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.
Untitled image
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
Black and white photograph of MMTB tram 541 in Glenferrie Road Toorak, 18-10-69. Tram has destination of "Kew-Cotham Rd", all blinds are drawn and two panel ads for Kolotex hosiery. No driver in cab. Seat on footpath, indicating a stop possibly with a Bundy clock. ( Image on the dark side.) On Kodak paper.
On rear in black biro "541 Glenferrie RD, Toorak, / 18-10-69"
Document or hand out titled "9 Lives of a Tramway Cat" written by Pamela and Peter Waugh asking Museum visitors to find the various nine cats and read the relevant story. Has nine different cat stories. First created 2023. Layout by Challis Design and printed in Ballarat during 2024.
Demonstrates the work of the BTM.
Printed full colour 3 fold DL document. Two copies held.
btm, museum, nine cats, stories, visitors
Photograph of the Geelong scrubber tram turning from Brougham St into Moorabool St with the Geelong Customs house in the background. The small building on the left hand side of the building has since been removed. The worker is cleaning the points for the wharf line which can be seen the foreground. The wharf line was closed and the rails used to extend the depot line to Beach during Oct. 1940. Photo c1939.
Yields information about the Geelong scrubber tram and the line to Geelong wharf.
Black and white photograph printed on plain paper.
tramcars, geelong, scrubber tram, geelong scrubber, moorabool st, geelong wharf, beach
Photograph of a Geelong Birney tram in Ryrie St. Note the large bag the conductor is carrying around his shoulder, and who is speaking to two people. Tram has the destination of Eastern Park. Behind is the Mayfair School of Dancing, Gurr Frier & Collins Auctioneer, and a shop showing it as Agents for Tri-Cleaning and Art Dyers. Photo c1940.
Yields information about the Geelong Birney trams and their use.
Black and white photograph printed on plain paper.
tramcars, geelong, birney tramcars, ryrie st, conductors, eastern park
Set of 15 typed sheets listing: 1 - Geelong tramways truck fittings and spare parts - 4 sheets 2 - Geelong track rail dimensions - 2 sheets 3 - Geelong track construction layout drawings - 6 sheets 4 - Bendigo - drawings of track sections - 1 sheet 5 - Bendigo - track plans - 1 sheet 6 - Bendogo - truck equipment and parts - 1 sheet
Yields information about the drawings prepared by the SEC for Geelong and Bendigo - whether these still exist is questionable.
Set of 15 typed quarto sheets within a manila card folder.
tramcars, lists, geelong, bendigo, track work, plans, rails, parts, trucks, equipment
List titled "Disposal of Ballarat Tramcars", possibly late 1972 given notes 4 and 10. Lists the disposal of all Ballarat tramcars and where they went too following the closure of the Ballarat system. Based on the handwriting possibly prepared by Keith Kings for publication. Gives the removal date or storage locations.
Yields information about the disposal of the Ballarat fleet following closure of the tram system.
Handwritten list on two foolscap sheets of ruled paper and one small cut sheet as a heading.
tramcars, ballarat, lists, disposal, sale of trams
List titled "Numbers and Particulars of Trams", dated 28/9/1970, split into separate sheets for single truck and bogie trams which includes the Scrubber tram. Tram 20 has been deleted following its demolition on 17/9/1970 (see item 1088). Gives details of where purchased from, date of purchase, type, body builder, seating capacity, overall length, overall height, overall width, Lightning arrester, controller make and type, Truck Maker and type, type of truck, axle type, wheelbase, axle diameter, motors type and maker, Motor horsepower, Armature bearings, suspension bearings, gear teeth, Air compressor make and type, Brake Valves make and type, Governor make and type, Weight in tons. Has a list of abbreviations on the base of each sheet. See also 8721 and 8722 for other versions - different dates and 8690 for a Bendigo list. Note: Framed copies of both Ballarat and Bendigo are held in the depot.
Yields information about the dimensions and equiipment on Ballarat Tramcars operated by the SEC.
