Information cards detailing the types of rail including slot rails used in Melbourne cable tramways by the Melbourne Tramways Trust. Includes dimensional details, weight, sections of cable roads. The second card has the properties of the rail sectons such as area, moment of inertia, section modulus and weight per yard. Both sheets have the name H Orams in the top right hand corner.Yields information about the various cable tram railsSet of two ruled photocopied cards tramways, rails, mtt, cable trams, cable slot

A cartoon of the 1930s titled "The Clancy Kids" of a boy dropping his pennies down the cable tram slot. Calls on Mr Timmie to help who responds with a comment regarding a vending machine. If you dropped a coin or a small item down the slot, there was no way of retrieving it.Demonstrates the peril of cable tram slots and lost items. Reproduction of a cartoon onto a display paper.tramways, cable trams, cartoon, cable slot, pennies

The photograph shows a section of remnant track at the intersection of Bourke and Spencer Sts that remained until it was removed on 25/8/1987 when connecting curves were installed at Bourke and Spencer Streets, forming a double track triangular junction, in preparation for the conversion of the St Kilda and Port Melbourne railway lines to 'light rail'. This necessitated the removal of the last few metres of cable car track in Melbourne, which had been left in situ at the former Bourke Street terminus as a reminder of bygone days. Shows two inspection pits in the short section of the cable slot. Photo late 1960s after the construction of the Spencer St railway station building. Photographer unknown.Yields information of last section of visible cable tram track in the city area.Black and white photograph on Ilford papertramways, cable trams, track work, bourke st, spencer st, cable track

Photograph shows the H crossing (where two sets of tracks cross each other) at the intersection of Market St and Flinders St which consisted in the north - south direction cable tram slot rails. Date of removal and replacement to be determined. Date and photographer not recorded.Yields information about H crossing at the intersection of Market and Flinders Street Melbourne.Black and White - Flinders and Market Streets H crossingtramways, trams, h crossing, cable trams, flinders street, market street

Black and white photograph of the conversion of the Flinders St end of Swanston Street from cable trams to electric trams. Note the signs advising passengers to go to Princes Bridge for buses, horse drawn vehicles with excavated spoil, air compressor, the cable tram slot rail supporting yokes. In the background is the Flinders St Station. Photo from the Collection of the Department of Infrastructure now with the Public Records Office - image number H101. Note: this photo is now out of copyright and was not an original VR photograph, but one copied from another source and collected as their Heritage series.Has Department of Infrastructure copy right stamp on rear and number "H243" in ink on rear and "2-4"trams, tramways, swanston st, cable trams, trackwork, new tramway, flinders st, conversion

Set of 12 photos by Hugh Ballment, unless noted, of MMTB, and one of Port Melbourne cable tram depot trackwork. HBM196 - MMTB Tram 180, 10/09/1967, Epsom Rd, TMSV Tour - tours database gives the date of 10/9/1967, confirmed by TMSV tours listing. HBM197 - MMTB Tram 676, 10/09/1967, Caulfield, TMSV tour with the railway bridge in the background, along with an advert for EB Latice bricks HBM198 - MMTB Tram 180, 10/09/1967, South Melbourne depot, general view with some of the tour participants HBM199 - MMTB Tram 610, 22/09/1968, Footscray station, TMSV tour - Leeds St with the Appleton & Wright Mens wear and the railway station buildings in the background. HBM200 - MMTB Tram 610, 22/09/1968, Haymarket, with the Hotel Gresham, Evan Evans and the CBA bank in the background HBM201 - MMTB Tram 610, 22/09/1968, Royal Park, Railway bridge HBM202 - MMTB Tram 610, 22/09/1968, Melville Rd , West Coburg terminus, with the State Savings Bank, W G P Allen Chemist and a newsagent in the background HBM203 - MMTB Trams 104, 106, 28/07/1968, William St into LaTrobe St, TMSV tour - HBM204 - MMTB Trams 772, 731, 862, 22/09/1968, Brunswick depot, HBM205 - MMTB Tram 610, 22/09/1968, River St, Maribyrnong HBM206 - MMTB Tram 610, 22/09/1968, Royal Park, Back of Zoo HBM207 - MT&O, 1950s, Port Melbourne cable carshed, Cable tramway slot visible in road. Shows the car shed entrance, a hotel that was next door. In the view are adverts for Penfolds and Orlando wines. Yields information about Melbourne tram operations, with 1950s to 1960s photos of Melbourne tramways.Kodachrome cardboard mounts, with notes - set of 12tramways, epsom rd, tram 180, tram 676, caulfield, south melbourne depot, footscray, tram 610, tmsv, haymarket, royal park, tram 104, melville rd, river st, tram 772, tram 731, tram 862, port melbourne, cable trams, brunswick depot, the zoo

