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.
An Essay "Three Ambitions Achieved" by Erica Downard of Visiting Egypt, working on Melbourne's trams and appearing on the Sale of the Century. Erica worked at the South Melbourne depot.
Has a close association with Erica and he experiences as a conductor.
Single A4 sheet and photo
Report dated 26/6/1989 provides details on the kilometres operated by each depot on various days, by each route, average headways, route lengths, route statistical information, and tram fleet allocation by type and depot.
Yields information about The Met tram operational statistics for 1989.
Twelve page report dated 26/6/1989 titled "Kilometres Operated by each depot"
tramways, routes, statistics, fleet, depots, operations
Report written by Hugh Waldron on the testing of the Metcard Machines during early Feb. 1996. The author gives details of the testing, timetabling, using Z class tram No. 10. A photo of the tram is included.
Has a close association with Hugh and the testing of The Metcard machines.
Three A4 sheets with photo of Z class tram No. 10
tramways, metcard, testing, z class, tram 10, ticket machines
Button has the raised letters "P & M Tramway Trust" on the front of the badge and the imprint of Stokes & Sons Melbourne on the rear. Used by the Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust for their Uniforms. See item 517 for another example.
Demonstrates buttons worn by the PMTT staff.
Button, brass fitted with a hook and a clip - small sleeve or cap.
trams, tramways, buttons, uniforms, pmtt
Each button has the logo of the Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Co. pressed into the front of the badge - a M interwoven with a T. All made by Stokes and Sons of Melbourne. Worn by Cable Tram employees
Demonstrates buttons worn by the MTOCo staff.
Set of five MTOCo coat buttons fitted with hooks - nickel plated brass - 3 large coat, 2 small sleeve or cap.
trams, tramways, cable trams, mto co, buttons, uniforms
Used by the Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Co. to identify its employees, in this case from Richmond car house or depot. Used until about 1916 when replaced by badges marked for the Tramway Board.
Demonstrates the method of identifying cable tram employees.
Round pressed brass badge with the letters "M.T&O.Co. Rd 66". On the rear of the badge, are two metal lugs have been soldered onto the badge and a single-piece leather strap with a buttonhole cut into it to enable it to be worn on a uniform.
trams, tramways, cable trams, employees pass, mto co, richmond depot
Written on the handle in pencil "The dear old "PM" cable trams passed away March 13, 1937" - a souvenir from one of the last trams to Port Melbourne. Both the South Melbourne and Port Melbourne cable lines closed on this date. The South Melbourne line was converted to electric traction; the Port Melbourne line was replaced by a bus service. See item 5556 for another bell cord from the same event.
Has a close association with the closure of the Port Melbourne cable tram line.
Bell cord - for a grip car bell - consisting of a wooden turned handle fitted with a screw at the bottom, a length of sash cord and a cast iron end to which the rope has been glued or fastened into.
On the wooden handle a note has been written in pencil.
trams, tramways, cable trams, grip trams, bell, port melbourne, last trams, closure.
DVD filmed and produced by David Johncock of the UK, providing the history of Melbourne Trams and Trains and current vision of 2022.
Demonstrates the work of David Johncock
DVD - in a clear front black plastic case.
melbourne, trams, trains, dvd, films
The Johnson Fare Box Co. was a manufacturer of Fare Boxes that enabled the viewing as the coin was deposited and receipt of a fare from a passenger - see reference. The MMTB Footscray X1 class trams used fare boxes in 1926 and this may have been a sample coin to show how it worked. See item 7470 for an associated pamphlet that notes the use of Fare Boxes. Further research is required.
Demonstrates an item from the Johnson Farebox Co. of Chicago.
Sample coin? - round, stamped aluminium with a piece of green felt glued to the rear.
"Johnson Fare Box Co. Chicago" in raised letters on both sides.
trams, tramways, fares, tickets, fareboxes, fare box
DVD produced to mark the last Farewell B1tram tour on 12-11-2017 with tram 2001. Produced by Johnathon Scutt with the Scutty Ark logo. See item 7589 for the Z1 & Z2 40th Anniversary & B1 Farewell tram tours.
Demonstrates a DVD recording of a tram tour and the work of Johnathon Scutt.
