Images of preserved Bendigo tramsFollowing the closure of the Bendigo tramway system in 1972, a section of the system was retained from the Central Deborah Mine, just off High Street, on the former Golden Square line to North Bendigo. The tourist tramway, with the brand name "Bendigo Talking Trams" is part of an integrated tourist attraction, including the Central Deborah Gold Mine and the trams, is operated by the Bendigo Trust. Tourist trams operate a regular service on the line. Bendigo was a very wealthy city during the Gold Rushes of the second half of the nineteenth century and a large number of very impressive and attractive buildings were built during this time. The tram journey includes a recorded commentary about the historic sights along the route. The tram journey also includes a tour of the tramway depot where it is possible to inspect many of the trams in the Bendigo fleet. Since the closure of the tramway operated by the State Electricity Commission in 1972, much of the track has been relaid to an improved standard in mass concrete. Two sections of track have been added, the shot spur from High Street to the Central Deborah mine, and an unwired section of track to tramway storage sheds on the site of the former Bendigo Gasworks. The Bendigo Trust has restored and repainted the trams into a variety of styles and colour schemes representing a range of former owners and eras of the trams. The Trust has also acquired a number of trams from Melbourne to augment its fleet and enable less frequent use to be made of the elderly and historic trams acquired from the State Electricity Commission. Here is a selection of pictures taken on a typical day of operation of the Bendigo Talking Trams. Please enjoy! |
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Last update: 12/07/2003 | |
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