The Melbourne Tramcar Preservation Association Inc. was formally incorporated
in May 1984 to take over the assets of the Haddon Tramway Workshops with
the aim of building an operating museum at the Haddon Site.
The origins of this group date back to December 1974 when with the imminent
withdrawal and disposal in large numbers of the Melbourne Metropolitan
Tramways Board W3 and W4 class tramcars, a group of three individuals decided
to ensure the preservation of at least one example of each class by purchasing
a site and registering the name Haddon Tramway workshops with the view
of establishing an operating museum.
A site was acquired 12kms South-West of Ballarat near the township of
Haddon upon which an immediate start was made on the construction of what
is now the main Workshop Complex. Progress was rather rapid and contraction
work was completed by November 1975.
Following advise from the M.M.T.B. that W3 and W4 class cars were to
be scrapped, the group was successful in acquiring W4670 which was moved
in April 1976, and W3 663 in May 1976. An additional W3, numbered
656 was purchased for parts and successfully dismantled.
During 1978 a three road running shed was constructed to house 6 trams
and a large storeroom and truck shop area established in the Workshop Complex.
In 1977 W2 357 and the body of Victorian Railway Tram No. 41 arrived at
the Museum. The next cars acquired for preservation were W2 407 and
L103 during 1982. In addition the following trams have been dismantled
for spare parts: W2 505, W2 222, W2 499 and L 105.
Work on laying track commenced in June 1985 and was completed during
1996. Also, during 1985 electrification work began and on Sunday
29th of July W2 357 became the first car to move under it's own power at
the Haddon Site. Restoration of the trams has been undertaken with
W4670 and W2 407 complete and L 103 well advanced.
Many other interesting projects have been completed such as a coloured
light signalling system to protect the single mainline, automated operation
of the railway points at the lower terminus and car wash plant. The
next major projects will be the commissioning of the mainline and restoration
of VR 41.
Email:tookec@bigpond.com.au
© Copyright 1998 Melbourne Tramcar Preservation Association Inc.