No 1 Tram

Statement of Significance

The single-truck Leonora Tram No _1 is highly significant as the sole remaining tram body from the Leonora Municipality run tramway between Leonora and Gwalia. It is remarkable that it has survived and is a fine marker of the significance of tram transport in such a remote locality as Leonora. It is the only tram to have operated on a public route in WA with twin trolleypoles. The tram car is of historic significance, being important in the incipient development of the mining in Leonora and Gwalia districts-The vehicle is important in having such advanced technology available in suc a remote section of Western Australia. It is also of significance due to its rarity with a moderate level of integrity and a high level of authenticity.

Physical Description

No. 1 Tram is a single-truck saloon with clerestory roof with a seating capacity of 40 with further capacity for standees. When rebuilt, the seating capacity was reduced to 20. The truck was a Brill 21E, powered by 2x35 horse power motors [General Electric 58] The vehicle weighed 9 tons and was 30' 0" long originally. When shortened it was reduced to 22 ft long. The body is metal clad on a timber frame. The timber plank roof is covered with canvas in the traditional way. On the interior, above the doorway, are the words 'Made in Philadelphia'. The body was built with an open platform and the tram was unusual in Western Australia in being fitted with twin trolley poles for double overhead wires.

History

Assessment 2002 Construction 1908 Builder: Brill Co, Philadelphia USA when a party headed by Sullivan and Weddick found a reef bearing gold. Others followed and more colour was found. The settlement of Leonora centred around the main thoroughfare, Tower Street, which was [it with kerosene lamps. Leonora flourished alongside the township of Gwalia and the two were connected by some form of tram service run along a 2' 6" gauge track that was opened in 1901. The Municipality took on the responsibility for the service in 1902 providing the steam service which was widened to 3'6" in 1903 when regular services commenced, Several years later there were five hotels being the most imposing structures in the township. The thriving municipality provided a power station, and with the availability of electricity, a decision to electrify the line and operate on the 3'6" gauge was taken in 1908. The powerhouse was destroyed by fire in 1915 precipitating the suspension of the electrically driven service Some shortening of the body of the tramcar was said to be undertaken during the tram's operational life to enable the awkward curves along its route to be negotiated. These had been laid to avoid crossing a mine tunnel in dangerous condition. After the destruction of the powerhouse a service was provided by a converted motor truck until 1921 when the tramway closed. The electric tram was offered for sale in 1918. The non-standard design and high cost of transport made a sale difficult. Thus, the tram remained outside the powerhouse for many years. After the mine's closure in 1963, Gwalia was nearly deserted, although a number of its buildings remained. By January 1964, the town had only 40 residents. The tram's traction gear was removed and scrapped in June 1958. It has been rebuilt by the School of Mines trainees.

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Creation Date

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