Information from Norman F. Dalton: Ballarat had a reticulated DC supply in the early part of last century and in 1905 had sufficient generating capacity to enable the trams to be changed from horse drawn to DC electricity. The use of electricity increased with the main power station located on Wendouree Parade, near Webster Street, under the ownership of The Electric Supply Company of Victoria. AC generating plant was installed in 1925 and conversion to AC proceeded. In 1934 the company was taken over by the State Electricity Commission Victoria (SECV) and more AC generation was installed and the changeover of customers was accelerated. This is around the time that the Synchronome Frequency Checking Mast Clock was installed at the Wendouree Parade Power Station. The SECV Annual Report of 1921 states: ::Section 11 of the act directed the COmmission to enquire into the question of securing the adoption of such standards of plant and equipment of a system, frequency and pressure for the generation and distribution of electricity as will admit of the efficient interconnection of undertakings throughout the State. In 1934 when the SECV took over the Ballarat operations the question of linking with the State grid had been a planned operation for some years but due to financial considerations had hindered it and in fact would continue to do so for a further 10 years. So while the need for close frequency control for interconnection was hardly an issue, the need to keep electric clocks correct was important, particularly as this item was a frequent sales point to cover the inconvenience and sometimes expense of converting from DC to AC. The clock is a very accurate pendulum clock with provision for varying effective length during operation for precise time regulation. There are two normal time dials and one is controlled by the pendulum and the other is operated by the system frequency. When the clock was in use it was installed by the MEter and Tests Laboratory and the time was checked daily by radio time signals. The two dials were repeated in the operators control panel in the Power Station. A maximum deviation between the two dials was set in the operating instructions (eg 5 seconds) and the operator would correct this when necessary by remote manual alteration of the turbine governor set point. The clock was used to drive and regulate a system of "slave" clocks which were used to display the time in various locations around the power station. A slave clock is a simple clock which is driven by a small electric motor, its accuracy is regulated by the master clock every 30 seconds to ensure that it and all the other slave clocks in the station are on exactly the right time; slave clocks were placed in various locations, from common rooms to workshops. A master clock could potentially run thousands of slave clocks at one plant. The clock also contains a rectifier. A rectifier is a device that is used to convert AC power to more stable DC current.Two clocks in a timber case. Both are electric, one is powered by the main pendulum mechanism, the other is a self contained electric clock. The main mechanism is of the gravity arm and roller type, which sends an impulse to the slave clocks every 30 seconds. The This Synchronome Frequency Checking Master Clock was used at the Ballarat Power Station. Below the main section of the case is a smaller cabinet containing a rectifier to provide consistent DC power for the clock. The rectifier was made by the Victorian company Hilco, which was located in Burwood. There is a high chance this is not the original rectifier from this clock as there appears to be brackets to hold a larger device in the space the rectifier occupies.Front below main clock face on front of case: "Patented Sychronome Brisbane" Lower left-hand clock face: "Frequency time" Lower right-hand clock face: "Standard Seconds" Synchronous electric clock mechanism on door (Frequency time clock): >200/250 V. 50~ >"Synchronomains" Made in England >Direction indicator for clock starting switch >"To start move lever in direction of arrow and release" >"Patent applied for" Mechanism for "standard seconds" clock: >"English Made" >"Patented" >Serial number "321" >0 above right-hand pillar on front-plate Mechanism for "standard seconds" clock: >"English Made" >"Patented" >Serial number "321" >0 above right-hand pillar on front-plate Mechanism for main clock face: >"English Made" >"Patented" >Serial number "8751" >0 above right-hand pillar on front-plate Inside case, back panel, top enamel plate: >Seconds Battery + Pos. > Battery Common or - Neg. >1/2 min dials Inside case, back panel, bottom enamel plate: external seconds dial Inside case, right hand side, electrical knobs: two switches, both "A.C. mains" Pendulum rod, below suspension spring: Serial number (?) 0000005 Rectifier in bottom cabinet: >"Hilco Rectifier" >"A.C. Volts 230/240" >"Model 1060/S" >"A.C. Amperes" >"Serial No. 1060/S >"Phases 1" >"D.C. Volts 6" >"C.P.S. 50" >"D.C. Amperes 1" >"Made in Australia by Hilco Transformers McIntyre St., Burwood, Victoria." Bakelite electrical plug: makers mark Lower cabinet, RH side panel, pressed tin plate: "AC" (upside down) Brass speed adjustment, outer right RH side: "S" and "F" Ivory and wood pendulum beat ruler: >Ruler, with 0 in centre and numbers 1-5 in ascending order from centre on left and right. > "Synchronome Patent." Steel plate, back panel, inside case, right hand side: >N R A" (descending) >"2191" serial number/part number Face of main clock: "Synchronome Electric" synchronome frequency checking master clock, electricity, state electricity commission, wendouree parade power station, secv, clock, time, pendulum, electric supply company of victoria, norman f. dalton, ballarat power station, rectifier, slave clock

