Re: Route 70 Tram (Melb)

[John Duncan McCallum <mccallum@melbpc.org.au>]

Chris Brownbill wrote:

> Two other questions about that locality.  There has appeared in the past year
> what appears to be an old tram rail peeking through the tar which would have to
> be an old South to West curve at Flinders/Swanston corner.  Was there ever such
> a curve, and is this the actual rail?

Yes, there were curves at that location, presumably to allow transfers
between
Swanston St routes and others before the electric system was complete.

> Secondly, about 50m further West down Flinders St in the South side road kerb on
> the footpath there is a wonderful bluestone gutter block with 4" brass letters
> inset into it saying "Disengaged Car".  What is this?  Does it have any tramway
> relevance?

This had something to do with the cable tram system. I am not sure what
though.

John McCallum