Re: Melbourne route 70 tram

[David Langley <del@ancc.com.au>]

"Ron BESDANSKY (formerly Ron BEST)" wrote:

> (BTW2 - new thread needed here? - were the "east-side" curves at Balaclava
> Jn ever used by regular services?)

The north to east curves were used by the St. Kilda Beach to Caulfield via
Dandenong Road (formerly St. Kilda Beach to East Brighton via Dandenong Road).
This change took place on 16 Oct 1938 when the City - Caulfield service (route
14) that operated via Balaclava Road (and commenced 29 Nov 1936) was extended
to East Brighton and ran via the west to south curves. There was also a St.
Kilda Beach to Brighton Cemetery (later East Brighton) which ran via Dandenong
Road. The terminus known as Caulfield is actually Balaclava Junc and the shunt
is still there in Balaclava Road on the east side although I think that the
crossover has been moved a little to the east to avoid congestion, someone
might confirm or deny this.

The south to east curves were used by the Elsternwick to Darling Road services
from 13 Nov 1913 (PMTT). Service gained a route number in 1934 (4D) and were
through routed to the City or Point Ormond. On 10 July 1955 great changes
occurred at Balaclava Junction when the East Brighton to City was changed to
run via Dandenong Road, Darling Road to City was changed to Balaclava Road and
the Caulfield service was abolished. The Point Ormond services were cut back to
Elsternwick Rly Stn. This now meant that only the north to west curve was now
in very regular use although some peak hour trips operated to the City
(Williams St) via Balaclava Road from East Brighton. This latter service became
route 65 on 1 Aug 1955.

The north to west curves are used by the Cotham Road to St. Kilda Beach service
dates from 1913 (actually 12 Mar at Balaclava Jcn but the line north of High
Street to Cotham Road [and to Kew PO] dates from 30 May.)

cheers,

David Langley.