Photograph of No 21 in Ripon St near the intersection with Wendouree Parade. Tram has the destination of View Point. Ballarat A Power Station buildings are in the background. Photographer and date unknown.Yields information about SECV Ballarat 21 running a View Point service.Copy negative on a heavy substrate.tramcars, tramways, view point, tram 21, wendouree parade, ballarat a power station, ripon st

B&W photograph of the interior of the Wendouree Parade power station boiler house of ESCo, at the time of its opening. Photo shows boilers and furnaces, pipe work, coal hoppers and some control equipment. The print for this photograph made from a copy negative of page 454 of the Australasian, August 19, 1905 in 1993. Print includes caption "BOILERS AND FURNACES". See Reg, Item No. 763. See Alan Bradley, draft Chapter 3 of the history of Ballarat Tramwaystramways, trams, esco, power station, boilers, ballarat

B&W photograph of the interior of the Wendouree Parade power station of ESCo, at the time of its opening. Photo shows the switchboard on the left side, with its elaborate handrail and the DC current generating equipment on the right hand side. Also shows the travelling gantry crane. The print for this photograph made from a copy negative of page 454 of the Australasian, August 19, 1905 in 1993. Print includes caption "ELECTRIC - POWER HOUSE". See Reg, Item No. 763. See Alan Bradley, draft Chapter 3 of the history of Ballarat Tramwaystrams, tramways, esco, power station, ballarat "a" power station, ballarat

Has a strong association with some of the Ballarat SEC workers.Hanimex colour slide, white cardboard mount of a SEC worker in grey overalls at the SEC depot in Wendouree Parade - Ballarat A power station. Photo from the collection of Lilian Butler. ballarat, tramways, trams, ballarat a power station, maintenance

Yields information about a piece of the original equipment from the ESCo Ballarat power station.Colour photograph of the ESCo Wendouree Parade power station - DC face plate starter for one of the rotary converters - DC hand operated drum and multiple lever panel" - see Jan. 1998 issue of Fares Please! for details of the donation and a copy of the photograph as used. Photo taken by Warren Doubleday. Printed on Kodak Paper. Photo taken mid Dec. 1997. Photos of cabinet with doors opened and signs added 2/4/2018. Images .1 - Brookhirst makers plate with Patent Nos. .2 - Machine with doors open .3 - wiring diagram .4 - Brookirst cabinet latch at the bottom of the machine. .5 - Safety sign re opening the doors. .6 - bottom section of cabinet with cable found in machine .7 - top half of machine .8 - similar to .6 .9 - close up of the cable. See January 1998 Fares Please!esco, power station, rotary converters