Typed List of tramcars and their details for Ballarat - carbon copy two double foolscap sheets.
tramcars, ballarat, equipment, lists, data
List titled ""Details of Rolling Stock" - Ballarat, dated 5/6/64. Gives details of where purchased from, date of purchase, type, body builder, seating capacity, overall length, overall height, overall width, Lightning arrester, controller make and type, Truck Maker and type, type of truck, axle type, wheelbase, axle diameter, motors type and maker, Motor horsepower, Armature bearings, suspension bearings, gear teeth, Air compressor make and type, Brake Valves make and type, Governor make and type, Weight in tons and if one man operation. See also 8721 and 8722 for other versions - different dates and 8690 for a Bendigo list. Note: Framed copies of both Ballarat and Bendigo are held in the depot. Has a list of abbreviations, and for the bogie cars, the number of entrances.
Yields information about the dimensions and equiipment on Ballarat Tramcars operated by the SEC.
Typed List of tramcars and their details for Ballarat.
tramcars, ballarat, equipment, lists, data
List titled "Numbers and Particulars of Trams", copied 27 March 1952. Gives details of where purchased from, date of purchase, type, body builder, seating capacity, overall length, overall height, overall width, condition of tram, trolley base, Lightning arrester, controller make and type, Truck Maker and type, type of truck, axle type, wheelbase, axle diameter, motors type and maker, Motor horsepower, Armature bearings, suspension bearings, gear teeth, Air compressor make and type, Brake Valves make and type, Governor make and type, Weight in tons and details of advertising space in racks. See also 8721 and 8722 for other versions - different dates and 8690 for a Bendigo list. Note: Framed copies of both Ballarat and Bendigo are held in the depot. Notes the renumbering of trams 15 and 22.
Yields information about the dimensions and equiipment on Ballarat Tramcars operated by the SEC.
Typed List of tramcars and their details for Ballarat.
handwritten note regarding tram 37 "not in service" and "41, 42, 43" added to top right hand side.
tramcars, ballarat, equipment, lists, data
Westinghouse part catalogue for their T1C tramway controller style number 15948, undated, possibly c1909 given a number on the bottom left-hand corner of the first sheet. Gives images and a list of all the parts including smaller images in the controller and their prices along with the part number. Published in the UK by The British Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. Ltd. London and Manchester. Shows both main drum and brake drum development, that is the connecting strips or contacts.
Yields information about the Westinghouse UK products.
Manual or document 16 printed pages centre stapled within card covers.
tramways, tramcars, equipment, westinghouse, maintenance, instructions, controllers
Westinghouse part catalogue B6008 for the "Parts of Westinghouse Canopy Switch for Tramway Equipments" - used for Westinghouse T1F controllers - style Nos. 5437 and 5409, manufactured by Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. of London and Manchester. Dated Oct. 1906. Lists parts with images and prices. It was used to turn on or off the power to a tram. It is not a circuit breaker of the type that are fitted to the Museum's trams.
Yields information about the Westinghouse UK products.
Manual or document 8 printed pages centre stapled within card covers.
tramways, tramcars, equipment, westinghouse, switches
Lists for each weekday, the work done on each tram, who was on leave, and events or failures, derailments - shown in red ink, motormen examined.
Yields information about the Ballarat Workshop activities, tramcars maintained and events.
Printed and bound book - Collins Australian Diary No. 324 for 1967 - two pages per week, ruled with date and holiday information.
ballarat, tramcars, workshop records, workshops, maintenance
Lists for each weekday, the work done on each tram, who was on leave, and events or failures, derailments - shown in red ink, motormen examined.
Yields information about the Ballarat Workshop activities, tramcars maintained and events.
Printed and bound book - Collins Australian Diary No. 324 for 1966 - two pages per week, ruled with date and holiday information.
ballarat, tramcars, workshop records, workshops, maintenance
Photocopy of an extract from the Geelong Advertiser 26/3/1956 about the closure of the Geelong tram system and the public participation. Has a photo of Mr S Parker driver and Mr E Sweeten, conductor on one of the last trams. Also has an item dated 27/3/1959 about the presentation of a bell taken from Geelong tram 38 and presented to former Mayoress Mrs H Jacobs by the Mayor of Newtown and Chilwell Cr A S M Collins.
Yields information about the last day of Geelong trams.
