E-class Sydney tram

The E-class trams were a class of single bogie (four-wheel) single-ended cross-bench design trams operated on the Sydney tram network. They always operated in permanently-coupled pairs because they were fitted-out electrically as if the pair was a single bogie car.^[1]

E-class
E530 & E529 at Centennial Park
Manufacturer	Randwick Tramway Workshops Clyde Engineering Meadowbank Manufacturing Company
Constructed	1901-1903
Number built	202
Fleet numbers	396, 397, 413-612
Specifications
Train length	27 ft 5.5 in (8.37 m)
Width	7 ft 3.5 in (2.22 m)
Height	12 ft 1.5 in (3.70 m)
Maximum speed	60 km/h
Weight	10.02 long tons (10.2 t)
Power output	4 x 48 hp (later 60)
Electric system(s)	600 V DC overhead (trolley) wire
Current collector(s)	Trolley pole
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)

History

In 1901, two prototypes were built by the Randwick Tramway Workshops. Deemed a success, a further 200 were built by Clyde Engineering and Meadowbank Manufacturing Company in 1902/03. They were introduced for the electrification of the Eastern Suburbs lines, but also operated services on the North Shore lines.^[2]

Withdrawals commenced in 1934; two pairs (499+500 and 529+530) were fitted with track brakes for the Neutral Bay service, with 529+530 lasting in service until 1955.^[2]

Numbers

• Randwick Tramway Workshops: (1901) 396, 397
• Clyde Engineering: (1902/03) 413-560, 611, 612
• Meadowbank Manufacturing Company: (1902/1903) 561-610

Preservation

Two have been preserved:

• 529 & 530 at the Sydney Tramway Museum^[3]