seats, a feature they shared with most other Melbourne trams of that period.

Mechanically, they had four under-floor motors powering two sets of the MMTB's "Number one" bogies. The driver's controls were made by Westinghouse, Dick Kerr controllers, and Clyde controllers. The W2 class also had many variant gears within the tram bogies, the 'Spur'-geared W2 classes were notable due to their humming sound.

Towards the end of their useful lives, many class members were converted to service (non-Passenger) stock such as carborundum rail scrubbers, permanent-way vehicles, rail grinders & breakdown units. A large number of units were also sold to museums and public transport operators in Australia and around the world, with a large number still running today.

From 1978 until 1982 many W2s were painted by well-known Australian Artists as part of the "Transporting Art" program. W2.442 was converted for use with the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant in 1981, entering service in 1983.[8] The last W2 to run in regular service in Melbourne ran in December 1987 on the number 93 City (La Trobe Street, via St.Georges Road and The Hump in Miller Street) to Bundoora route although a small number were used well into the early 1990s during extended tram shortages.

W3

W4

W5 and SW5

SW5.728 in advertising livery at Flinders and Market Streets, 2007

The SW5 class was introduced between 1939 and 1941 and are still in use today.

SW5 class trams have sliding doors, improved drop centre seating, hopper windows in the saloons and round cornered windscreens to differentiate themselves from W5-class trams. Trams 840 - 849 were built as SW5-class trams, two W5-class trams were converted to SW5's in 1956, with an additional 83 W5-class trams converted from 1983 to 1986.

After 1983-86 the SW5s converted from W5s were essentially the same in appearance to the original SW5s owing to the removal of the middle door, addition of sliding doors to replace weather blinds and rounded corner windscreens. The main visual differences post conversion were the saloon windows, which unlike the original SW5s didn't have hopper windows and the retention of internal wooden bulk heads.

During the mass withdrawal of the W classes in 1994-96, the majority of this class was retired in preference to the higher class-Ws, this was due to the discovery of asbestos in the controllers.

Fleet numbers

SW5-class trams have unusual fleet numbers, W5-class trams retained their original fleet numbers after conversion to SW5.

  • W5s converted to SW5: 681 - 682, 721 - 734, 736 - 750, 752 - 755, 757 - 760, 764 - 765, 767 - 770, 773, 775 - 777, 780 - 781, 784 - 791, 793, 796 - 797, 800, 802, 805 - 812, 814 - 816, 818 - 819, 824, 828 - 830, 834, 836 - 838
  • Built as SW5: 840 - 849

W6 and SW6

W6 class tram on route 30, 2005

The W6 class was introduced between 1951 and 1955 and are still in service today. At their introduction, W6-class trams were popular with passengers and crew alike for being fast, smooth and comfortable. Today a total of six are still in service in Melbourne with Yarra Trams. The Cab controls are the same as of other W-class trams.

W6-class trams initially begun as a sub group of the SW6-class trams, but later became their own class. They are similar to the W7-class trams. Two of the trams are in the hands of preservation groups, one of which is used as a café tram in Bendigo. Three SW6-class trams also operate on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant service.

W7

Current use on the Melbourne tram network

The W-class are currently used on the following routes:

  • 30 - St Vincients Plaza to City
  • 35 (City Circle)
  • 78 - North Richmond to Prahran
  • 79 - North Richmond to St Kilda

Preservation

The W-class tramcars are highly popular trams in preservation both throughout Australia and around the world. In addition, the plentiful supply of these cars has seen a number sold to museums who have dismantled them for spare parts to restore other cars.

List of preserved W class trams

W class (1923-27)

  • NO 220 is owned by the Tramway Museum of Victoria, who are restoring it to original condition.
  • NO 380 is owned by the Heritage Tramways Trust at Hawthorn, and is part of the Melbourne historic tram fleet. It is maintained in original condition

W1 class (1925-28)

  • NO 427 is owned by the Tramway Museum of Victoria. It was reconverted from a W2-series tram in 1986 at Preston Workshops courtesy of the Victorian Government to celebrate 100 years of trams in Melbourne.
  • NO 431 is owned by the Heritage Tramways Trust at Hawthorn, and is part of the Melbourne historic tram fleet. It was reconverted from a W2-series tram in 1986 at Preston Workshops, and is usually on display at the Hawthorn tram barn.

