We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.
Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.
Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.
"MTPA - Museum Guidebook" - cover
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
Have a question? Contact Ballarat Tramway Museum
"MTPA - Museum Guidebook" - introductory pages.
Can you reuse this media without permission? No (with exceptions, see below)
All rights reserved
This media item is licensed under "All rights reserved". You cannot share (i.e. copy, distribute, transmit) or rework (i.e. alter, transform, build upon) this item, or use it for commercial purposes without the permission of the copyright owner. However, an exception can be made if your intended use meets the "fair dealing" criteria. Uses that meet this criteria include research or study; criticism or review; parody or satire; reporting news; enabling a person with a disability to access material; or professional advice by a lawyer, patent attorney, or trademark attorney.
Please acknowledge the item’s source, creator and title (where known)
Have a question? Contact Ballarat Tramway Museum
Book compiled by Criag Tooke for the Melbourne Tramcar Preservation Association c1985. Details the history of the organisation, its tramcar collection at the time and its works. Has on the front cover VR tram No. 30. At the time of cataloguing, the MTPA had on loan to the BTM, two trams, VR 41 and W2 407.
Yields information about work of the MTPA.
Book - 25 A4 pages + covers wire bound.
Geelong No. 1 leaves the crossing loop in Aphrasia St before turning into Pakington St. The tram has the destination of Station. See item 7821 for the original negative.
Yields information about Geelong No. 1 and Aphrasia St.
Black and white photograph, with hand written details on rear.
See rear image.
tramways, trams, geelong, newtown, aphrasia st, tram 1
Photograph of Geelong No. 16 at the Chilwell terminus 23/6/1949, with the J. Cahill Milk bar, shop in the background. Would appear the driver / motorman has just entered the end to drive back into town. Both poles are still on the overhead. Tram has the destination of Chilwell. See item 7117 for the original negative.
Yields information about the Chilwell terminus and Geelong 16.
Black and white photograph, with hand written details on rear.
See rear image.
tramways, trams, geelong, tram 16, chilwell
Photo of the Geelong scrubber on a wide road, single track in Moorabool St at McKillop St - Note the pole with the single track bracket arm. See item 7844 for the negative. Dated July 1950.
Yields information about the use of the Geelong Scrubber or water tram.
Black and white photograph, with hand written details on rear.
See rear image.
tramways, trams, geelong, scrubber tram
Photo shows Geelong Birney No. 14 in Ryrie St with the destination of Eastern Park. Based on three other photos by "CF" - c1948. The tram was sent by the SEC to Bendigo in 1948. Behind the tram is the T&G buiding.
Yields information about the Geelong tram 14
Black and white photograph, plain back.
Has the initials "CF" in pencil on the rear.
tramways, trams, geelong, tram 14, ryrie st.
Photo shows Geelong bogie tram No. 36 in Moorabool St with the destination of North. Another bogie tram is behind No. 36. No 36 was purchased by the SEC in 1948 from the MMTB. Based on three other photos by "CF" - c1948. The photographer has been "photobombed" by a boy on a bike.
Yields information about the Geelong tram 36
Black and white photograph, plain back.
Has the initials "CF" in pencil on the rear.
tramways, trams, geelong, railway station, tram 36
Photo shows two trams at the Geelong railway station, with No 8 in front and a Pengelley tram behind. Based on three other photos by "CF" - c1948.
Yields information about the Geelong tram 8
Black and white photograph, plain back.
Has the initials "CF" in pencil on the rear.
tramways, trams, geelong, railway station, tram 8
The photo shows Geelong tram No.15 in Moorabool St, before turning into Ryrie St with the destination of Eastern Park. A lady passenger is boarding. The tram has a Pay as you enter sign. In the background is the Bank of NSW. Photo by Ken McCarthy 4-2-1948
Yields information about the Geelong tram 15
Black and white photograph with stamped details on rear.
Typed on rear "No. 15 Birney Safety car, SEC Geelong 4 Feb 1948, copyright K McCarthy, Photo No. 77". Ken Magor stamp as well"
tramways, trams, geelong, tram 15, moorabool st
The photo shows Geelong tram No. 3 at the railway station with the destination of Newtown. Photo by Ken McCarthy 4-2-1948
Yields information about the Geelong railway station terminus and tram 3.