This cable tram Gripman’s badge, or driver’s badge, was part of a tram driver’s uniform. The inscriptions on the front of the badge identify it as belonging to Gripman number 14, at the South Melbourne Car House depot of the Tramways Board. The Gripman Badge would be re-issued whenever another Gripman takes over the position. Cable trams were invented in America in 1873. In Melbourne, cable trams were in use from 1885 until 1940, with a network of up to 1200 cable cars or 'dummies' and trailers travelling at around 9.5 miles (15km) per hour along 46 miles (74km) of double tracks. The Gripman drove the dummy car, operating the heavy levers to connect the gripping gears to the cable installed in a slot in the road. To turn at intersections he would skilfully disconnect, freewheel around the corner and carefully reconnect to the continuously operating steel cable. Large winding gears in an Engine House along the line pulled the cable along, powered by steam engines and later electric engines. The gripping gears were in the centre of the car's floor with seating all around the sides, a dangerous place for curious children. , whose worried parents would guide them into the tram that was towed behind the dummy car. The Melbourne Tramways Board operated the cable trams between July 1916 and November 1919 after taking over from the privately operated Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Company. In 1919, the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB) took over the Tramways Board. Stokes & Sons: - The maker of the badge, Thomas Stokes, migrated to Melbourne from Birmingham in 1854 and set up business in Mincer Lane as a die-sinker, producing medals, tokens, buttons and silverware, and an engraving service. He moved to Flinders Lane in 1856. After a time, in 1894, the business became Stokes & Sons Pty: Ltd, electroplates and badge makers at Post Office Place in Melbourne. The maker's mark 'Stokes & Sons' was made on badges until 1962. LOCAL CONNECTION: -t was common practice to recycle the used cables from the tramway. For example, the Wollaston Bridge in Warrnambool, Victoria, is suspended by recycled cable tram Melbourne. (Other recycled cables were used for fencing wire.) -Portland's cable tram is an example of the cable trams used in Melbourne from 1885 to 1940.This badge was used to identify a Gripman who operated a cable car tram's dummy car for the Tramways Board in Melbourne between 1916 and 1919. It represents the need for people to be able to identify workers in the service industry, a need still addressed today by staff ID badges and digital identification. The badge also represents the period in Melbourne's history when cable cars were used for public transport for over four decades, gradually changing from steam to electric power. Trams still have an important role in Melbourne's public transport. Badge, round hollow metal dome with two open metal guides on the back. A cable tram Gripman (driver) badge with embossed inscriptions on the front and stamped on the back. There is a logo of entwined letters T and B on the front. It identifies Gripman number 14, South Melbourne, Tramway Board. It was made by Stokes & Sons of Melbourne. Impressed into the front: "S / 14 / M" "GRIPMAN" Logo intertwined "T" and "B" Embossed on reverse "STOKES &o SONS"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, badge, gripman, stokes & sons, numesmatics, tramway, tram, tram driver, uniform, cable tram, identification, cable car driver, tramway board, south melbourne, melbourne tramways board, tb, mtb, mmtb, melbourne and metropolitan tramways board, tramway button, gripman button, id, identification badg, staff badge, name badge, employee, grip car, dummy car

