A new chapter in Melbourne's tramway history.
In 1984, Melbourne saw it's first articulated light rail vehicle. Known as B1.2001, it hailed a new era in high-capacity trams. Built by Comeng in Dandenong as a prototype light rail vehicle, B1.2001 was based on the A class design in a double carriage configuration.
Fitted with the same AEG/Siemens Chopper traction control equipment as the earlier Z3 and A class trams, B1.2001 was fitted with air brakes, dual height platform steps suitable for railway platform heights, as well as trolley poles and reels. A second prototype, B1.2002 entered service in 1985.
B1.2001 at the Preston Workshops in it's as delivered configuration.
Geoff Warburton/VICSIG photo.
The construction of the two articulated trams heralded a new era in tramway transport in Victoria.
On the 31st of July, 1987, the St Kilda heavy rail line saw it's last passenger service. Several months of work saw the line converted to standard gauge, suitable for light rail vehicles.
A refurbished Harris arrives at Albert Park station, with Light Rail advertisements in the days before the closure of the St Kilda railway line.
Peter J. Vincent photo.
On November 20 1987, Melbourne said hello to a new chapter in it's tramway history - the arrival of Light Rail. Consisting of two lines, the Light Rail network was formed with through the conversion of the St Kilda and Port Melbourne broad gauge heavy rail lines. The converted St Kilda Light Rail line formed the new southern end of Route 96 which previously ran from East Brunswick - Blyth Street to City - Bourke and Spencer Streets. As part of the Light Rail project, a new set of curves were installed at the corner of Bourke and Spencer Streets, replacing the dead-end terminus.
The Port Melbourne broad gauge line closed on the 11th of October 1987, and conversion works were completed in December with the first light rail service operating on the 21st of December 1987. Route 111 formed service on the Port Melbourne Light Rail line, operating from the Royal Exhibition Building to Port Melbourne. At the time, Port Melbourne was primarily an industrial location. Since then, urban renewal has taken place, with the development of Beacon Cove. The Port Melbourne railway station building remains to this day at Beacon Cove, serving as a cafe and medical centre.
100th Light Rail Vehicle B2.2100 stands at the Port Melbourne terminus on April 10, 1993.
Lindsay Bridge/Flickr photo.
