W-class Melbourne tram
The W-class trams are a family of electric trams built by the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB) between 1923 and 1956. Over the 33 years of production, 752 vehicles spanning 12 sub-classes were constructed, the majority at the MMTB's Preston Workshops.
| W-class | |
|---|---|
W6 992 on Victoria Street | |
| Manufacturer | Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board |
| Assembly | Holden Body Builders Holden Street Workshops James Moore & Sons Preston Workshops |
| Constructed | 1923–1956 |
| Number built | 752 |
| Number in service | 11 in Melbourne on City Circle services |
| Fleet numbers | 219–1040 (not all numbers in that range are used by W classes) |
| Depots | Southbank |
| Specifications | |
| Electric system(s) | 600 V DC (nominal) from overhead catenary |
| Current collector(s) | Trolley pole or pantograph |
| UIC classification | Bo′Bo′ |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
A small fleet continue to operate on the tramway network of Melbourne, Australia, where they are used on the City Circle tourist route. The W-class tram is a cultural icon to Melbourne: those that remain in the city are classified by the National Trust of Australia.
As well as Melbourne, W-class trams operate on tourist and heritage systems across the world. A number of older variants have been withdrawn from service and later sent to cities such as Copenhagen, San Francisco, Savannah and Seattle, and by private enthusiasts. In 2018, 134 W-class trams were offered to the Australian public for new uses.
As of December 2021, only 11 W class trams remain in service in Melbourne, all of which are W8 trams operating on the City Circle tram route.