The Tramway Museum Society of Victoria Inc. in Bylands, Victoria, Australia | History Museum

The Tramway Museum Society of Victoria Inc.

Locality: Bylands, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9798 6035

Address: 330 Union Lane 3762 Bylands, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.tramway.org.au

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• Non-profit organisation
• History Museum

25.01.2022 When life was not as complicated as today!

25.01.2022 Another of our "unique' exhibits at the Tramway Heritage Centre is former Melbourne tram W3 667. Between 1930 and 1934, the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board built 15 of these vehicles at their Preston Tramway Workshops, but the construction was slow due to the economic depression at the time. The style of these cars were based on the then successful W2 design, however the major difference was that the bodies were all-steel frame. another difference was the fitting of ...an improved bogie design with larger 33 inch wheels - reclaimed from scrapped pre-MMTB cars. These cars continued in service until 1969, when they were withdrawn as a result of some structural issues appearing on the earlier built cars of the class. They were however retained in operational condition for emergancy use. In 1976 a decision was made to dispose of these and also the 5 W4 class cars, with only 3 cars of this class being retained for preservation - 667 thus being aquired by the Society and transferred to Bylands. 667 was one of the first trams to operate under power at Bylands in 1982, and underwent a total repaint in 2005. In 2008/9 667 returned to Melbourne to star in "The Pacific" mini series, where it appeared in several scenes running up and down Flinders Street. The tram returned to Bylands in 2010, and after several years stored outside, it is now housed in our Exhibition Shed. See more

25.01.2022 This week is #RailSafetyWeek and a reminder to take extra care near train and tram tracks. If you're walking, riding or driving near tracks, always keep an eye out and follow traffic signals and signs #RailSAFE Find out more: https://tracksafefoundation.com.au/rail-safety-week

23.01.2022 Another of our unique exhibits at the Tramway Heritage Centre, is ex-Melbourne X2 class tram No 680. Built in 1930 by the MMTB at their Preston Workshops. These cars were built mainly for the economic measure of one-man use, avoiding the need for a conductor. When built it was originally numbered 674, but this was changed to its present number in 1934 to avoid duplication with W4 class cars then under construction. No 680 was also the only car of its class to be issued for ...traffic in the MMTB Chocolate and Cream livery, later changed to the standard Green and Cream in 1934 There were only 6 X2 class trams built and all spent most of their working lives on the then isolated Footscray system until it closed in 1962. All were withdrawn at the closure and transferred to Preston Workshops. However soon after, 680 was used on several tours soon after before it was finally withdrawn and transferred to the Society in 1963. After 10 years of storage off-site, 680 was transferred to Bylands, and in recent years has been cosmetically restored. See more

22.01.2022 We are now counting down to our re-opening on the 5th July 2020. So in the mean-time, let have a look at another of our "unique" exhibits - Ballarat No 36. Built in 1916 for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust, this car entered service the same year from the Hawthorn tram depot as tram No 26. In 1919 the HTT (as with other municipal trusts) was incorporated into the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board and as a consequence all HTT trams were renumbered in line with Board practic...e. Therefore HTT No 26 became MMTB No 132, This tram continued to operate in Melbourne until being withdrawn and stored in 1944. In 1945 it was sold to the State Electricity Commission for use in Ballarat where it was initially numbered 15. In 1951 it was again renumbered its present number 36. with the closure of the tramways in Ballarat in 1971, No 36 was initially donated to the Hawthorn City Council, and for a brief period ran in Melbourne promoting Balllarat as a tourist destination. After several years of storage at Preston Workshops, the Hawthorn City Council donated the tram to the Society, with it arriving at Bylands in 1973. This tram has now been at Bylands longer than any other time of its previous life. See more

22.01.2022 New TMSV logo design. What do you think?

21.01.2022 Another of our rare vintage vehicles on display at the Tramway Heritage Centre is VR No 34. Built in 1917 by the Victorian Railways at their Newport railway workshops (one of 20 such cars), it was issued for service on the VR's own broad gauge tramway from St Kilda Railway Station to Brighton Beach. In 1920 the VR built a second tramway from Sandringham to Black Rock, however this was built to standard gauge as were all the other Melbourne tramways. No 34 was unique as it w...as one of only two cars that had a modification where it could be adapted for either gauge. These cars were the first major construction of drop-centre type trams in Australia, built to a standard form of construction on equal wheeled bogies and equiped with four motors. No 34 spent all her life on the St Kilda tramway, and was withdrawn in 1959 when the line closed. It was set aside for preservation in private storage, until it was transferred to Bylands. It is still basically in its "as withdrawn" condition (but now in protective undercoat) and when fitted with the correct (standard gauge in lieu of broad gauge) bogies would be operational. It is the only complete vehicle of its type in original condition. See more

21.01.2022 The TMSV is always grateful for any donations to its archives at the Tramway Heritage Centre. Some items are acquired as well to make for an interesting collection, such as these stamps issued in Bulgaria featuring a Melbourne tram.

