Tram No. 32
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Being relocated within the depot - 1992 - Photo Warren Doubleday
 
Built by Duncan and Fraser for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust. Delivered in 1918 but transferred, without entering service, to Footscray Tramways Trust in 1919, who in turn were taken over by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board in 1920. Classed "M" and numbered 186 by the Board. Purchased by the State Electricity Commission in 1935. The car was acquired by the Maryborough Wildlife Park when the tramways closed in 1971 and held there until acquired by the Society in 1986. The tramcar is currently stored.
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Mayor Pryor at the front of No. 32 cuts the ribbon for the opening of the Lydiard St North Extension - 30/8/1937 - Photograph George Netherway No. 32 decorated as the Myers Christmas Tram for 1967, Wendouree Parade - 23/12/1967 - Photo Dave Macartney.
Date Built 1917 Builder Duncan & Fraser Adelaide
 
Technical Details (As Built)        
Type Single truck, drop ends, open California combination
Length 32' 10" (10.01m) Width 8' 11" (2.72m)
Height 10' 8" (3.25m) Wheelbase 7' 6" (2.29m)
Approx. Mass 12 tons (12.2 tonnes)    
 
History:          
1917 Built for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust (was to be tram No. 36), but placed in storage due to WW1 and lack of mechanical and electrical components.
1918 Sold to Footscray Tramways Trust (then under construction).
1920 Taken over by Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board and No. 186, class M, and began its operating life.
1935 Sold to the State Electricity Commission of Victoria for use on the Ballarat tramway system as No. 32 and converted to final Ballarat form - waist level panels in drop ends, with closeable door in each corner of the tramcar.
1937 Used as the Official tram to open the Lydiard St North Extension on
1971 Acquired by the Maryborough Historical and Wildlife Co-op as a static exhibit.
1986 Acquired by the BTPS principally for the mechanical components.
 
Heritage Significance:      
One of a number of this type of tram still in working order in Victorian museums. 32 and 33 have different electrical equipment to other trams of the ex MMTB M class.
 
Conservation Plan:
Long term project - California combination similar to 26 but in MMTB colours.
 
Museum Status:
Stored, offsite pending work. In 1988 body only was accepted at another tramway museum when they could house it, but has since closed. Mechanical equipment removed from body. Since determined Museum will retain tram.

 
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