RE: TMSV # 35
  pn1

I guess the original photographer(s) assigned the rights to the TMSV. There would have only been a limited number of photographers prepared to share their collections. Also the TMSV tended to “keep to itself” so there wouldn’t have been a wide choice of contributors.

I’m still thinking much of the material probably comes from Rodney Hudson (deceased).

The photographers would be well into their 70s perhaps older – if still alive.

Noel Reed was probably the best tram photographer of the era and his style is instantly recognisable. As also mentioned elsewhere, Noel benefited from a career position that enabled him to use high quality camera equipment. The results speak for themselves. Noel was also from a comfortable family background that offered opportunities to visit different systems around Australia in the early 1950s when money was generally tight and travel opportunities limited.

Also there must be some/several “unknown” tram enthusiasts who kept to themselves. They may have left “unseen” collections behind. When the person has passed on, it’s not unknown for family members not to realise the “value” of such material.

Speaking of unknown enthusiasts, I know of a fan who, not too long ago, got chatting with a gentleman at a social function. By pure chance, trams were mentioned and it came out that this person was a dedicated “gunzel” with an extensive knowledge and experience of overseas tram systems particularly. He had “kept to himself” and had not previously disclosed his hobby to others. We are talking about people in their mature/senior years. Amazing.

Paul in Melbourne