W2 class (1927-31) The most numerous tram design in Melbourne, the W2 class is the greatest represented in preservation:

Operating W2 class trams

  • NO 244 is owned by the Heritage Tramway Trust, the commercial arm of the Tramway Historical Society at Ferrymead Heritage Park in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is currently in storage at Ferrymead Park due to the closure of the Christchurch Tramway, but will return to service in mid-2013.
  • NO 245 is owned by the Sydney Tramway Museum at Loftus, NSW.
  • NO 321 is owned by MOTAT in Auckland, New Zealand.
  • NO 329 is owned by the Perth Electric Tramway Society (Inc), and is located at their museum in Whiteman Park, Perth.
  • NO 357 is owned by the Melbourne Tramway Preservation Association at Haddon, Vic.
  • NO 368 is owned by the Perth Electric Tramway Society (Inc), and is located at their museum in Whiteman Park, Perth.
  • NO 392 is owned by the Sydney Tramway Museum at Loftus, NSW.
  • NO 393 is owned by the Perth Electric Tramway Society (Inc), and is located at their museum in Whiteman Park, Perth.
  • NO 407 is owned by the Melbourne Tramway Preservation Association at Haddon, Vic.
  • NO 441 is owned by the Bendigo Tramway.
  • NO 442 was in regular service as a travelling restaurant in Melbourne until its retirement in 2006.
  • NO 504 is held by the Heritage Tramway Trust at Hawthorn for the National Gallery of Victoria. This tram was painted by Clifton Pugh in the 1980s as part of a state-sponsored programme.
  • NO 509 is owned by the Tramway Museum of Victoria.
  • NO 510 is owned by the Heritage Tramway Trust at Hawthorn, and is part of the Melbourne historic tram fleet.
  • NO 643 is owned by the Tramway Museum of Victoria.
  • NO 646 is owned by the Tramway Museum of Victoria.

W2-class trams in America

  • The Memphis MATA owns cars NO's 234, 353, 417, 539, 540, 545, and 553, which are used in regular service. Four other cars, NO's 331, 478, 626 and 503, are awaiting restoration.
  • The Seattle Waterfront Streetcar operated NO's 272, 482, 512, 518 and 605 until suspension of services in 2005. Car NO 525 was also sold to Seattle for parts.
  • NO 369 operates along McKinney Avenue in Dallas, TX.
  • NO 478 is believed to be somewhere in Wisconsin.
  • NO 496 is used in regular service on the F-Line light rail route in San Francisco, CA.
  • NO 531 is used in regular service on the tramway network in San Jose, USA
  • NO's 601 and 606 are located at "Ironworld", Minnesota, USA
  • NO 648 is located in Rio Vista, CA.

W2-class trams preserved as static exhibits

  • NO 294 is located at the Australian Electric Transport Museum, St. Kilda, SA.
  • NO 325, a former W-class tram, is preserved by the Heritage Tramway Trust at Hawthorn. Damaged in a fire in 1960, 325 was stripped by the tramway training school in 1961 to become a operational instruction frame for the instruction of motormen in operating a tramcar and diagnosing faults in their operation.
  • NO 350 is located at a cafe in Darwin.
  • NO 354 is located at the Australian Electric Transport Museum, St. Kilda, SA.
  • NO 370 is located at Port Kembla, NSW.
  • NO 372 is located at Lightning Ridge, NSW.
  • NO 388 is located at Ogdens Bar & Grill at the Windsor Hotel in South Perth.
  • NO 403 is displayed in San Jose, CA.
  • NO 415 is located at a cafe in Darwin.
  • NO 520 is owned by Sir Elton John and is located at his property at Windsor in England.
  • NO 560 is located at Port Kembla, NSW.
  • NO 577 is located at Port Kembla, NSW.
  • NO 586 is displayed in San Francisco, CA.

SW2 class These trams were converted from W2-class trams from 1938 onwards up to 1950s by fitting them with sliding doors as per the W7 design. This was a sporadic programme that was to have been applied to all W2-class trams but never proceeded beyond the conversion of several cars:

  • NO 275 is owned by the Bendigo Tramways.
  • NO 432 is owned by the Sydney Tramway Museum at Loftus, NSW.
  • NO 436 is privately owned and located in Masterton, New Zealand. It was converted from a W1-class tram to SW2-class in 1938.
  • NO 426 is owned by the Perth Electric Tramway Society (Inc), and is located at their museum in Whiteman Park, Perth.
  • NO 644 is owned by the Tramway Museum of Victoria.

References

  1. ^ David Hoadley (1998). "Trams Currently In Service". Trams of Australia. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
  2. ^ Darren Gray, Andrew Webster (September 18, 2003). "W-class trams back, with restrictions". The Age. Retrieved 2008-09-05.
  3. ^ Mary Bolling (September 02, 2008). "Death rattle on tram tracks". Herald Sun. Retrieved 2008-09-05. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ SARAH-JANE COLLINS (January 22, 2010). "Minister in, W-class trams out". The Age. theage.com.au. Retrieved 2010-03-19.
  5. ^ "Re: W-Class at Newport Workshops". Trams DownUnder. Retrieved 2009-06-03.
  6. ^ "Edmonton Radial Railway Society".
  7. ^ Dan Silkstone (October 15, 2005). "W-class tram for the royal garage". The Age. Retrieved 2008-09-06.
  8. ^ John Beckhaus (1989). Australian Rail Companion. Sherborne Sutherland Publishing. ISBN 1-86275-005-X.
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