Sydney R-Class Tram

R-class

Manufacturer Clyde Engineering
Constructed 1933-35
Number built 195
Fleet numbers 1738-1932
Specifications
Length 14.33 metres
Width 2.74 metres
Height 3.18 metres
Weight 17.9 t
Passenger capacity seats 80
Passenger capacity standing 48
Maximum speed 60 km/h
Engine power 4 x 40 hp
Electric system(s) 600 V DC catenary
Current collection method Pantograph
Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 12 in)

The R-class trams were a class of drop centre saloon car type trams operated on the Sydney tram network.

History

Class leader 1738 was unveiled in a ceremony at Randwick Tramway Workshops on 29 September 1933. All 195 cars were in service by mid-1935. There were two saloons featuring 16 tip-over upholstered seats in each, plus wooden seating for 16 in the centre section. It was the low seating capacity of only 48 that went against the class which could not operate in multiple units. The last five of the 200 were built as prototypes for the R1 class, hence only 195 were built as R class.[1]

Rushcutters Bay was the first depot to be allocated trams, Fort Macquarie followed next, then Waverley, North Sydney and Newtown. Ultimo received its first R cars in 1940, with Rozelle and Tempe gaining them in 1949. Dowling Street finally received R cars when Fort Macquarie Depot closed in 1955.[1]

Two North Sydney R cars plunged into Sydney Harbour when running out of control on the steep descent to Athol Wharf, both were repaired. Withdrawals comenced in mid-1958 when the North Sydney system closed and these cars went into storage, mainly at Waverley. On 22 November 1958, the last day of operation of Rozelle Depot and the last day of services in George Street and the western suburbs. All R cars were withdrawn on that date.[1]

Preservation

Eleven have been preserved:

References

  1. 1 2 3 MacCowan, Ian (1990). The Tramways of New South Wales. Oakleigh: Ian MacCowan. pp. 132–134. ISBN 0 949600 25 3.
  2. "B1520 Tram, full size, electric, and parts, "R" type No. 1738, metal / wood, Clyde Engineering Co, Australia, 1933". Powerhouse Museum. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 "Sydney Tramway Museum Fleet Register" (PDF). Sydney Tramway Museum. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  4. Deare, Steven; Morcombe, John (14 January 2014). "Tram to return to The Tramshed at Narrabeen". The Manly Daily. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
  5. R1808 Vicsig
  6. 1990s Harry’s Café de Wheels

Further reading

External links

Media related to Sydney R-Class Tram at Wikimedia Commons

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