1. These Skis were hand carved in Sweden around 1937 and brought to Australia where they were purchased around 1962 by a Bogong Rover Scout. They were refurbished with steel edging and plastic soles and saw extensive service on the Bogong High Plains between 1962 and 1968. They performed magnificently, riding out the deepest mogul with ease because of their highly curved tips. Of particuular interest is the way the Kandahar toe iron has been attached to the ski. The ski was slotted through its width, the tow iron inserted and then folded vertically to give an integral attachment. In those days skins were used extensively for uphill climbing, hence the yellow plastic patch on the back surface to protect from the skin buckle. Cable bindings were used to enable the boot to lift for climbing. When ready for a downhill run, the cable was slipped under the side-pulls to anchor the heel. The beauty of these bindings in those days was that they were composite downhill and touring skis. These particular skis were of lightweight timber (timber unknown) compared to others of their day, which are often made of Hickory which is much denser and heavier. Rover Scouts and the Bogong High Plains The Bogong Rover Lodge started as an SEC (State Electricity Commission) hut near Langford's Gap and was carried on the backs of Rover Scouts across to its present location on the Southern side of the Bogong High Plains around 1937 under the direction of W.F. (Bill) Waters, a skiing pioneer, synonymous with establishing skiing on the BHP. The Rover Scouts left Melbourne by train to Bairnsdale. They went onto Omeo (bus?) where they stayed overnight at the pub then (bus?) to Fitzgerald's farm on the Omeo Highway. Then on packhorses to the snow line. Then they carried their packs and skis. to the lodge. The Lodge continues to this day (2026) as a base for Scouts skiing and bushwalking on the Bogong High Plains. Rovers, the senior branch of Scouting, are aged between 18 to 25 years. The Bogong Rover Lodge / Chalet / or Scout Hut is open all year round.1. 2 pairs of skis: One pair is hand-crafted Swedish wooden skis circa 1937. Quite a thick ski. Tapered shape with a distinctive pointed toe. Coated with dark brown varnish which is lifting in some parts. The ski has a yellow plastic patch at the rear and a re-inforced foot plate. Bindings are metal and leather. 216 cm long and 7 cm wide. The second pair of skies are red plastic. Possibly Italian with an unusual downhill & touring binding circa 1970. 198 cm long and 7 cm wide Bogong Rover overshirt (winter). Pure wool, long sleeves, 2 front buttons, pockets with insignia include Box Hill District Boy Scouts Alpine Rovers Badge on right top of sleeve. Epaulettes on the left and right shoulders. Left hand side has 8 pieces of coloured tabs attached. Also, Green triangular cotton neck tie with leather toggle.Labels 'pure wool'; 'scout shop' 'size 14'rover scouts, cross country skiing, bill waters, swedish skis, scouts uniform

This probably was used with single telephone cable earth return in WW1.This is a circular metal cable drum. The centre 'axle' is made a cylindrical piece of timber. It in turn, has a square metal bearing. This square metal bearing has a square hole in the centre 15 x 15 mm. This is held in place with 4 slotted screws. There is a small length of rubber covered cable exiting from one side of the drum. It is a 5 core cable. In the wooden drum is a metal sleeve. It can be slid around to reveal a metal screw terminal.On the side that has the cable exit can be seen, "HEARL & HEATON & SONS LTD 11 1918" ww1, cable drum

Yields information about the materials and the methods of installing electrical domestic cables in Ballarat houses during the 1920's.Section of timber or wooden electrical conduit used in houses c1920, to contain wires for electrical lamps and fittings. Consists of a timber base (very light softwood - ??) with two slots that was nailed to a wall and after the cable installed a cover strip applied. Has one end mitred or cut at 45 degrees. See Early Electrical wiring systems in American buildings - L. D. Mitchelltrams, tramways, esco, electrical equipment, house extensions, houses, electricity

Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Co. Bell Punch No. D1902. A heavy nickel plated steel ticket or fare strip cancelling / registering mechanism used on Melbourne cable trams. When a fare was sold, the bell would ring advising the passenger that their fare have registered. "An ingenious device resembling in principle the ticket punch of a railway porter. It is carried by the conductor who wears pinned to his coat a 'trip-slip'. He punches this once for every fare received; the action is simultaneously registered on a dial inside the punch and bell rings to appraise the passenger of the fact. The punch is provided with a patent lock, the secret of which is known only at headquarters and effective system of check is thus secured." (" A story of the Melbourne Cable Tramway System" - page 54). Used by the MT&O and MMTB until 1922/23 when replaced by the check ticket system. Manufactured by the Railway Register Manufacturing Company. Lock number IDMA - see btm6. Has "TB" - Tramways Board - stamped on one side along with patent dates. See also Reg Item 72 and 72.1 for other examples. See "A story of the Melbourne Cable Tramway System 11/11/1885 to 26/10/1940" C.N. Govett and A. E. Twentyman. Copy held in the Hawthorn Tramway Depot collection. See Notes on opening from the Hawthorn Tramway Depot collection - see related documents.Has "D 1902" punched above ticket entry slot (both sides), "1902" on handle, "TB" stamped on numbering registering face. trams, tramways, ticket punch, tickets, fares, cable trams

72 - Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Co. Bell Punch No. D1335. A heavy nickel plated steel ticket or fare strip cancelling / registering mechanism used on Melbourne cable trams. When a fare was sold, the bell would ring advising the passenger that their fare have registered. "An ingenious device resembling in principle the ticket punch of a railway porter. It is carried by the conductor who wears pinned to his coat a 'trip-slip'. He punches this once for every fare received; the action is simultaneously registered on a dial inside the punch and bell rings to appraise the passenger of the fact. The punch is provided with a patent lock, the secret of which is known only at headquarters and effective system of check is thus secured." (" A story of the Melbourne Cable Tramway System" - page 54). Used by the MT&O and MMTB until 1922/23 when replaced by the check ticket system. Manufactured by the Railway Register Manufacturing Company. Lock number not known. Has "MT& ..." stamped on one side along with patent dates. 72.1 - as above but for punch number D1338 - added 17/12/12. See also Reg Item 6437 for another sample - punch No. D1902. see - \dbtext\museum\documents\htd242i.pdf for opening instructions. See "A story of the Melbourne Cable Tramway System 11/11/1885 to 26/10/1940" C.N. Govett and A. E. Twentyman. Copy held in the Hawthorn Tramway Depot collection. Has "D 1335" punched above ticket entry slot (both sides), "335" on handle, "MT& ..." stamped on numbering registering face. 72.1 - As above with number "D1338" punched in. The M.T.& Co" is more visible.trams, tramways, ticket punch, tickets, fares, cable trams

A flag or banner made for the centenary of Melbourne trams in 1985 by the Metropolitan Transit Authority to be used on the route number boxes on Melbourne W class trams. Made from a synthetic fabric, sewn on all four edges, with left hand edge made with a slot to fit a wooden pole. Features a cable tram - with a bogie cable trailer and Melbourne Z class tram, with the words "100 years of Trams" Two copies held.trams, tramways, melbourne, centenaries, flags, public transport

The photograph shows a cable tram set with trailer 44 at the Bridge Road Richmond terminus. The S McIntosh's Bridge Hotel is in the background, along with four shops including the Oriental Cafe for Tea and Grills. It would appear that the gripman is ready to leave though a male passenger seems to be hurrying forward to catch the tram. The typed caption records that the dummy is No. 12, the photograph is dated Jan. 1924 and notes the slotted depot lead out track in the foreground. Also discusses the ventilator cones on the grip car, following the installation of electric lights. Photo by A G Renwick. Second print, would have been the original view from which the first one has been taken from.Yields information about the Bridge Road Richmond terminus Jan. 1924Black and white photo with a typed caption attached. Second image - a vertical photo with notes on the rear.See second image. In pencil "163" in top right hand corner and "cable, Bridge Rd line"tramcars, tramways, cable trams, richmond, bridge road, tram 44, tram 12

Photograph shows part of the preserved cable grip car number 1 and trailer car number 1 in a large glass covered display case in Russell Street behind the (then) Melbourne Museum and State Library. The photograph shows the gripman's compartment with two brake levers and the central grip lever. At the top of the photo above the levers is curved metal beam to which a block and tackle were fastened to lift and lower the grip into the tunnel. At either end of the compartment is a knee high board with whole at the top that fitted into slots between the end traverse seats to stop winter drafts blowing across the gripman's feet. Yields information about cable tram componentsBlack and white photograph with note on rearIn ink "29" and "K McC"cable trams, russell street, melbourne museum, state library, draw bar, tie rod, pin, safety chain, trailer coupling

