Melbourne W2 tram model

We mentioned the one in Christchurch yesterday, so here is a custom-built 1:48 scale model constructed by Mr Gary Sneesby, Eccentric Engineering, Hughesdale for the Museum of Victoria. The W2-class drop-centre double-bogie standard-gauge electric tram No.454 shown was built at the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board's Preston Workshops in 1927.  First introduced by the MMTB in 1923, the W-class tram design was intended from the outset to provide a standardised rollingstock for Melbourne's entire tramway system. Over the following 35 years a total of 756 W-class trams were built by the MMTB. All had a similar basic form and external appearance. The combination of an open drop-centre section and enclosed saloons at either end provided one of the classic tram designs and was to prove ideally suited to Melbourne's ever changing weather and the need to quickly load and disembark large numbers of passengers during peak hour services. The W2-class design had an official capacity of 52 seated and 93 standing passengers.