Re: St Kilda Transfers

Kevin Taig
Monday, February 18, 2002 7:58 AM

Bob

Published data seems to have the 5' 3 "connection from the heavy traction to the trolley system at St Kilda removed on 2/3/1941

A while ago, when I were a boy and the Elwood trolleys were on their last legs (1957-58), you could wander through the long grass behind St Kilda station to the end of street car trackage and gaze at a gap of 100 yards or so along the right of way, to where the connection would have been.

On the method of transfer I would go down on the low speed towing system. With an overall height of about 11ft + for the car and 3ft+ for the wagon they would be giving the loading gauge a push. So we are back to the wee hours with probably some type of steam motive power at low speeds 15mph etc. Maybe the 1500v turned off. (a la Sydney)

Can anybody confirm? Any details of "S" notices?

Did they use this for delivery of new cars only?

If they sent them back did they go to Newport or to Jolimont with the rest of the sparks? (Heavy Traction)

A history of Jolimont which I read recently did not have any mention of trams but they were heavily into Petrol /Diesel electric Rail Motors.

Were there any reports of heavy accident damage which would have required this drastic course of action

Sorry to ask so many questions

Kactus

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

From: IS Edit

To: [email protected]

Sent: Monday, February 18, 2002 12:10 PM

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

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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