Black and white photograph with stamped details on rear.
Typed on rear "No. 3 car SEC Geelong 4 Feb 1948, copyright K McCarthy, Photo No. 76". Ken Magor stamp as well"
tramways, trams, geelong, tram 3, railway, railway station
The photo shows Geelong tram No. 10 at the Newtown terminus, showing the return destination of Beach. Note the large overhead pan to assist the crew in locating the trolley pole, particularly at night. Photo by Ken Winney May 1947.
Yields information about the Geelong Newtown terminus and tram 10
Black and white photograph with typed details on rear.
Typed on rear "Car No 10 at the Newtown terminus (Geelong), May 1947". Ken Magor stamp and "K Winney"
tramways, trams, geelong, newtown, tram 10
The photo shows Geelong Birney tram 15 at the Eastern Park terminus. Note the large overhead pan to assist crew in locating the trolley pole, particularly at night. Photo by Ken Winney May 1947.
Yields information about the Geelong Eastern Park terminus and tram 15.
Black and white photograph with typed details on rear.
Typed on rear "SEC system Geelong, Birney safety car No. 15 at Eastern Park terminus, May 1947". Ken Magor stamp and "K Winney"
tramways, trams, geelong, eastern park, tram 15
The colour print shows Malop St Geelong near Mercer St. An eastbound tram is just visible. Has the National Mutual, Franklin tea rooms and a printer in the view. Possibly a Kodak print.
Yields information about the Malop St and Mercer St intersection late 1940s.
Colour photograph titled "Malop Street Geelong - No. 5"
On rear is the Ken Magor stamp.
tramways, trams, geelong, malop st
The colour print of Moorabool Street Geelong shows SEC No. 3 just to the south of Malop St. Has Hitchcocks, T & G building and the Bank of NSW buildings in the view. The tram is shown with a red colour scheme which is incorrect, should be green. There are two other trams in the view. Possibly a Kodak print.
Yields information about the Moorabool St Geelong, late 1940s.
Colour photograph titled "Moorabool Street Geelong - No. 1"
In pencil on rear "No. 3 car". Ken Magor stamp and in pencil "K McCarthy No. 71"
tramways, trams, geelong, moorabool st, tram 8
The photo shows Geelong No 8 at the East terminus with the conductor standing alongside. The tram has the destination of Chilwell. Note the large steel pan alongside the trolley pole to assist crews in locating the trolley pole on the overhead at night. Dated May 1947 on the rear.
Yields information about the Geelong East terminus and tram 8.
Black and white photograph with typed details on rear.
Typed on rear SEC system Geelong, car no. 8 at "East". Ken Magor stamp and "K Winney"
tramways, trams, geelong, tram 8, east
From a Melbourne Cable Car Trailer, built by the Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Co. circa 1885. It is cast in 2 halves and then the 2 pieces forged together. It is a poor example due to a poor sand system employed. Lack of wear markings suggests this item had not been extensively used or subject to extensive wear.
Example of cable car suspension components
Cast item, two halves welded together and painted.
ballarat, ballarat tramways, cable car, horse tram
Used by ESCo to enable identification of depot employees when travelling on their trams. Date made and when used unknown. See also 1798 for another example.
Demonstrates a employee's free pass for travelling on Ballarat's trams.
Handmade metal badge from brass sheet about 54 in diameter with a slot (long oval shape) about 23 long x 5 deep through which a leather strap could be fitted through. Stamped in capital letters on the badge are "BALLARAT TRAMWAYS" on the outside, "EMPLOYEES CAR DEPOT", in the centre of the badge, with the word "Employees" in a semi-circle. Near the bottom of the badge is the number "16". The letters have been filled with black paint.
tramcars, tramways, esco, depot, employees pass, badges
Used as a means of authorising a tramcar to have sole use of the track between the named points to avoid head-on collisions. Safeworking object - known as a section staff. Not known when made, but in use, until the introduction of the electric signalling in the mid 1930's by the SEC. See also Reg Items 934 and 988 for details of use and other examples are at 1851, 52 and 53, 2473 and 4444 to 4448 , 4996 and 4497 and Reg item 934 and 988 for articles on the safeworking systems.
