Workshop November 2019

9th November

R1 2001 has replaced R1 1979 in the workshop, which has now returned to service. 2001 needs repairs to one of its bogie’s motor leads, along with two bent out fender panels on both sides of the car. While a grant has been received to repaint 2001 in traditional Sydney ‘green and cream’, at this stage the work will concentrate on the motor lead repairs to get the tram working again, with minor preparations to be undertaken for its upcoming repaint. Once 2001 can operate again, it can be moved easily when required and will be placed back into service.

Finishing work continues on Scrubber 11 (ex-139s) with work mainly focusing on getting the water pump working, and the Wednesday carpenters have started rebuilding the side of the cable trailer after spending months cutting and shaping all the timber required. The side ribs of this car have quite a complex profile. Work also continues on the O class bogies and motors.

  • Photo by Matthew Geier

20th November

  • Photo by Michael Hatton
  • Photo by Michael Hatton
  • Photo by Michael Hatton
Work on Melbourne Cable Trailer 589 continues to make significant progress, with the Wednesday “Dad’s Army” crew continuing to rebuild the side of the tram which had previously suffered from severe dry rot and deterioration. An effort has also been made to begin restoration works to the tram roof.

  • Photo by Michael Hatton
  • Photo by Michael Hatton
Much progress has been made in building up a brand new controller for the water pump in Scrubber car 11 (ex-139s). Wiring works still need to be completed at this stage.

  • Photo by Michael Hatton
  • Photo by Michael Hatton
  • Photo by Michael Hatton
  • Photo by Michael Hatton
Repairs to R1 2001’s fenders and bogie have now been completed, after only spending a fortnight in the workshop. New lugs have been fused onto the newly repaired motor leads, and the bogie placed back under the tram, with all motor leads reconnected in preparation for an upcoming test run.

  • Photo by Michael Hatton

23rd November

  • Photo by Michael Hatton
  • Photo by Michael Hatton
  • Photo by Michael Hatton
  • Photo by Michael Hatton
R1 2001 has been re-approved as a regular service tram, after having a successful test run along the Royal National Park line. Melbourne W2 class tram 249 has replaced it in the workshop, for works in conjunction with its repaint back to MMTB Green and Cream. These works include removing the marker lights from the end aprons, and rewiring the lighting inside the car to the original layout. Paint preparations will continue alongside these works.
Workshop Manager Bill Parkinson begins to undo the screws that are holding the marker light mouldings in place. (Photo by Michael Hatton)
  • Photo by Michael Hatton

30th November

The marker light wiring in W2 249 has been fully disconnected, which has allowed the removal of the light mouldings from the end aprons. With the task finished by mid-afternoon, the original apron has now been exposed for the first time in over 40 years. Work will now focus on rewiring the tram’s interior lighting.

  • Work continues on unscrewing the marker light mouldings.
  • The condition of original apron after removal of the mouldings.
Photos by Michael Hatton