21.01.2022 Museum trams in service. Back in 1956, the Adelaide tramways were still operating. New trams had been planned in the early 1950's but only one was built. This was a refinement on the then existing H class trams dating from 1929. In 2006 the last of the historic H class (or more commonly known Glenelg trams) were withdrawn from service, many were snapped up by tram museum groups. The Tramway Heritage Centre obtained H 373. Seen here is our car 373, with the one and only 'new' tram No 381 at Hackney depot. No 381 is now an exhibit at the Adelaide tram museum at St kilda (SA), and can be found via their website at trammuseumadelaide.com

20.01.2022 For the next tram in this series of our "unique"exhibits at the Tramway Heritage Centre we look at X1 467. Between 1926 and 1928, the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board constructed 10 of these cars numbered from 459 to 468 at their Preston Tramway Workshops. The X1 trams were basically a local version of the American Birney trams, 8 of these vehicles had been imported into Australia in 1924. The Melbourne X1 trams were of all steel construction mounted on specially des...igned trucks with smaller wheels than had been used previously on a four wheeled tram. The internal seating was recycled from early Melbourne trams, aquired by the MMTB when they took control of all tramways in 1919. The X1 tram was designed for use as a one-man tram eliminating the use of conductors. They were used mainly on the then isolated Footscray tramway system. With the closure of the Footscray lines in 1962, all the X1 trams, except 467 were withdrawn and stripped. X1 467 was aquired for preservation by the founders of the Society in 1963 and placed in storage until transfer to our Bylands site in 1972. In 1992 X1 467 made a brief return to Melbourne for a promotional purpose, after which it ran a tour around Melbourne including a return to its old stamping ground at Footscray. See more

20.01.2022 Society tram Ballarat no 17 had a very chequered career in Ballarat!!!!!!!!!

19.01.2022 On this day 9th November 1968 the last official train operated on the Heathcote railway line. Steam locomotives D3 639 and K 184 hauled the last passenger train on this line, and through the Bylands station yard.

18.01.2022 Happy Birthday to No 644 which entered service in Melbourne 90 years ago today

17.01.2022 We are in the process of preparing the Tramway Heritage Centre at Bylands for re-opening to the public now scheduled for Sunday 5th July 2020. There will be some changes on the way in respect to requirements as a result of COVID - 19, visitors can be assured that their health and wellbeing is paramount, and every endeavour will be made to maintain a healthy and safe enviroment. In the meantime, we present another of our "unique" exhibits - Ballarat No 17. built in 1915 by D...uncan & Fraser in Adelaide for the Prahran & Malvern Tramways Trust, this tram commenced operation from Malvern depot the same year and was issued to service as No 73. In 1919 the MMTB was formed and incorporated the former P&MTT trams, with No 73 retaining its number on the MMTB roster and classified as a J class. With the introduction of more W class trams during the 1920's a number of these trams were withdrawn and stored, many later being sold to the provincial tramways in Ballarat, Bendigo & Geelong. No 73 was sold to Ballarat and arrived there in 1931 where it was renumbered No 29. In 1935 it was again renumbered its current number 17. This tram ran in service until closure in 1971, and was infact the last single truck car to run in the street on the day of closure. No 17 was transferred to Bylands within a day after services ceased, and has been at Bylands for 49 years, longer than any other time during its life. No 17 is presently undergoing restoration to its 1950's livery. See more

16.01.2022 Did you know that the M&MTB operated double decker buses in Melbourne. They only operated for 14 years from 1940 to 1954 and were discontinued to due their lack of popularity and support with the public and Government.

16.01.2022 Another of our unique exhibits at the Tramway Heritage Centre is former Adelaide H tram No 373. Built in Adelaide in 1929 by the firm Pengelley & Co, who had also built a number of trams for the Geelong Tramways, these cars were mostly exclusive to the Glenelg line which opened in the same year. During the 1950's the H trams were also used on several other suburban lines, until the network (except the Glenelg line) were closed in 1958. From 1958 the Glenelg line has remained in operation and the H trams continued to operate until replaced with modern vehicles in 2006. H 373 was purchased by the Society and transferred to Bylands in June 2006. The Society also owns one of the Geelong "Pengelley" built trams.