Demonstrates aspects of Safeworking on the Ballarat Tramway system used to c1936 when replaced by electric signals. Yields Information about the operation of Ballarat's trams and safeworking procedures.
Cast brass item with a flat part recessed section with the words "BALLARAT TRAMWAYS SECTION STAFF" cast into the surface and a flat section underneath, flush with the outside edges in which the words "PLEASANT ST - GARDENS LOOP NTH. " stamped in. Has an open rounded end which forms a handle or a point where it could be hung on a peg.
tramcars, tramways, staff, safeworking, tramway staffs, sec, esco
Photograph of 17 representatives of the Australian Tramway Employees Association Conference in Hobart Tasmania 1929. Many have watch chains with their union badges. Back row - W B Randall SA, M J Stapleton Vic, J M Bergin Vic, A W Banks NSW, Middle row - J H Brown Hobart, E Christie, Vic, G H Bayliss Vic, R Lynch NSW, D Cameron WA, H J Holder Launceston Front row - W A Clementson NSW, A C Warton Vice President, C J Bray Treasurer, J I Abflater Gen President, T Jewell General Secretary, M A McDonald SA, T E Beckman NSW. Photo by J J N Barnett of Hobart.
Has a close association with the men list and their union activities.
Mounted photograph black and white onto cardboard with names and title printed. Has a coloured image of Madonna on the rear.
aeta, union, conferences, hobart
Pamphlet titled "Z3 Tram - Souvenir of the Introduction of New Series Trams to Melbourne", for the launch of the Z 3 class tram. Has a sketch of Z3 116. Provides a list or details of the changes to the tram from the Z1 Z2 types. Has a tear off section that could be handed to the conductor. Published by the MMTB for the launch of the tram on 25 and 26 September 1979.
Yields information about the Z3 class tram.
Pamphlet, folded sheet, manila colour card, printed in blue ink
trams, tramways, z3 class, new trams, mmtb
Gives the detail of the tramcar, classification, developers (builders and suppliers), description, history, contract price, warranty, vehicle performance, dimensions, suspension, propulsion, braking, electrical and control systems and body specifications and a list of work done at Preston Workshops.
Yields information about the Z3 class tram.
Specification or report - 5 A4 pages stapled in top left hand corner.
trams, tramways, z3 class, commonwealth engineering, comeng, aeg, duwag, bogies, mmtb, new trams
Showing how tramway electrical current was returned to the electrical sub-station via the rails.
Demonstrates an earth return bonding piece.
Traction Return Current Rail Bond, consists of a multi strand copper cable abt 19mm dia. and 530mm long, with block of steel (25x25x43mm) brazed onto each end. The block of steel gets welded to the outside of the rail head at or near a joint in the rails. The bond is to ensure a reliable return current as the fishplates and bolts are subject to dirt and rust which can inhibit the current.
tramways, electrical engineering, earth return, bonds, trackworks
Colour print showing the installation of the wooden shelter at Gardens Loop by the Museum prior to the installation of the interpretative board in the shelter. The shelter was subsequently replaced by the Council with a new structure.
Yields information about the shelter installed by the Museum at Gardens Loop during 1994.
Colour photograph print on Fujichrome paper.
museum, shelter, gardens loop, shelters
Colour print showing two of the SEC tramway timetable boards, that was located at the City Tramway centre on display on the end of tram 39 before the construction of an entry into the Museum display.
Demonstrates methods used to display information at the Museum during 1994.
Colour photograph print on Fujichrome paper.
museum, timetable boards, tram 39
Set of 2 colour prints showing two of the Museum display panels June 1994. The first photo shows moveable display panels that were installed in tram 39, salvaged from timetable boards at Flinders St station and the second is an interpretative panel for ESCo tram No. 12.
Demonstrates methods used to display information at the Museum during 1994.