Set of three colour photographs of buildings and demolition of the former ESCo / SECV Wendouree Parade Power station sent to the Editor of Trolley Wire - used in the November 1997 issue of Trolley Wire. All photos by Alan Bradley. Photos taken during November 1993 or March 1994. All photos on AGFA paper. 1140.1 - The gate house building in Wendouree Parade - Nov. 1993 - used on page 21 of Nov. 1997 Trolley Wire. 1140.2 - Foundation stone - 23/8/1904 - of the ESCo power house. Gives names of people involved and contractors etc. - used on page 20 of Trolley Wire. Taken during November 1993. 1140.3 - Demolition work well advanced showing foundations and basement areas of power station - taken during March 1994. Used on page 25 of Trolley Wire. Hi res image of i2 added 16-12-2015. All have yellow stickers with photo number for magazine printer, and white sticky labels with photo number and words "same size" written on black ink. 1140.1 and 1140.2 have pencil cropping marks.trolley wire, esco, power station, demolition

Yields information about trams using the Ripon St line and the then former Ballarat A Power Station.Kodak Kodachrome cardboard mount, colour slide of tram 26?, in Ripon St, bound for Lydiard St North, at Wendouree Parade, with the SEC Power Station A in the background. Taken 5/68."5/68" in ink.tramways, trams, lydiard st north, ripon st, ballarat a power station, tram 26?

Set of four black and white photographs of interior and equipment of the former ESCo / SECV Wendouree Parade Ballarat A power station sent to the Editor of Trolley Wire - used in the November 1997 issue of Trolley Wire. All photos by Richard Gilbert. Photos taken on 20/8/1971. All photos on Kodak paper. 1144.1 - Looking along building at main distribution switch panel - used on page 24 of trolley wire. 1144.2 - a view across the main steam generator section of the power station - and AC plant - used on page 23. 1144.3 - of the British Thomson Houston rotary converters in used at the time of the photo - used on page 23. 1144.4 - a view from the opposite end of the building shown in 1144.1 - showing the rotary converters are in the front of the photo, AC generators in the middle and foreman's cabin - used on page 22. All have yellow stickers with photo number for magazine printer, and white sticky labels with photo number and words "photo xx same size" written on black ink and photo numbers in pencil from Richard.trams, tramways, trolley wire, esco, power station, ballarat a power station, rotary converters

Yields information about the SEC in Ballarat and in particular the conversion from DC power to AC.Newspaper clipping from the Saturday Magazine of The Courier 30/6/1984 titled "50 years of the SEC", looking at the history of the SEC in Ballarat, includes the conversion of plant from DC to AC which was not completed until 1968. Notes the two power stations and SEC offices have been moved to Norman St. Has five photos, including a staff photograph with many names, a photo of Bridge St, a collision between a truck and tram 14, SEC advertising and an interior view of Ballarat A. Written by John Dyallsec, ballarat a power station, sec crews, electrical engineering, electrical systems, electricity supply

Set of two Negatives and Digital images of the Wal Jack Geelong Negative file of the Geelong 33 at the Beach terminus. The tram has the destination of West. The MESCo built power station is in the background. Photo mid to late 1940's. trams, tramways, geelong, beach, power station, tram 33

Negative and Digital images of the Wal Jack Geelong Negative file of Geelong 20 at the Beach terminus. The tram has the destination of West. In the background are some of the buildings of the Power Station Photo mid to late 1940's. trams, tramways, geelong, beach, tram 20

Yields information about the views of various letter writers, views of the Courier, union views, rehabilitation costs Geelong, public meetings and meetings with SEC.Set of three Foolscap sheet of plain paper, with rounded corners, with newspaper cuttings, concerning the mooted closure of the Ballarat Tram system 20 Feb and 22 Feb 1962. All from The Courier, unless noted otherwise. 7940.1 1 - "Tram future rests with Government" - 22-2-62 - news report about the SEC being insistent on tabling the motion to close in Parliament, price of replacement trams. Attending Mr K L Murray, Mr Linaker, Mr A V Mawby of the SEC, Cr. A Pittard and Town Clerk Mr. H H Maddern. 2 - "Government "Bought itself out" - continuation from above, quoting Mr Mawby about the rehabilitation of the system in 1934 by the Government, discussions about fares, losses, time of travel from Sebastopol compared to buses. Also notes Cr Tuppen of Sebastopol. 3 - "A hot tram tip" - 22-2-62 - suggestion by Cr Cooper suggested the tram be retained around the lake for Historical reasons, Mr Murray of the SEC, sell/give to the Historical Society, Cr W E Roff replied about not wanting them and put them in a tip. 7940.2 1 - "SEC Not to sell this - 20-2-62 - photo of the power house in Ripon St, with the caption that the SEC did not propose to sell the property, but would be selling the tram depot site. 2 - "The talk was trams" - 22-2-62 - photo of Mr Mawby, Cr A D Mason, H Linaker and Mr K L Murray at the meeting with Council the previous day. 3 - "Save our Trams" - 21-2-62 - long letter - about the closing the trams and railway losses including building, new rail lines being built. 4 - "Tram fight" - letter by R Courtney Union Secretary, about the formation of a Committee to oppose closure. 7940.3 "Sound Shell Plan+ - 21-2-62 - Long editorial about the construction of a Sound Shell and council discussions and inability to make a decision.closure, letter to the editor, editorial, sec, rehabilitation, staff, buses, concession fares, museum, power station, ballarat a power station, botanical gardens