15.01.2022 The TMSV is always on the lookout for new members to join our tram family. The Tramway Heritage Centre is home to 50 heritage trams. We need your support to help maintain and support our museum. Please join now! www.tramway.org.au

15.01.2022 Under Victorian Government guidelines, the Tramway Heritage Centre will currently remain closed until further notice, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Under the Victoria road-map for reopening in Regional Victoria, the Tramway Heritage Centre will be able to reopen under "Step 4" with some restrictions. Currently, Regional Victoria is under "Step 3". Unfortunately most volunteers and Officers that are required to open the museum are based in Melbourne, and are bound by the Mel...bourne restrictions, and still have to be patient and wait. We will try to keep all posted on the future reopening of the museum, pending an update on restrictions in Regional Victoria and Metropolitan Melbourne. Thank you for your support.

15.01.2022 In this important and interesting time, please just ask anyone R U OK and take care.

14.01.2022 On this day 47 years ago (23/9/1973) former Ballarat tram No 36 was transferred from storage at the then Preston Tramway Workshops to the Tramway Heritage Centre at Bylands. This tram was originally donated by the SEC in Ballarat to the Hawthorn City Council who intwended to have the car restored to Hawthorn tramways Trust condition. However after several years the Council re-evaluated its position and handed the car to the Society for preservation.

13.01.2022 The Tramway Heritage Centre will re-open to the public on Sunday 5th July, 2020. COVID-19 rules will apply to the operation of the museum. At this stage we will not be accepting any group bookings.

12.01.2022 On Sunday 19th September 1971, the trams in Ballarat ceased running as a public transport system. within days of the closure, the many of the trams were dispersed to museum or local history groups for preservation. The Tramway Heritage Centre initially obtained two Ballarat trams Nos 17 & 23, and both these cars had left Ballarat within 48 hours of the closure. Seen in the attached photos are No 17, and 23 loaded at the tram depot for transport to Bylands, and later after their arrival at Bylands

12.01.2022 Just the way we were!

11.01.2022 Former Ballarat tram No 43, and previously Geelong No 40 on display in Queens Park, Geelong. 12 months after this photo was taken, the car was donated to the Tramway Heritage Centre and transferred to covered storage at Bylands.

10.01.2022 Our website is currently going through a refresh to update various items. Feel free to visit it and leave us your feedback! www.tramway.org.au

10.01.2022 One of our really "unique"exhibits is Scrubber tram 10W. Built in Sydney by the Meadowbank Manufacturing Company in 1908 for the Sydney tramways. it was classified as a Sydney K class tram No 763. There were 107 of these cars built, and most ran in service until the late 1940's before being withdrawn. Several cars did remain in service right up until 1958. No 763 was stored at Randwick Workshops and in 1952 was converted into a track cleaning (Scrubber) vehicle being renum...bered 138s. Sister K class No 797 was also converted into a scrubber and became No 139s. Both cars then continued in use in Sydney until 1959, when they were withdrawn and sold to the Melbourne tramways where they arrived and re-entered service in 1960. No 138s became Melbourne No 10 and later 10W, 139s became Melbourne No 11 and later 11W. Both cars were still in use until 2002 when withdrawn. No 10W was then donated to the Society and transferred to Bylands shortly after. Its sister No 11W now resides in the Sydney Tramway Museum. No 10W remains little changed from its Sydney conversion configuration, its sister car was modernised in latter years with structural alterations. See more

09.01.2022 It's time for a long awaited updating

09.01.2022 Museum trams in service. In 1906 the Victorian Railways constructed an electric street railway (tramway) from St Kilda railway station to Brighton Beach via Elwood. This line was built to the railway broard- gauge of 5ft 3 inches which differred to all other tramways constructed in this State, which were built to standard gauge.This line operated until it was finally closed in 1959. Tram No 34 was built in 1917 at Newport railway workshops and delivered to Elwood depot where it ran for its entire service life. In 1959 the car was aquired by the then AETA (Australian Electric Traction Association) for preservation and transferred to the Society in 1963. The car is presently stored at Bylands pending restoration and although the car is complete it requires fitting of substitute standard gauge trucks to enable it to operate.