DVD inside a black plastic box with printed cover insert.
tram tours, tramcars, dvd, scutty ark, b1 class, tram 2001
Set of two DVD's produced to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Z1 and Z2 trams on 14-11-2015 and the B1 class Farewell tram tour on 30-1-2016. Produced by Johnathon Scutt with the Scutty Ark logo. Includes the tour timetable sheet for the first tour. See item 7590 for the Last Farewell tour. The tours used trams 101 and 2001
Demonstrates a DVD recording of a tram tour and the work of Johnathon Scutt.
Set of two DVD's inside a black plastic box with printed cover insert.
tram tours, tramcars, dvd, scutty ark, z1 class, b1 class, tram 101, tram 2001
Newspaper clipping about the National Rugby League (NRL) State of Origin match on 26/6/2024 at the MCG. Photo taken at the Museum with Laurie Daley, Dermott Brereton and Mal Meninga standing in front of a tram with the promotion poster on a stand. Published in the Australian Financial Review.
Yields information about the visit of former football greats to the Museum in June 2024.
Newspaper clipping from the Australian Financial Review page 3, 25-6-2024
melbourne tramway museum, nrl, travel promotion, visitors
Blazer used at VFTA events, by tour members.
Demonstrates a sports VFTA blazer in 1960 and has a close association with the Mr K Bryne.
Blazer, medium size made from wool, cotton lined, by David Lack Pty Ltd Melbourne, large embroidered front pocket with VFTA logo, 1960.
Made in Australia, with typed name "Mr K Bryne" and number "6256"
uniforms, vfta, football, sports
Jacket used on Fox FM radio tram, A class 237 during 1992 - see item 2798 for associated documents. Only 9 produced.
Demonstrates a jacket produced by Fox FM for their "Black Thunder" Tram advertising the radio station during 1992.
Medium size jacket, leather and swede, polyester lining, press studs with embroidered FOX on front and back.
Markings on jacket "Dory's" size labels, "Made in Australia"
fox fm, tram 237, a class, uniforms
Item used on the Victorian Railways Sandringham - Black Rock tram line for the short section of the single track of the line between the railway station in Station Street and the depot entrance in Bay Road. Tram drivers were required to carry this to prevent a head-on collision on the single-line section. Image 3 shows the driver placing the item in the "staff box" outside the depot. Image from the DVD "VR Tramways in the 1950s", with permission from Effectch the Producer. The Newport Railway Museum holds the other staffs for this line along with a damaged one (or two) for the same section - see photo 4 for the Black Rock to Beaumaris Section.
Demonstrates an item used to safely work trams on the Sandringham - Black Rock - Beaumaris tram line.
Two sections of steel intermeshed to form a cross and stamped.
Stamped "No. 1 Section" and "Sandringham - Staff Box"
trams, tramways, safeworking, sandringham, section staff
Photo of Norm Maddock, an ex Prisoner of War visiting the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial on 6/10/2009 and another photo of the memorial looking the other way. Date from Ballarat Tramway Museum item No 4498. Not known who took the photo.
Has a close association with Norm Maddock and his visit to Ballarat ex-Prisioner's of War Memorial.
Set of two colour prints on Kodak Xtralife paper.
trams, tramways, norm maddock, ballarat
Card produced by the Connies in conjunction with the City of Darebin to tell the story of the workers of Preston Workshops in particular Dutch born Bernard "Ben" Commandeur.
Has a close association with Bernard "Ben" Commandeur and Preston Workshops.
Printed card with round corners, full colour.
trams, tramways, tickets, the connies, preston workshops, darebin
Provides a set of Instructions supplementary to the Rules and Regulations of the VR St Kilda Brighton Electric St Railway dated 1911. Not all pages have been copied. Issued under the name of W A Holmes Telegraph Superintendent. Gives instructions to crews and workers regarding emergency working, single-line working and operational instructions.
Yields information about the "Rules and Regulations" - St Kilda Brighton - Electric Street Railway
Document - photocopied, approx 80 pages secured along the top edge with two Arnos style clips.
trams, tramways, victorian railways, vr, st kilda, brighton, employees, safeworking
Customer Bulletin - "More bus services for South Sunshine residents" advising that commencing Monday, Oct. 5 (1987) a trial service to South Sunshine, an extension of route 219. Gives times and a route map along with contact details Route 219 in 2024 is from South Sunshine to Gardenvale North Road.
Demonstrates a notice advising bus services for route 219.