Yields information about the announcement of the SEC Decision to close both Ballarat and Bendigo and gives details regarding personnel and how it will be handled.., Yields information about the announcement of the SEC Decision to close both Ballarat and Bendigo and gives details regarding personnel and how it will be handled..Copy of a Memorandum sent by the Melbourne office, Engineer and Manager SEC to the Manager Ballarat and Bendigo branches, 1/2/1962, titled "Ballarat, Bendigo Tramways - Personnel", regarding closure, informing unions and personnel. Predicted towards the end of 1962. Will make endeavours to find the men suitable employment, but may not be at existing locations or wages. Notes the same as being applied to Geelong, Ballarat B power station, Geelong power station with ex-gratis payments based on years of service. Signed by K L MurrayDate stamped 2/2/62 and has file number in the top right hand corner in ink and notes re copies.trams, tramways, closure, staff, employment, sec, bendigo, ballarat, personnel, ballarat b power station, geelong

Yields information about the purported achievement of tram 27 reaching 1,000,000 miles and the TMSV Tour and the Lake View loop, showing its relationship with the Ballarat A power station and the removed set of points that were used to construct 0 road at the SEC depot in 1956.Digital image of a Black and white photograph of Tram 27 at the Lake View Loop in Wendouree Parade during the celebrations of the tram completing its "millionth" mile in Ballarat on Saturday 29 June 1968. Note that the south end points of the loop have been removed. The Ballarat A Power station fence is in the background. Tram showing "Special", has banner "This tram has just completed 1,000,000 (million) miles in Ballarat" on the front of the tram during the TMSV Celebratory tour. See also Reg Items 1878 and 7990 to 7995 for other photos of the day by Mal Rowe. Note: A review of the tram car mileages by Dave Macartney, showed that it was actually 900,000, due to a carryover error.trams, tramways, tmsv, million miles, lake view, wendouree parade, crossing loop, ballarat a power station, tram 27

Demonstrates a souvenir item for the opening of the electric tramways in Ballarat in the form of a postcard which has actually been used to send a message. Has a strong association with the people who sent and received the card.Postcard size Souvenir Tram ticket, printed using blue ink on one side with fare, photos of power station, engine room, boiler room and a tram & No.10344 stamped on edge. On reverse side is space for stamp, address etc., - with line & "postcard' etc., printed in red ink. Letter/note to Ethel Hodgson of Lethbridge, stamped in Ballarat on 26-8-1905. Fares given on card are : Mount Pleasant and Orphanage and Grenville St. 3d, or Grenville St. and Tram sheds 3d. Printed in a blue/grey ink of various shades onto a white card. Acted as a souvenir card. One Penny stamp, with Ballarat Cancellation stamp and - "5" stamped on the top of the postage stamp. See also Reg Item 608 and 7084 for further versions of this object.Letter on rear and Has I.R. Kellett in ink in the top right hand corner.trams, tramways, esco, opening, ballarat, tickets, letters