Set of 2 colour photographs on Fujichrome paper.
tramcars, esco, tram 12, displays, museum, tram 39
Set of 16 colour prints showing the reconstruction of the underframe and other parts of ESCo tram 12 during 1994.
Yields information about the reconstruction of the underframe of tram 12 and other components.
Set of 16 colour photographs
tramcars, esco, tram 12, reconstruction, underframes
The document looks at the costs of operating trams including reconstruction, trolley-buses, and petrol buses in Ballarat. Dated 7/10/1932. Considers the costs of tramway reconstruction - the minimal work needed (88500 pounds), current ESCo traffic expenses and income, cost of a trolley bus system including 25 buses and road pavement (100,450 pounds) and 25 petrol buses including costs of scrapping the existing per way and overhead (64,450 pounds). Concluded that reinstatement of the system along the lines of that of Bendigo was the best option. Includes costs and revenue predictions.
Demonstrates a document prepared in 1932 to consider the future of the Ballarat Tramway system.
Nine pages of a carbon copy document - first page missing.
tramcars, tramways, costs, ballarat, trolley buses, buses, track reconstruction, operations
Extract from the 1954 Tramway Conference of the three tramway systems - notes on painting of trams, track wear, lighting, tramcar maintenance, trolley wheels, costs, and failure of pony wheels. See item 8057 for the 1954 Minutes.
Demonstrates minutes of the 1954 Tramway Conference.
Five foolscap pages of a carbon copy document - first and possibly other pages missing.
tramcars, tramways, bogie trams, pony axles, costs, tramcar maintenance, track wear
The typed document, most likely from an original document, details the rules for Electric Supply Co of Victoria (ESCo) Conductors. ESCo was the operator of the Ballarat Tramways from 1905 to 1934. Notes issuing of tickets, operational issues, trailers, bell signs, cash handling, parcels, behavior, uniforms, and inspectors. Conductors were primarily youths, under 21 and could be sacked for errors and were generally not employed after they turned 21. Notes the Grenville St shelter/office of ESCo. Not known who retyped the document.
Yields information about the rules that ESCo conductors operated under and the operation of trailers.
Six page typed document on ruled foolscap paper with four punch holes on left side and stapled in top left hand corner.
tramcars, tramways, conductors, tickets, esco, trailers
Set of four documents: - letter from W R Dann Traffic Manager of the Brisbane City Council Transport Department to Les Denmead, Tramway Supertindent Ballarat dated 6/2/1956, enclosing two prints of Brisbane Tramway Drop Centre bogie trams, long wheelbase reversed Maximum Traction truck, and Accident Report Form No. 1 of 8/54. Possibly the letter resulted from a meeting at a tramway conference.
Yields information about Brisbane drop centre tramcars and accident report forms.
Set of four documents - typed cover letter and other printed sheets.
tramcars, accidents, forms, brisbane, drop centre trams, trucks
Set of three drawings related to the Brill 22E Maximum Traction trucks: 1 - "Brake Rigging Brill Maximum Traction Truct No. 22E" - showing the dimensions of the levers and pivot points. For the relevant Geelong drawing T1647 see item 8044 2 - "Standard Pony Axle" - traced from MMTB drawing R3755 3 - "Pony Axle Box" - traced from MMTB drawing R1112 and dated in ink 28-4-1955
Yields information about Brill 22E brake rigging and equipment.
Set of three Drawings - dyeline print on plain paper with a brass clip in the top right hand corner.
tramcars, brill 22e, pony axles, axles, axle boxes, brake rigging, ballarat, geelong, drawings
Set of two drawings (BA-T8-8100/1 and BA-T8-8100B) showing the installation of tail lights on SEC tramcars and modifications to the battery/trolley pole relay and battery. Both are dated 15/11/1949 and signed by the Manager Ballarat Branch. The actual relay used later was a Post Office type relay contained within a wooden box.
Yields information about the modifications proposed to the tramcars to provide a rear tail light and lights when at a terminus.
Drawing - dyeline print on plain paper
tramcars, safety, tail lights, lights, ballarat
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
