Significance

One of a few service vehicles built from almost new by the MMTB rather than being a converted vehicle. Donated to the BTM in 1999 and has been an operational tram 2001.

Physical description

Single truck (4 wheels), special purpose tram fitted with two cabs, control equipment, air brakes, track scrubber or cleaning equipment, pump, water and air lines to clean track. Carries approx. 4 cubic metres of water.



The tram was built by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board in 1934 using the cabs from a C class tram (No. 32). It was transported to the isolated Footscray system a number of times to clean the rails there. In 1961 it received additional body bracing and repainted in the diagonal black and string (light cream) stripes. The tram became 8W during 1975 as the then new Z class trams came into service. By the early 1990's the need for the tram and the other similar cars used to "scrub" the surface of the rails was no longer. The tram was stored at Malvern depot for many years before being donated to the Ballarat Tramway Museum by the Public Transport Commission in September 1999. It has been scrubbing the rails in Ballarat since March 2001.



For a detailed article see April 2008 issue of Fares Please.



Photo Warren Doubleday 20/9/2008 after painting completed



See Destination City

Inscriptions & markings

MMTB