Tramways works to return a loved rattler to the streets
http://www.bendigoweekly.com/articles/6264/1/Tramways-works-to-return-a--loved-rattler-to-the-streets/Page1.html
By News Report
Published on 04/17/2008
THIS week marked two important anniversaries for Bendigo Tramways.
THIS week marked two important anniversaries for Bendigo Tramways.
Tram Number 8
THIS week marked two important anniversaries for Bendigo Tramways.
Tuesday was the 105th anniversary of overhead electric trams operating in Bendigo and Wednesday, the 36th anniversary of the closure of the regular State Electricity Commission of Victoria tram service throughout Bendigo’s streets.
Depot foreman Tim Blythman said it was important for Bendigonians to recognise the significance of these milestones. “It is not that long ago that trams were an integral part of our transport system and we hope they will be again in the near future,” he said.
“At Bendigo Tramways we look to preserve and restore history as well as make our own mark on history”.
The current project for staff and volunteers is the restoration of a 1903 tramcar – Tram Number 8.
Mr Blythman said Number 8 played a major part in preserving Bendigo’s history.
“It was also the first tram acquired by the Bendigo Trust as they looked to retain trams in Bendigo as they recognised the integral part they had played in city’s history,” he said.
Decommissioned in 1947, Tram Number 8 has a lot of work in front of it but with the love shown to it by Bendigo Tramways, it will soon be operational again.
“It will be one further piece of history for Bendigo to show to the world,” Mr Blythman said.
Tuesday was the 105th anniversary of overhead electric trams operating in Bendigo and Wednesday, the 36th anniversary of the closure of the regular State Electricity Commission of Victoria tram service throughout Bendigo’s streets.
Depot foreman Tim Blythman said it was important for Bendigonians to recognise the significance of these milestones. “It is not that long ago that trams were an integral part of our transport system and we hope they will be again in the near future,” he said.
“At Bendigo Tramways we look to preserve and restore history as well as make our own mark on history”.
The current project for staff and volunteers is the restoration of a 1903 tramcar – Tram Number 8.
Mr Blythman said Number 8 played a major part in preserving Bendigo’s history.
“It was also the first tram acquired by the Bendigo Trust as they looked to retain trams in Bendigo as they recognised the integral part they had played in city’s history,” he said.
Decommissioned in 1947, Tram Number 8 has a lot of work in front of it but with the love shown to it by Bendigo Tramways, it will soon be operational again.
“It will be one further piece of history for Bendigo to show to the world,” Mr Blythman said.