.1 Postcard size Souvenir Tram ticket, printed using blue ink on one side with fare, photos of power station, engine room, boiler room and a tram & No. 1887 stamped on edge. On reverse side is space for stamp, address etc., - with line & "postcard' etc., printed in red ink. Letter/note to Miss A Coote of St Kilda, stamped in Ballarat on 22-8-1905. Fares given on card are : Mount Pleasant and Orphanage and Grenville St. 3d, or Grenville St. and Tram sheds 3d. Printed in a blue/grey ink of various shades onto a white card. Acted as a souvenir card. The letter writer notes the opening of the tramway and having a glorious holiday. One Penny stamp, with Ballarat Cancellation stamp and - "5" stamped on the top of the postage stamp. See also Reg Item 608 for further versions of this object and 7071 for another card used as a letter. .2 - Letter from Melinda McIntyre regarding Agnes Coote story. .3 - Photograph of Agnes Coote.` See document file for correspondence and item for Fares Please!trams, tramways, esco, opening, ballarat, tickets, letters

Digital image of a Photograph of SEC Geelong, No 28 on the depot fan, 21/8/1955. Tram showing the destination of "City". Has depot buildings and power station walls in the background. See item 1930 for a black and white version and 426 for another colour image at the same time.Yields information about Geelong 28Digital image of a colour slide - Keith Kings K(a)(57)jtrams, tramways, geelong, depot, tram 28

A report - possibly to investors about the performance of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria, in 1959. Reports on power production, brown coal production, opening of the Richmond control room, power sales, number of consumers, new power stations - Morwell and Kiewa McKay Creek. Gives Income and profit details. On the last page bottom right hand corner is a paragraph about the financial loss of the Ballarat and Bendigo tramways and the cost of operation per passenger. Yields information about the SEC for 1959 and tramway losses.Two colour folded publication, four sheetssecv, reports, power stations, electricity supply, tramways, finances

Yields information about the shipping of tram No. 31 to Perth.Set of nine Colour 27 x 27 mm slides in Agfachrome blue and white plastic mounts of Ballarat tram No. 31 leaving for Perth to go the now PETS Perth Electric Tramway Society museum - various photos of the truck, including the driver. Tram has been loaded onto the truck. In the background is tram 32, waiting to go to Maryborough and B power station with chimney. Photo from the collection of Lilian Butler. Date based on TMSV item - 11/10/1971 - to the WA Transport Museum, later the Perth Electric Tramway Society. See also Reg Ite, 6441 for another photo.ballarat, tramways, trams, preserved trams, perth, pets, ballarat b power station, sale of trams, tram 31

Yields information about the storage of tramcars at the SEC Ballarat B power station after closure.Agfa blue and white plastic slide mount of three tramcars stored at Ballarat B power station. Shows the chimney of the power station. Photo from the collection of Lilian Butler. ballarat, tramways, trams, tramcars, sale of trams, disposal, ballarat b power station

Yields information about the View Point line.Set of 8 Hanimex colour slides, white cardboard mount and one AGFA blue and white plastic mount slide of the View Point line: .1 - Point where the View Point line crossed from Ripon St to Wendouree Parade at Webster St. .2 - Trackwork arrangement at the intersection of Ripon St and Sturt St - shows blue stone paving around the tracks. .3 - Ballarat A Power Station - Wendouree Parade and Ripon St .4 - View Point track looking North near the boat sheds. .5 - View Point looking north to the Lake View Hotel, shows part of the View Point loop which has been removed. .6 - Trackwork arrangement at the intersection of Ripon and Sturt St, looking south with the Western Hotel in the view. Shows the shelter at the left hand side. .7 - View of the View Point Loop, with a warning on coming trams sign and the Hotel in the far distance. .8 - View of the curves at Mair and Ripon St. .9 - Looking north from the View Point terminus along Wendouree Parade. Photo from the collection of Lilian Butler. ballarat, tramways, trams, wendouree parade, ripon st, view point, ballarat a power station, sturt st, shelters, signs, mair st