Timetable Customer Bulletin A4 printed sheets, green ink on white paper.
tramways, the met, timetables, buses, route 219, south sunshine
Customer Bulletin - "Trams replacing buses - Route 57" - West Maribyrnong to City from Sunday 8/8/1993 advising that the replacement bus, route 357 will cease to operate. This was part of an industrial agreement with the State Government after the big 1990 strike. Gives the timetable at various timing points to City Elizabeth St. The timetable for the Route 82 service for both Saturdays and Sundays is given on a separate sheet. See item 7577 for a similar notice for route 3.
Demonstrates a notice advising trams replacing buses on route 57 and 82.
Timetable Customer Bulletin set of two A4 printed sheets.
tramways, the met, timetables, buses, route 57, west maribyrnong, route 82, footscray
Customer Bulletin - "Trams replacing buses - Route 3" - East Malvern - City from Sunday 8/8/1993 advising that the replacement bus, route 377 will cease to operate. This was part of an industrial agreement with the State Government after the big 1990 strike. Gives the timetable at various timing points to Melbourne University. See item 7578 for a similar notice for routes 57 and 82.
Demonstrates a notice advising trams replacing buses on route 3.
Timetable - A4 printed sheet.
tramways, the met, timetables, route 3, buses, east malvern
Timetable - City - Brunswick St via La Trobe St - gives details of the route, timetable, timing points, and sections - for Monday to Friday's only and notes re the services such as where they start or end their trips. Dated 26/6/1989.
Demonstrates a set of The Met timetable for route 30, dated 26/6/1989.
Timetable - A4 printed sheets.
tramways, the met, timetables, route 30, brunswick st
Light Rail Timetables from 6 Dec. 1992 for routes 96 East Brunswick to St Kilda Beach and route 111 - Port Melbourne to Exhibition St. Gives frequency of the trams for weekdays and weekends. Has the depot locations and numbers for further information.
Demonstrates a set of The Met timetable for routes 96 and 111 for 1992.
Timetable - set of two A4 printed sheets.
tramways, the met, route 111, route 96, timetables, light rail
Form used issues invoices for payment to various parties by the MMTB. Has spaces for name of the receiver, dates, references, particulars and invoice Number.
Demonstrates a MMTB form used to send out invoices to people or organisations that services were provided to by the Board.
Form - printed on blue paper, No. 3/5, Dec. 1967
tramways, mmtb, forms, accounting, invoices
Form used to certify that a person was a qualified tram driver of the MMTB - has space for names, signatures, dates and a running number. See item 890 for an example of a certificate issued to R. Wearne in 1947.
Demonstrates a MMTB form used to record a person was qualified as a tram driver.
Form - printed quarto sheet No. 3/252
tramways, mmtb, forms, certificates, drivers
Form recording a person's employment when leaving the MMTB - gives areas to record the nature of employment, from and to (dates), date of leaving and spaces for signatures. See item 1930 for an example of use for Oscar Turner.
Demonstrates a MMTB form used to record a person;s employment.
Form - printed quarto sheet No. 3/278
tramways, mmtb, forms, certificates, employment
Letterhead used by the MMTB possibly during the late 1970s early 1980s with address, PO Box, and telex code.
Demonstrates a MMTB letterhead of the late 1970s or early 1980s.
Letterhead - printed A4 sheet with MMTB logo.
tramways, mmtb, letterhead
Letterhead used by the MMTB possibly during the 1970s with address, PO Box, telegram address and telex code. The MMTB logo is in gold.
Demonstrates a MMTB letterhead of the 1970s
Letterhead - printed A4 sheet with MMTB logo printed in gold.
tramways, mmtb, letterhead
Form used by the MMTB to release and discharge any further liability from an accident claim. Has places for the persons name, details, amounts, dates and signatures.
Demonstrates a MMTB Accident release form.
Form - foolscap single sided, printed.
tramways, mmtb, accidents
Certificate presented to N C Boucher after retiring as President of the Tramway Division of the Australian Railways Union in 1947. Signed by A J Cregan as State President and J J Brown as State Secretary. The Union seal has been applied to the item. The Union had several divisions such as guards, signalmen, shunters etc. The Tramway Division represented the tramway depots at Elwood and Sandringham. The certificate includes a photo of the Union building, a train hauled by A2 945 and an Electric Train. The Union did not represent locomotive or electric train crews, these were represented by the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees. For notes on Mr Boucher's career see item 7056.
Demonstrates an ARU Illuminated address of the 1940s
Framed Certificate - printed base on paper with name, position inked on over a light blue wash. Timber surround with gold surround and glazed.
n c boucher, unions, vr trams, aru, certificates, illuminated address
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.
