The 2nd of November 2019 proved to be a special day for the museum, as staff and their families from Transdev Sydney Light Rail – operators of the Inner West Light Rail and soon to be opened CBD and South East Light Rail – were given an exclusive visit of the museum, and the chance to ride on traditional Sydney trams. The brainchild for this visit was the result of museum member John Cowper, who’s presentations on the history of the original Sydney Tramways prompted a keen interest amongst trainee drivers at Randwick, and with the help of museum director Bill Parkinson, plans were soon underway for these trainees to experience the real deal. The trams chosen to run on the day were C 29, F 393, LP 154, O 805 + O 1111 (running coupled), P 1497, and R 1740, with Variotram 2107 on display in the depot yard. The day ultimately proved to be a success, and the visitors left with a positive impression of the museum and its volunteers. It is a huge credit to John and Bill, for making the day as eventful as it was.
Visitors arrive at the museum Bill Parkinson provides visitors an exclusive tour of the museum’s workshops Bill talks to the group about the Melbourne Cable Trams A view of the workshop’s activities Bill explains about traditional Sydney tram bogies Inspection of the under carriage of R1 1979 Variotram 2107 on display in the depot yard F 393 takes visitors towards Sutherland C 29 arrives back from the National Park Visitors alight from C 29 A view of the diverse range of trams on offer at Loftus Coupled O set 1111 and 805 pass F 393 F 393 heads towards National Park Coupled Os 1111 and 805 head toward Sutherland O 1111 at Waratah Loop terminus Museum volunteer Chris Olsen smiles for the camera in R 1740 F 393 rests at Railway Square Waiting Shed O’s 1111 and 805 alight visitors at Royal National Park terminus LP 154 awaits departure to Sutherland A view of Lakewood Park F 393 waits in front of sister LP 154 for it’s next journey north A contrast between F 393 and LP 154 A classic Sydney tramway scene along Tramway Ave. P 1497 heads towards National Park C29 and 2107 sit side by side, displaying a century’s evolution in electric tramway technology O’s 1111 and 805 travel up north to Sutherland R 1740 terminates at Railway Square Waiting Shed R 1740 begins it’s next trip P 1497 makes another trip south R 1740 heads north O’s 1111 and 805 head back to the depot F 393 likewise does the same As does LP 154 A photograph of the staff that volunteered for traffic on the day.