Yields information about the transfer of trams to storage at the B Power Station following closure of the SEC Ballarat system.Set of 11 Kodachrome cardboard slides of the relocation of No. 30 and 32 from the SEC Ballarat Depot the SEC Ballarat B Power station yard 4/10/1971 - See Reg Item 3929 for list of dates of tram disposal. .1 - SEC owned truck leaving with No. 30 on board .2 - ditto with No. 30 turning into Wendouree Parade .3 - ditto .4 - ditto arriving B Power station yard with the chimney in the background - note still has its truck attached to the tram. .5 - At the yard with the tram jacked up to release the truck. .6 - No. 30 about to be lowered. .7 - Lil Butler? standing on the step of No. 30. ,8 - No. 30 on the ground - on blocks. .9 - No. 32 loaded onto a truck at the depot. .10 - turning onto Wendouree Parade with No. 32 .11 - No. 30 and 32 at the SEC B Power Station yard Photo from the collection of Lilian Butler. ballarat, tramways, trams, sec, depot, tram disposal, transporting trams, power station, tram 30, tram 32

Set of 9 Agfa blue and white plastic mount slides of the relocation of No. 31 from the SEC Ballarat Depot the SEC Ballarat B Power station yard - 6/10/1971 - See Reg Item 3929 for list of dates of tram disposal. .1 - a mobile crane moving equipment around the depot Wendouree Parade. .2 - No. 31 loaded onto a truck departing the depot. Note that the 21 E truck is not fitted to the tram. .3 - ditto .4 - ditto in Wendouree Parade .5 - arriving at the SEC B Power Station yard. .6 - tram jacked up with the flat bed low loader being moved out from the tram. .7 - tram being lowered to the ground .8 - ditto showing the one end with broken windows. .9 - tram arriving at the B Power station with the station in the background. Photo from the collection of Lilian Butler. ballarat, tramways, trams, sec, depot, tram disposal, transporting trams, power station, tram 31

Yields information about the transfer of trams to storage at the B Power Station following closure of the SEC Ballarat system and the workmen involved.Agfa blue and white plastic mount slides of the team involved in the relocation of No. 31 from the SEC Ballarat Depot the SEC Ballarat B Power station yard - 4/10/1971 - See Reg Item 3929 for list of dates of tram disposal. Photo from the collection of Lilian Butler. ballarat, tramways, trams, sec, depot, tram disposal, transporting trams, power station, crews, tram 31

Colour postcard of the ESCo power station in Ripon St and Wendouree Parade, titled "New Electric Power House Ballarat". Shows the chimney, buildings and the cooling tower facility. Later known as Ballarat A Divided back with space for correspondence and address. No details as to printing.trams, tramways, ballarat a power station, power station, esco, chimney stack

Set of two colour digital images taken by W. J. Llewelyn of the Johns Valves Ballarat factory on the south side of Norman St Ballarat under construction c1954. .1 - looking from the SEC Power Station B towards Wendouree - note the narrow Norman St. .2 - looking back towards the City of Ballarat, with the Railway Workshops and the Showgrounds in the distance. See https://bih.federation.edu.au/index.php/M._B._John_Ltd. accessed 12-6-2017 Photo taken at the same time as btm6855i.trams, tramways, secv, manufacturing, norman st, creswick road, industry

Yields information about the Ballarat Power Station A prior to the demolition of the chimney.Colour digital images taken by W. J. Llewelyn of Ballarat A Power Station, Wendouree Parade and Ripon Street with the chimney standing late 1950's or early 1960's. Note the tram stop pole in the left hand side.trams, tramways, ballarat a power station, wendouree parade, ripon st, sec

Yields information about the Ballarat Power Station B soon after construction and the precinct.Colour digital images taken by W. J. Llewelyn of Ballarat B Power Station, Norman St with a view showing some of the roof mounted equipment and looking towards the Wendouree suburb with Norman St in the view.. Could be early 1954, given the works at Johns Valves - Photo taken at the same time as btm6845i.. Note the surveyor and level in the middle bottom of the photograph.trams, tramways, ballarat b power station, secv, manufacturing, norman st