Sydney F-Class Tram

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.

F-class
on display at the Sydney Tramway Museum
ManufacturerClyde Engineering
Constructed1899-1902
Number built251
Fleet numbers122, 140-288, 294, 296-395
Specifications
Train length38 ft 6.5 in (11.75 m)
Width7 ft 3.5 in (2.22 m)
Height12 ft 1.5 in (3.70 m)
Maximum speed60 km/h
Weight12.26 long tons (12.5 t)
Power output4 x 60 hp
Electric system(s)600 V DC catenary
Current collector(s)Trolley pole with grooved wheel
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)

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 open seating altered to a cross-bench configuration, like the K and O class trams, rather than the original cable-tram style outward-facing longitudinal seating. F393 was not included, having been converted to a driver training car.[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 The last was withdrawn in 1951.[2]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 (first electric tram preserved in Australia), 257, 298, 341 (in L/P Configuration) & 393 (in original condition) at the Sydney Tramway Museum[3]
  • 284 at the Newcastle Museum

References
  1. McCarth & Chinn (1974). New South Wales Tramcar Handbook 1861-1961. SPER.
  2. MacCowan, Ian (1990). The Tramways of New South Wales. Oakleigh: Ian MacCowan. pp. 118, 122, 123. ISBN 0 949600 25 3.
  3. "Sydney Tramway Museum Fleet Register" (PDF). Sydney Tramway Museum. Retrieved 4 September 2013.

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.
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