Photograph shows uniformed MTOC signalman standing under a canopy operating two large levers (which may be the reason the newspaper mistakenly described him as a switchman). He stands under a canopy supported by poles with a partial curtain at the rear along with his overcoat. The canopy was located on the footpath on the southeast corner of the intersection of Collins and Swanston Streets. This was the busiest cable tramway intersection in Melbourne and one of the busiest for pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The tram tracks crossed each other at right angles with no curved tracks to permit turns. The signalman's job was twofold: to directed which trams had right of way by use of mechanical signals and to depress the Collins Street cable so that the upward incline did not cause the cable to rise out of the slot onto the roadway. The depression gear was located under both Collins Street tracks adjacent to the Town Hall and was only released momentarily to allow a Collins Street tram to pass over it. This was a demanding job requiring constant vigilance: working with the policeman controlling the intersection, trams approaching from four directions, horse and motor traffic and pedestrians. The signalman's rules provided a specific order of steps each time the signals and depression gear were reset, which occurred many times per hour. He was also authorised to stop trams with the use of his whistle and a red hand lamp and to report gripmen who disobey his directions. Traffic lights were gradually introduced to Melbourne from 1928 after cable trams were replaced in Swanston Street and just before they were replaced in Collins Street. This is a photograph taken of a newsprint photograph from an unnamed newspaper. Yields information about signalman's work. Black and white photograph with note below photograph. Printed below photograph: "Switchman [sic] at the intersection of Collins and Swanston Streets."newsprint, mtoc, switchman, canopy, levers, collins street, swanston street, busiest intersection, traffic lights, 1928, policeman, signalman, mechanical signals, right of way, depression gear, twon hall, slot, vigilance

This Cash Register was used for the sale and production of lift tickets, lessons and packages during the 1990s at Falls Creek. The employees who operated the machine were called 'Ticket Tarts'. This item is significant because it was a critical part of the everyday operation of the chair lifts at Falls Creek.A large square cash and ticket machine with buttons and slots for the production of lift tickets. Long cable connected to the back. snow, ski season, ski pass, ski lessons, ticketing, sales

The photograph shows the demolition or removal of the cable tram track at an un-identified location, showing the removal of the yokes and track where two cable lines crossed over each other. Shows the former cable tram yokes that supported the slot rails and some details of the cable tunnels and pits. The man in the bottom left could be cutting the yokes with an oxy-acetylene cutting torch. In the view are at the top of the photo some rails can be seen. There were a number of points where the cable tram crossed other electric or cable tram lines. Given the small work site and men involved the location could potentially be either Johnston Street and Smith Street or Johnston St and Nicholson Street. The 1955 Annual Report notes that work commenced following the completion of the Queen's visit in March 1954 and that all work was done by day-labour. Photographer is possibly Keith Kings.Yields information about the extent of work need to convert the former Bourke St group of Cable tram lines to Electric trams, the people, the extent of the original construction and the methods used to undertake the work.Photograph - Black and White - demolishing cable tram trackwork where two cables crossed over each other, 1954/55.trams, tramways, cable trams, workmen, mmtb, demolition, track work, conversion, smith street, fitzroy, johnston street, nicholson street

Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Co. Bell Punch No. D382. A heavy nickel plated steel ticket or fare strip cancelling / registering mechanism used on Melbourne cable trams. When a fare was sold, the bell would ring advising the passenger that their fare have registered. "An ingenious device resembling in principle the ticket punch of a railway porter. It is carried by the conductor who wears pinned to his coat a 'trip-slip'. He punches this once for every fare received; the action is simultaneously registered on a dial inside the punch and bell rings to appraise the passenger of the fact. The punch is provided with a patent lock, the secret of which is known only at headquarters and effective system of check is thus secured." (" A story of the Melbourne Cable Tramway System" - page 54). Used by the MT&O and MMTB until 1922/23 when replaced by the check ticket system. Manufactured by the Railway Register Manufacturing Company. Lock code IDMA. Has "MT&O Co. ..." stamped on one side along with patent dates.Has "D 382" punched above ticket entry slot (both sides), "335" on handle, "MT&O Co." stamped on numbering registering face.trams, tramways, ticket punch, bell punch, tickets, fares, cable trams

