Re: [Melb] Tait

[dbromage@fang.omni.com.au (David Bromage)]

Brian Dunn (bdunn@pcug.org.au) wrote:
> Forgive my iiggorance, but were not the dog box sparks hauled by steam
> locos around the suburban system prior to electrification? 

Yes. The doggies were built from the 1880s. They were originally 45'
long, and later lengthened to 58'.

Come electrification, it was decided the lengthened frames were too weak
to carry the electrical equipment of motor cars. 141 new frames were
built for the motors, and the trailers kept their original frames. The
141 surplus frames were given new bodies to become the PL cars.

cheers
David