The tram is being rebuilt for use on the Christchurch tourist tramway. As there are already 2 restored C cars in the STM fleet (29 and 290), some ‘improvements’ have been made to the running gear to make the tram better suited to day on day running and to make maintenance simpler. While the tram will look to the best of the workshops ability original, some of the technical items will not be true to the class.
While work on this tram started some time ago, this photo log only picks up in September 2012
26th September 2012
C37’s body is about to be lifted with the workshop cranes using spreader bars that original came from the Randwick workshops. Many trams and buses have probably been under these spreaders.
Mick Duncan
C37 is carefully reunited with it’s rebuilt truck.
Martin Pinches
Now easily moved again, C37 is moved out onto the traverser so the workshop tram can admire their handiwork in the sun.
Mick Duncan
Note – this milestone is C37 can roll again. It currently has no electrical wiring what so ever. Still some way to go yet before it will operate again.
22nd December 2012
As the year draws to a close, multiskilled Shipwright/Carpenter Rod paints the roof with ‘Navy Dressing’. Much of the carpentry to restore this car has been Rod’s work, although he has been helped by many others over the course of the restoration on this vehicle.
Matthew Geier
September 2013
C37 left the workshop on the 7th of September and swapped places with P1729 who’s paint job is almost complete. C37 will now be painted.
Matthew Geier
January 2015
After a period of sitting in the ‘paint shop’ with various carpentry works being carried out by Rod, the car was moved on the 17th of January over the 2 road pit of the running shed to allow a ‘burst’ of work to be undertaken by Rod and Steve from Christchurch on the wiring and plumbing (air system) on the car. With Ballarat 37 sitting partially wired over the workshop pit, using the running shed pit was far easier for this short period of works. The car will be moved back when Steve returns home. A 2nd visit by Steve is planned later in the year to finish off the car.
Matthew Geier