Tramcar component - window lifter - cast brass fitted with a leather piece to enable a person to lift the window. Fitted to cable car trailers. Included are two brass slotted head screws. Appears to have a silicon seal around the brass stud on the rear. Collected as a sample - see history of object.trams, tramways, cable trams, windows, trailers, components

Series of 5 black and white photographs of the trackwork used at specific locations:\ .1 - plated curve of embedded plates for spandrel clips retaining the rails - would have allowed access. .2 - joint between rails - bridge expansion? In a temporary position. .3 - track being laid over a rail based bridge deck. .4 - track being laid or positioned for a bridge or replacement - possible slot beam and cable track in the background. .5 - temporary track over a bridge abutment or structure under construction.trams, tramways, trackwork, rails, track materials, track repairs, sleepers, equipment, bridges

Letter - quarto sheets, dated 1/6/1927 typed on MMTB letterhead, to the City of Malvern offering second hand grooved rails and slot beams for sale. Gives details of the materials and the costs. Also notes it has second hand cable or rope for sale. Copy of a letter back to the MMTB from the Town Clerk of Malvern dated, 4/6/1927, saying no thanks.trams, tramways, mmtb, cables, rails, sales materials, malvern

Provides the specifications and conditions of contract for the manufacture, supply and delivery of the track or permanent way materials for the construction of the Melbourne cable tram system. Includes rails, yokes, fish plates, slot rails, bolts, and a delivery schedule to the Spencer St railway station. Signed by George Duncan. Tenders closed 17 - 8 - 1886. Drawings detail the various components. Has a Schedule of rates form - per tonne of materials. Document dated 21 June 1886.Yields information about the tendering of rail materials for the Melbourne Cable tram system. Document, The Melbourne Tramways Trust - Contract No. 42 - Permanent Way Material - 9 foolscap sheets, 3 folded drawings bound within heavy card covers, stapled covered in dark grey tape. 2nd & 3rd copies paper only, stapled and covered with brown tape on the left hand side.tramways, melbourne tramways trust, cable tramways, mtt, rails, yokes, tender documents, contracts

Photograph looks north across Collins and Swanston Sts intersection to the Town Hall. A cable tram, tramway signalman and many pedestrians are shown. This was the busiest cable tram crossing. The signalman had two roles. Before police controlled the intersection, he used signals and flags to guide the gripmen through the intersection. Also, as the Collins St hill caused the cable to rise up through the slot onto the roadway, he operated a suppression bar which held the cable in the tunnel until a tram needed to pass through the intersection.Yields information about Town Hall and tramway signalmanColoured postcard with title above photograph and postcard markings on rear. On front 'Town Hall, Melbourne'. On rear: Postcard markings and 'R E M Series'pedestrians, cable tram, collins, swanston sts, town hall, tramway signalman, signals and flags, suppression bar

This is a cropped segment of a larger photograph of the intersection of Collins and Swanston Streets (see entry 9486) that includes cable trams, horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians. The photograph looks north east across the intersection toward the Melbourne Town Hall. It is possible that the subject of this cropped segment is the cable tramway signalman standing beneath a small canopy on the south east corner. Under the canopy were two levers: one to depress and release the Collins Street cable only metres from him to prevent it from rising up through the slot onto the roadway; the other a lever to operate the tramway signal on the pole close by at the very edge of the intersection. The signalman's role was an essential one and he was authorised to direct and report all rule breaking by the gripmen passing through this intersection.Yields information about cable tramway operations. Black and white photograph and nothing on rear.pedestrians, collins and swanston streets, cable trams, horse drawn vehicles, melbourne town hall, segment of a larger photograph, cable tramway signalman, canopy, two levers, authorised to direct and report