During a recent enduro to Melbourne — part sightseeing, part ancient tram-spotting safari — I set out on a quest to locate the endangered Z3 class trams. These venerable beasts of burden still roam Melbourne’s streets, bravely rattling along while surrounded by the soulless new generations of ghastly modernity on wheels.
Accompanying me on this adventure was my partner-in-transport-crime, Prudence, a relative from the exotic outpost of Upper Kumbuktoo West (population: mostly kangaroos, I suspect). Together, we ventured to Footscray with a mission — to ride the hallowed Route 82 tram all the way up to its junction with Route 57, that thrilling crossroads at Wests and Raleigh Roads known only to tram fans and local pigeons. Something I last did way back in the wonderful year of 1987.
There were two reasons for this pilgrimage. Firstly, both routes are still valiantly operated by the venerable Z3s, bless them. Secondly, they’re expected to be among the first to fall victim to the arrival of those new G-class trams — “trams” in name only, because let’s be honest, they look like someone 3D-printed a shipping container and called it public transport.
To our delight, it turned out to be a most enjoyable morning of clattering, dinging, and nostalgic tram-riding. And credit where it’s due — both lady tram drivers were absolute gems. Friendly, cheerful, and clearly immune to the daily chaos of Melbourne traffic. A fine reflection on Yarra Trams — that curious joint venture between my old nemesis, Transdev Australia, and the far more likeable and vaguely human John Holland.
SW6-916 heading to Moonee Ponds back in the good ol days that were the 80s.
Today this lovely old gal is in operation way over in San Francisco (USA).
Photo: Brad Peadon
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Melbourne’s Z3 class trams are the last of their line — built from the end of the 70s until 1984s when music was still good and Comeng was still a name in the rapidly changing manufacturing world. Tough, rattly, and full of character, they’ve spent decades clattering through the suburbs with all the grace of a shopping trolley on cobblestones.
Now nearing retirement, the Z3s continue to cling to the tracks while the slick, soulless G-class “things” prepare to replace them. Love them or loathe them, the Z3s are pure Melbourne, probably almost as much as our beloved Ws — noisy, slightly rough around the edges, but impossible not to miss once they’re gone.
Where the day started, at tram route 82, stop #64, opposite Footscray station.
Actually, I was a wee tad concerned about going here given Google reviews concerning the station. But it was all quite clean and inviting with little of anything of concern.
Though I did not get to use the dunnys which do seem to attract the most ire from those doing said reviews. Mostly as I couldn't find them and was in a hurry to get to North Williamstown.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Looking southwards along Leeds Street, Footscray, opposite the railway station.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Now northwards along Leeds Street, Footscray, opposite the railway station.
Photo: Brad Peadon
421 turns from Leeds Street into Paisley.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Woohoo, with things getting a tad damp, our chariot for the ride to the junction arrives.
Z3-135.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Z3-135 about to depart Footscray.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Inside Z3-135.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Z3-135 in Leeds Street, about to turn left into Hopkins.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Z3-213 it head to Footscray along Ballarat Road.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
The section alongside River Street and Rosamond Road is quite picturesque and I wish I had more time for photos there.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Raleigh and West Roads Junction.
Above and below
Alas we bid farewell to Z3-135 near the Raleigh Road junction.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and two below.
The junction itself.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Z3-169 passes through the junction as it approaches the route 57 terminus at West Maribyrnong.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Z3-184 from West Maribyrnong back to the city (Elizabeth Street).
Photo: Brad Peadon
Z3-185 branches off towards Footscray.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Looking towards the West Maribyrnong terminus which is 'just' visible in the distance.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Z3-166 and bus both westbound.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Z3-213 back from Footscray and headed to Moonee Ponds Junction.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Z3-166.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Z3-177 on another run to Footscray.
Photo: Brad Peadon
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NOTE: The video version of this day out will appear on the 'Semi-Retired Foamer' YouTube Channel in the fullness of time.
Check our new Linktree site above for piles of dreary transport entertainment.
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