Set of two foolscap photocopies of extracts from the Geelong Advertiser.
tramways, tramcars, geelong, closure, last tram, bells
Graph showing " Ballarat Tramways Annual Statistics" from 1934 to 1960 - showing millions of passengers, revenue and expenditure with notes on an extension to Lydiard St North cemetery, a full year of conductor operation, defence camp in full operation, fourty hour week, 1949 fare increase, also 1951 and 1955 and 1952 roster with 67 men.
Yields information about Ballarat's revenue and expenditure and passenger numbers.
Graph hand made on printed 1/10th of inch graph paper with rounded corners.
tramways, tramcars, secv, statistics, fare increases, annual reports, passengers
Letter from H W C Lucas of SEC Melbourne to Mr Thomas setting out the track mileage for Ballarat's 6 tram routes - Double track, single track or route miles. Totals 15.480miles. Compiled from Mr Thomas's notes. Letter dated 26/7/1937 which is before the opening of the extension to Lydiard St North.
Yields information about Ballarat track and route mileages.
Letter hand written on ruled quarto paper.
tramways, tramcars, mileage, secv
The document provides details of the 1917 agreement between the Australian Tramway Employees' Association and the Electric Supply Co. of Victoria Ltd, detailing details and conditions of work and disputes, grievances, discipline, leave etc. Applied to both Ballarat and Bendigo tramways. On page 9 re meals on fare box cars, pages 13 to 16 show the rosters for both systems. Page 11 gives pay rates and a specific rate for Youth Rundle. Document dated 30/6/1917.
Yields information about the industrial agreements between the Union and ESCo,
Booklet - 16 pages + red card cover - saddle or centre stapled.
Has the Ballarat Division of the Union stamp on page 1
tramways, atea, union, agreements, rosters, esco, ballarat, bendigo, fare boxes, rates of pay
Letter from the Australian General Electric Co. Ltd, agents for General Electric and British Thomson Houston (BTH) tramway equipment to ESCo Ballarat regarding spare parts for B-49 controllers manufactured by BTH. Enclosed a copy of the B-23 controller which had similar parts. Dated 13/9/1924.
Demonstrates the issues of spare parts for old equipment.
Letter typed on quarto sheet - has a water mark and the GE ad BTH logos.
tramways, tramcars, controllers, general electric, bth, spare parts
Set of 4 - Timetables - Geelong buses that were introduced following the closure of the Geelong tram system. 1 - Trans Otway - Eastern Park and West Geelong dated 23/1/1956 - gives route and times. Printed - 111x142mm 2 - Benders Busways - Chillwell - gives times, fares, bus stop locations and route details - tri fold foolscap - 210 x 111 3 - ditto - for Newtown 4 - Corio bus lines - Belmon - City from 26/3/1956 - gives sections, fares, routes, times and route details - folded quarto - 205 x 164 All note that folded pushers carried at any times, unfolded between 9.30 and 3.30, no prams. See item 6812 for the Transport Regulation Board poster of 1956 and two other bus operators.
Yields information about the bus timetables following the closure of the Geelong tram system.
Set of four printed or duplicated documents
tramways, geelong, closure, bus, buses, bus replacement, timeables, trans otway, corio bus lines, benders busways
Report - possibly only page 1 of a multiple-page report - "Inspection of Birney Cars at Adelaide", dated 11/12/1935 about the differences between the Geelong Birney safety car and those of the Adelaide tramways that were based at the Port Adelaide depot. Notes the condition of the cars, whether they have been overhauled, floor coverings, and brake gear. The Author (VP) notes that they are in good condition. The trams were subsequently purchased and entered service in Geelong during 1936.
Yields information about the condition of the Birney trams at Port Adelaide prior to acquisition.
Typed document glued to another sheet of quarto paper.
tramways, geelong, tramcars, birney tramcars, port adelaide
List showing the destination blind or curtain arrangement of destinations on Geelong tramcars. Notes that it is black letters on a white material. Also lists the coloured route indicators and how they were shown on a box above the destination roll. Author unknown.
Yields information about the arrangement of Geelong destination roll and the indicator lights.
