Melbourne's Y-class tram

Y class

Nos: 469
Introduced: 1927
Withdrawn: 1965
Electrics: GE K35JJ control, 4 x 30 kW motors
Size: 13.87 m x 2.64 m
Seating/Crush load: 53/

This tram appears to have been developed as a prototype driver-only tram, although it was probably not operated that way. It is of "Peter Witt" design.

Preserved Y-class trams

The one and only Y-class tram is at the Hawthorn Tram Depot.

Y1 class

Nos: 610 - 613
Introduced: 1930
Withdrawn: 1965
Electrics: GE K36JJ control, 4 x 30 kW motors
Size:13.72 m x 2.64 m
Seating/Crush load: 53/

The Y1 was fitted with a sloping windscreen to avoid the reflections of internal lighting getting in the driver's eyes. Larger wheels were introduced to improve the ride, and reduce noise. It is possible that this tram was intended to be the new standard design for Melbourne, but its potential for driver-only operation meant that union opposition was certain, so development of the W-series (with the W3) was continued instead.

Numbers 614 - 623 were reserved for 10 more of these trams, but they were never built.

Preserved Y1-class trams

Y1-class trams 610, 611 & 612 are all at the Hawthorn Tram Depot.

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