Significance
On of a class of 120 trams built at Preston Workshops between 1939 and 1951. Third tram to be converted to a Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tram. Of the six trams converted, the only former Melbourne Restaurant tram in use currently (March 2019), trams 4, 5, and 6 having been withdrawn during October 2018.
Physical description
Four motor bogie tram - ex Melbourne - tram No. 939 - One of a class of 120 trams built at Preston Workshops between 1939 and 1951. Third tram to be converted to a Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tram. Of the six trams converted, the only former Melbourne Restaurant tram in use currently (March 2019), trams 4, 5, and 6 having been withdrawn during October 2018.
The tram was built by the MMTB as No. 939 in 1948 at Preston Workshops as a standard SW6 tramcar. It was resident for most of its life at Camberwell, Kew and South Melbourne depots and finally Southbank depot. Heavily rebuilt internally to give a flat floor, air-conditioned, 240V and 24V systems fitted along with changes to bulkheads and position of the passenger door and a goods door in 1994.
The tram was converted into Melbourne Restaurant tram No. 3 in 1994/95, being launched on 8-2-1995. While in the later part of its use by the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Co, it was named “Valentine” during July 2008. It was withdrawn from service in May 2012, when it was replaced by No. 935 (Restaurant No. 6).
In August 2014, the Museum received a grant from the Victorian Government of $40,000 to refurbish tram – part of the Transport Investing in Regions Program. The tram was relocated to the Ballarat depot on 29/10/2014.
Refurbishment work was completed during March 2016 and the tram was formally launched on 5/4/2016.. The tram is named after Sir Henry Cuthberts (1829 - 1907), the first Chairman of the Ballaarat Tramway Co (the horse tram operator). Sir Henry was a Ballarat based solicitor, member of the Legislative Council, Knighted in 1897 and strong supporter of many Ballarat institutions.
Photo Warren Doubleday 5-4-2016.