Typed document with handwritten notes on a quarto sheet of paper.
tramways, geelong, tramcars, destination roll, destination indicators, lists
Newspaper cutting titled "When trams ran in Geelong" written by Max White. Looks at the development of the tramway system in Geelong, MESCo, operation, take over by the SEC and finally closure. Notes the use of coloured route lights, conductresses, and how the system was shut down in stages. Has a photo of Geelong 7 supplied by Bob Prentice.
Yields information about the history of the Geelong tramway system.
Newspaper clipping newsprint - Geelong Advertiser 9/10/1971
tramways, geelong, closure, belmont, mesco, local history
Notice - advising the closure of the Belmont Geelong tram route on Sunday 25/3/1956 and its replacement by buses.
Demonstrates a SEC notice about the closure of the Belmont tram route.
Notice - dyeline print on paper.
tramways, geelong, closure, belmont, notices and information
Form headed "Ballarat Tramways Punch Register" - with extensive entries required for the record of tramcar operations on ESCo Ballarat tramways. Principally around the number of tickets sold, punched and trips with the pay-in details along the lower edge. HP James notes the use of Bell punches of two types in his notes on tickets - see item 2541. See item 2531 for a 4d ticket that states it had to be Bell punched. Has space for 4d return, 1d night school, disabled soldiers, and various values of dockets. Has a piece of paper glued to the top - lower right hand area to record 4d and 3d exchange tickets.
Demonstrates an ESCo trip waybill and bell punch register.
Preprinted form - double layer of paper with red horizontal ruling.
tramways, ballarat, fares, pay-in forms, tickets, trip waybills, esco, bell punch
Lists the work carried out by the SEC on the Scrubber (track cleaner) tram. This tram was created from ESCo 23 in 1934. Includes notes on the tram itself, body, brake gear, electrical, and truck.
Demonstrates the SECV practice of maintaining records for the work on the tramcars in Ballarat.
Foolscap ruled sheet with stamp tram car number and work category, typed or handwritten entries.
tramways, tramcars, ballarat, sec, tramcar maintenance, records, scrubber
Lists the work carried out by the SEC on tram No. 43. Includes notes on the tram itself, body, brake gear, electrical, and truck.
Demonstrates the SECV practice of maintaining records for the work on the tramcars in Ballarat.
Foolscap ruled sheet with handwritten tram car number and work category, with handwritten entries.
tramways, tramcars, ballarat, sec, tramcar maintenance, records, tram 43
Lists the work carried out by the SEC on tram No. 42. Includes notes on the tram itself, body, brake gear, electrical, and truck.
Demonstrates the SECV practice of maintaining records for the work on the tramcars in Ballarat.
Foolscap ruled sheet with handwritten tram car number and work category, with handwritten entries.
tramways, tramcars, ballarat, sec, tramcar maintenance, records, tram 42
Lists the work carried out by the SEC on tram No. 40. Includes notes on the tram itself, body, brake gear, electrical, and truck.
Demonstrates the SECV practice of maintaining records for the work on the tramcars in Ballarat.
Foolscap ruled sheet with handwritten tram car number and work category, with handwritten entries.
tramways, tramcars, ballarat, sec, tramcar maintenance, records, tram 40
Pamphlet advertising the Museum, with a sketch of tram 40, with the name "Ballarat Tourist Tramway" on the rear and giving visiting details and fares. Has a map on the rear showing the location and track along Wendouee Parade. See item 6296 for an earlier example.
Yields information about BTPS Marketing c1975.
Duplicated quarto sheet two sided on white paper.
tramways, ballarat, btps, map, drawings, sketches, fares, operations
Lists the work carried out by the SEC on tram No. 39. Includes notes on the tram itself, body, brake gear, electrical, and truck.
Demonstrates the SECV practice of maintaining records for the work on the tramcars in Ballarat.
Foolscap ruled sheet with handwritten tram car number and work category, with handwritten entries.
tramways, tramcars, ballarat, sec, tramcar maintenance, records, tram 39
Lists the work carried out by the SEC on tram No. 38. Includes notes on the tram itself, body, brake gear, electrical, and truck.
Demonstrates the SECV practice of maintaining records for the work on the tramcars in Ballarat.
Foolscap ruled sheet with handwritten tram car number and work category, with handwritten entries.
tramways, tramcars, ballarat, sec, tramcar maintenance, records, tram 38
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.
