Cuthberts 939

Cuthberts 939
12/05/2024
Built as a bogie, drop-centre saloon. Heavily rebuilt internally to give a flat floor, air-conditioned, 240V and 24V systems fitted along with changes to bulkheads and position of the passenger door and a goods door in 1994.
Length 46.5 ft (14.17m) Width 7.11 ft (2.17m)
Height 10.36 ft (3.16m) Trucks MMTB No. 15
Approx. Mass 17.5 ton as built Estimated 22 tonnes rebuilt.
The tram was built by the MMTB as No. 939 in 1948 at Preston Workshops as a standard SW6 tramcar. It was resident for most of its life at Camberwell, Kew and South Melbourne depots and finally Southbank depot.
1985
Makes an appearance with tram 918 in Victoria Parade East Melbourne in a painting by Phil Belbin that appeared in a 1985 Comeng Calendar. Thanks to his son Bruce for permission to use the image. - Reg Item 7022.
1986
Makes a cameo appearance in the film Malcolm
1994/95
The tram was converted into Melbourne Restaurant tram No. 3 in 1994/95, being launched on 8-2-1995. While in the later part of its use by the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Co, it was named “Valentine” during July 2008. It was withdrawn from service in May 2012, when it was replaced by No. 935 (Restaurant No. 6).
2014
Acquired by the BTM and stored offsite.
2015
In August 2014, the Museum received a grant from the Victorian Government of $40,000 to refurbish tram - part of the Transport Investing in Regions Program. The tram was relocated to the Ballarat depot on 29/10/2014.
2016
Refurbishment work was completed during March 2016 and the tram was formally launched on 5/4/2016.. The tram is named after Sir Henry Cuthbert (1829 - 1907), the first Chairman of the Ballaarat Tramway Co (the horse tram operator). Sir Henry was a Ballarat based solicitor, member of the Legislative Council, Knighted in 1897 and strong supporter of many Ballarat institutions.
100 Gillies Street North
Lake Wendouree
Victoria
3350
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10 am-3 pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday 11 am-4 pm
Sunday 11 am-4 pm