Sydney F-Class Tram
| F-class | |
|---|---|
|
F122 at Rose Bay | |
| Manufacturer | Clyde Engineering |
| Constructed | 1899-1902 |
| Number built | 251 |
| Fleet numbers | 122, 140-288, 294, 296-395 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 38 ft 6.5 in (11.75 m) |
| Width | 7 ft 3.5 in (2.22 m) |
| Height | 12 ft 1.5 in (3.70 m) |
| Weight | 12.26 long tons (12.5 t) |
| Maximum speed | 60 km/h |
| Engine power | 4 x 60 hp |
| Electric system(s) | 600 V DC catenary |
| Current collection method | Trolley pole with grooved wheel |
| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
The F-class trams were a class of two-bogie California combination car trams operated on the Sydney tram network with longitudinal seating in the open part of the car.[1] They were later rebuilt as the L-class trams and some again as the L/P-class trams.
History
In 1899, F122 was built by Clyde Engineering as a prototype. Deemed a success, a further 250 were built by Clyde Engineering between 1900 and 1902. They were introduced for the electrification of the Eastern Suburbs, South-Western and Western lines. Between 1906 and 1914, all were converted to L class trams at Randwick Tramway Workshops with the seating altered to face inwards other rather than outwards. F393 was not included, having been converted to a driver trainer.[2]
Between 1918 and 1930, all L class were rebuilt to resemble the P class trams as the L/P class. In 1920, 16 were allocated to the Rockdale Line while 98 were transferred to the Newcastle network between 1923 and 1926. Ten of those at Newcastle had air hoses installed at their number 1 end, enabling them to tow trailers, including two hearses, as explained in the Newcastle electric text. On the main system they operated out of Dowling Street, Newtown, Tempe and Waverley depots. The last was withdrawn in 1951.[2]
Preservation
Five have been preserved:
- 154, 257, 298, 341 & 393 at the Sydney Tramway Museum[3]
- 284 at the Maitland Tramway Park & Museum
References
Further reading
- Chinn, N (1975). New South Wales Tramcar Handbook 1861-1961. Vol. 1. South Pacific Electric Railway Cooperative Society. ISBN 9780959865967.
- McCarthy, Ken (1976). New South Wales Tramcar Handbook 1861-1961. Vol. 2. South Pacific Electric Railway Cooperative Society. ISBN 9780959865974.
External links
Media related to Sydney F-Class Tram at Wikimedia Commons- Media related to Sydney L/P-Class Tram at Wikimedia Commons
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