Re: Regarding Z3 230.Nth.Fitzroy.

IS Edit
Monday, February 18, 2002 1:10 AM

Roy,

I knew the VR trams were broad gauge but assumed they had tramway wheel profiles to minimise the width and depth of the channel rail I assume was used for street running.

Could they be towed on the VR network as is or were they loaded onto flatcars?

If they were towed and had tramway flanges, I wonder what the speed limitation was.

Bob Murphy

----- Original Message -----

From: Roy Winslow

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, February 18, 2002 11:39 AM

Subject: RE: [TramsDownUnder] Regarding Z3 230.Nth.Fitzroy.

Indeed - Mid 1987 - St Kilda was converted first, with Port Melbourne later in the year. Both heavy rail lines closed at the same time though (earlier in 1987). To reduce the time that no rail service would be provided, much of the preparationary work was done whilst trains were still operating. I don't know if it is still the case, but at St Kilda Station, the tramline skirts the old rail platform and enters Fitzroy Street. The platform and broad gauge track remained in situ well after the light rail opened and the project was completed. Other rail reminders still exist, such as the stations buildings and high level platforms, railway cantenary supports, the Yarra River Bridge, etc. However, the remainder of the viaduct and embankment between the bridge and Clarendon Street was removed in the early 1990's to make way for the Crown Casino. Prior to this, there was an action group calling for the lightrail to be operated directly into Flinder's Street Station rather than battle the city road traffic.

Any news on what is happening with the remainder of the rail bridge?

Another interesting point is that the former VR broad gauge St Kilda - Brighton Beach tramway terminated in front of the station at St Kilda. When I was last there in 1999, you could still make out the head of the rails for the two terminating tracks peeking out from the bitumen. When this line was constructed prior to the first world war, it was planned that it could be extended via the rail line into town. Indeed, a rail connection did exist between the two for many years for stock transfers to Newport Workshops. So the light rail conversion was mooted way back then, not just the mid 1980's!

Roy Winslow

Brookton WA

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