Sydney F-Class Tram

F-class

F122 at Rose Bay
Manufacturer Clyde Engineering
Constructed 1899-1902
Fleet numbers 122, 140-288, 294, 296-395
Specifications
Train length 38 ft 6.5 in (11.75 m)
Width 7 ft 3.5 in (2.22 m)
Height 12 ft 1.5 in (3.70 m)
Maximum speed 60 km/h
Weight 12.26 long tons (12.5 t)
Power output 4 x 60 hp
Electric system(s) 600 V DC catenary
Current collection method Trolley pole with grooved wheel
Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)

The F-class trams were a class of two-bogie California combination car trams operated on the Sydney tram network with longitudinal seating in the open part of the car.[1] They were later rebuilt as the L-class trams and some again as the L/P-class trams.

History

In 1899, F122 was built by Clyde Engineering as a prototype. Deemed a success, a further 250 were built by Clyde Engineering between 1900 and 1902. They were introduced for the electrification of the Eastern Suburbs, South-Western and Western lines. Between 1906 and 1914, all were converted to L class trams at Randwick Tramway Workshops with the seating altered to face inwards other rather than outwards. F393 was not included, having been converted to a driver trainer.[2]

Between 1918 and 1930, all L class were rebuilt to resemble the P class trams as the L/P class. In 1920, 16 were allocated to the Rockdale Line while 98 were transferred to the Newcastle network between 1923 and 1926. Ten of those at Newcastle had air hoses installed at their number 1 end, enabling them to tow trailers, including two hearses, as explained in the Newcastle electric text. On the main system they operated out of Dowling Street, Newtown, Tempe and Waverley depots. The last was withdrawn in 1951.[2]

Preservation

Five have been preserved:

References

  1. ↑ McCarth & Chinn (1974). New South Wales Tramcar Handbook 1861-1961. SPER.
  2. 1 2 MacCowan, Ian (1990). The Tramways of New South Wales. Oakleigh: Ian MacCowan. pp. 118, 122, 123. ISBN 0 949600 25 3.
  3. ↑ "Sydney Tramway Museum Fleet Register" (PDF). Sydney Tramway Museum. Retrieved 4 September 2013.

Further reading

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