BALLARAT'S Tramway Museum has taken ownership of two new W class trams which will eventually add to the ever growing collection at the Lake Wendouree icon.
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And it is expected that after an extensive renovation, the trams will form part of ride along collection allowing passengers to remember the historic 'rattlers' which for so long dominated Melbourne and Victoria's tram routes.
Labor MP's for Wendouree Juliana Addison and Buninyong MP Michaela Settle jointly made the announcement of the arrival of the new trams, with a workshop in Bungaree set to play a crucial component in restoring the trams over the coming years.
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President of the Ballarat Tramway Museum Paul Mong said the 17 tonne trams were unloaded for restoration on Friday morning.
"These trams will play an important part in our organisation as they will assist us with large charter groups and functions, plus at our festivals such as Begonia Festival and Spring Festival," Mr Mong said.
"They will take 3-5 years to restore which will be done off site."
Mr Mong said he expected one tram to operate as a street car, while the second would likely remain in the museum. "These trams play an important part in our organisation and it is crucial to preserve these historic trams," he said.
"They are unique to Victoria and so we're preserving our state's history here."
Ms Addison said the trams would be a great asset to the city.
"To see those trams, one on the tracks around the lake allowing passengers to ride it and the other which will be on show in the tram museum will be terrific for Ballarat," she said.
"Nothing says iconic Victoria like our W class trams, some people call them the old rattlers, but for me I absolutely love them.
Ms Settle said she and her children had ridden the trams numerous times around the lake.
"Many a time I've crawled over the trams with my boys and they've rung the bell and run up and down, it's just a delight," she said.
The current line will be renovated in coming weeks but Mr Mong said it was hoped that one day it can be extended around the lake.
"The ultimate plan would be great to extend this museum, preserve all the trams and restore them as well as hopefully one day extend the track," Mr Mong said.
Trams run every weekend between 11.30am and 4pm.
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