Re: W-class Tram News

Hi, gang!

The URL was rather hard to work with, but I got it after some finagling.
Here is the "Printer-Friendly" version:

Milantram

Ready to roll after a much-needed brake
By JOHN MASANAUSKAS, transport reporter
04apr02

HERE is proof that Melbourne's beloved W-class trams are about to get back on
track.

Almost two years after mechanical problems derailed them, final road testing
is about to start on a new braking system.

The Herald Sun was yesterday given a preview of one of the first trams that
will return to service.

Up to $5 million of mainly State Government investment is riding on the
braking system's success.

Preston tram workshops stalwart Norm Cross said the brakes were comparable
with those in modern trams.

"Before we had so many levers and cables to move before the brakes came on,
this is a vast improvement," he said.

Mr Cross said the repair work had not compromised the W-class's heritage
value.

"It doesn't detract from the

appearance of the tram," he said.

Fifty-three trams were withdrawn from service in June 2000 after a series of
incidents involving faulty brakes.

Most of the trams will be fitted with pneumatic brakes and a back-up
electromagnetic track brake system.

Ten of the W-class trams, which are already back on the slower speed City
Circle service, required less repair work.

Senior engineer with the Office of Director of Public Transport, Chris
McKeown, expected a tram would be road tested this month and others would be
ready to enter full service by the end of May.

The Government wants all trams back by the end of the year.

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