H class Adelaide tram

Glenelg tram no. #365 at Victoria Square terminus, Adelaide in May 2005.

Double set and single H-class trams at Moseley Square terminus, Glenelg in May 2005.

The H class Adelaide tram have been the mainstay of the Glenelg tram line in South Australia for 75 years since the line was converted from railway to tramway operation and electrified in 1929. Currently operated by TransAdelaide, most of the class have been replaced by new Bombardier Flexity Classic low-floor trams.

Overview

The cars were specially built for the conversion of the line by local manufacturers A. Pengelley and Sons. They have many of the characteristics of American interurban streetcars of that period and their heritage ambience has been carefully maintained. Although the H-class trams have been through several refurbishment programmes over the years (incorporating more up-to-date features like safety glass, fluorescent lighting and upgraded bogies), they still retain varnished wood and etched glass interiors, a classic Tuscan Red and cream exterior colour scheme and neither heating nor air-conditioning in the passenger saloons.

The H-class regularly run as double sets at busier times. All services are operated by a crew of driver and conductor (driver and two conductors on coupled sets).

Most of the H-class trams were replaced during 2006 by new Bombardier Flexity Classic low floor trams with vigilance control. However, five H-class were specially refurbished in 2000, with the intention of retaining these cars for special weekend and holiday operations and are due to be fitted with vigilance control plus electromagentic track brakes.

5 H-class trams are retained in service including the first and last units built. #351, #367, #370, #374 and #380 are kept in service alongside the newer Flexitys although #374 has been in storage since 2004. They are almost always coupled in pairs.

All the other units were sent to Tram and rail Museums around Australia.

Specifications

References