Updated from my Apr.06 item in 'Rail News Victoria'.

Pakistan-theme Z1.81: In advance of the 2006 Commonwealth Games (held in
Melbourne), the people responsible for establishing links between
Melbourne's and Kolkata's (India) tram systems obtained support to decorate
Z1.81 (formerly green) in the style of a Pakistan bus: highly ornate, with
intricate detail, lots of colour, lots of coloured lights, tassels and
mirrors. It would then be based at Southbank Depot, and run on the city
circle for the duration of the games, with performing conductors telling
tales of Karachi's most-colourful bus route (W11). As at 1960, Karachi had
diesel trams. Eight craftsmen worked for 6 weeks in Karachi to prepare the
intricate transfers, using skills passed on for generations. Four craftsmen
spent 5 weeks at UG (Preston) applying them over a white background. The
result is reminiscent of the best of the pop-art trams from a few years ago.
(6.3.06 Melbourne HS).
The tram arrived at Southbank on Sat.11.3.06 night. On Mon.13.3, Z1.22 was
in use on route 96 for the training of the three Southbank drivers who would
be operating 81. The launching ceremony was held in William St at Dudley St
around 12.00 on Tues.14.3, with various officials and cultural
representatives, the craftsmen and guests attending. After the speeches
were made, everyone boarded to travel to Market St to shunt, then clockwise
around the city circle to Federation Square. Souvenir tickets, printed in
English and Urdu, were distributed. Pakistani music was played on a 'ghetto
blaster'. Pakistani tea (milked & sugared) was served. Daily running
commenced on Wednesday, and was to last to Sun.26.3. The tram was an
instant hit, and was brought back for a second season over the Grand Prix
weekend: Wed.29.3-Mon.3.4. See www.tramtactic.net/W-11.
Despite all the work, the tram received no further use. Because of
restricted visibility, it had to run with a two-person crew. Even so, it
could have run a season per year (eg Labour Day long weekend). After
languishing for years, it has been offered for preservation (at Hawthorn?).

Enclosed:
060314Tu - William St at Dudley St, the launching ceremony, then riding
along William St. (Roderick Smith)

Roderick