Museum of Sydney exhibits tram memorabilia.
How a tram works and is driven.
Rarely seen aspects of tramway operation were on show for the public.
There was the the miniature driver's cabin, designed and built by the STM's members.
The public were able to operate the controls of a tram, the smaller "controller" used in trams built from 1908 until the early 30s and an airbrake handle.
All Sydney electric trams had airbrakes from the outset - not many cities could boast this feature so early!
Never before publicly viewed in our state were the inner workings of a motor controller.
This was the device used to control the current flow to the motors, the equivalent of an accelerator in a car.
Our staff had one in pristine condition prepared for the public to closely examine.
It was open for inspection, fortunately, not connected at the time!
How many of Sydney's citizens have had a chance to look at a real Sydney tram motor?
This opportunity was provided by our workshop team. It was displayed just above an axle and pair of tramway wheels - something close to reality. Motors usually sat over the axle, an oiled brass bush reducing friction. A small geared wheel from the motor engaged with the large one shown on the axle
Trams in Sydney dating from 1908 generally had four motors each. This ensured faster acceleration and a good turn of speed. Few cities had this provision so early.
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