08.01.2022 In light of the announcement by the Victorian Premier on the 7th July 2020, we unfortunately wish to advise that the Tramway Heritage Centre will remain closed till further notice due to the current situation with the Covid-19 pandemic. Not only do some of our volunteers required to staff the museum reside in "hotspot" or "lockdown" areas and due to safety concerns, any works that normally are undertaken at the museum will also be suspended. Please be advised that the Museu...m is located in the Mitchell Shire, which has now also been placed into "lockdown" by the Victorian Government. This is a situation we will carefully watch and wait for the appropriate advice to reopen the museum with it is safe for all to attend and enjoy. As the Society's has been unable to rely on income usually generated by being open for public inspections since early March 2020, our financial situation is currently well below what is required to maintain the associated and utility costs. We would appreciate any financial assistance/donations to assist in these difficult times. All donations over $2 are tax deductable. Please contact our Secretary on (03) 9798 6035 if you wish to assist. William Fedor Chairman Tramway Museum Society of Victoria

08.01.2022 The Cable Car tram has been synonymous with the logo of the TMSV throughout its existence. It has also been featured prominently on the site of the Tramway Heritage Centre site from back in the early 70's. It was time for the logo to be refreshed to also assist with new publicity. Photo: Mal Rowe

07.01.2022 The TMSV purchased the old Station Masters residence in October 1970 and entered into an agreement with the Victorian Railways the next year. So we will be able to continue our birthday celebrations in 2021. Please support us!

06.01.2022 Another of our interesting exhibits at the Tramway Heritage Centre is works car 15W. Built in 1923 by James Moore & Co for the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board, this tram entered service as a Q class passenger tram No 198. These cars saw extensive use, mainly on the lesser patronised services, and all night services in latter years from 1940. Tram 198 continued in service until the mid 1950's when it was withdrawn, and converted to use as a works vehicle initially retaining its traffic number 198. In 1958 it was renumbered No 15 later to 15W to avoid duplication of numbers with the then new z class trams being introduced. The tram was out of service in the mid 1980's and was aquired by the Society for use at Bylands arriving in 1987.

06.01.2022 New banners for our Tramways in Victoria exhibit have arrived. We look to having more exhibits ready when we reopen in January.

05.01.2022 Lots of testing has occured at the Tramway Heritage Centre over the past 5 years to determine the right materials to use in the interesting climate in which the museum is located to ensure our displays don't fall apart. New banners have been designed for our 'Tramways In Victoria' exhibit and will be on display when the museum reopens hopefully soon.

05.01.2022 Virtual Tour 25: Again we venture out to find Ballarat trams in other collections, this time No.17, which is in the Tramway Museum Society of Victoria Collectio...n at Bylands. This is a single trucker, made in 1915 by Meadowbank Engineering in Sydney. It was one of 20 made for the Prahran and Malvern Tramway Trust. Originally given the number 73, it was renumbered 29 when sold to Ballarat in 1931. It was renumbered as 17 in a fleet reorganization in 1935. This tram was featured in a short film made by the Commonwealth Film Unit on the last day of tram operations in 1971. Called "Autumn of a Mining Town" it is available for viewing on YouTube. See more

05.01.2022 During their years of service to the travelling public in Melbourne, our now museums trams went everywhere. Sitting on the Napier Street spur outside Windy hill, Essendon

05.01.2022 Please rest assured that we have taken precautions to ensure that our trams at the Tramway Heritage Centre are well protected during the Covid-19 pandemic. They do miss seeing the public and we hope to reopen soon.

03.01.2022 On Sunday 5th September 1971, the Gardens via Sturt St West and Mt Pleasant lines closed. But here is a much earlier view when the electric tramways in Ballarat were still quite new!

03.01.2022 On this day 5th June 1939 our latest exhibit SW5 840 entered service on the Melbourne tramways. Built by the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board at their Preston Workshops, 840 was to be originally a standard W5 type car with open doorways and roller blinds - like museum cars 782 & 795. However as part of modernisation at the time it was decided to trial an enclosed car with doors, hence the evolution of the sliding door cars. SW5 840 continued in service until withdrawn in the late 1990's and stored. It was made available to the Tramway Heritage Centre by the Victorian Government in March 2020 and has been at Bylands since that time.

02.01.2022 W7 1001 leaves the terminus at the bottom of Bourke Street and heads east. The photo must have been taken in the early in the 1960's as the reconstruction of Spencer Street Station in the background is underway. W7 1001 was transferred to, and been an exhibit at the Tramway Heritage Centre at Bylands since 1990.

01.01.2022 Too allow for the appropriate time to get things organised and cleaned around the Museum. The Tramway Heritage Centre will reopen on the 3rd January 2021. We well hope to organise a working bee before reopening to help with mopping and dusting our lovely trams. We need all the help we can get right now after being closed for so long during this difficult and challenging year for everybody. For those who haven't visited the museum we look forward to welcoming you and for those who have, we would like welcome you back.

01.01.2022 Someone was creative enough to ensure that a Melbourne W Class was protected against Covid-19. Please ensure that you wear a mask to protect yourself and others. As of tomorrow night, masks will be mandatory in Metropolitan Melbourne & Mitchell Shire.