Re: [TramsDownUnder] SW6 Dash canopy

Hi, Logan and other TDU-ers!,

 

"Destination CITY" fifth edition explains that dash canopy lighting was introduced in 1938 with the conversion of several "W2" class trams for the Silver Jubilee of Luna Park, the cars being painted silver.  These dash canopy lights were also fitted to the first "SW6" class car 850, and became standard on new cars entering service.  Several cars of the "W2", "W3" and "W5" class were similarly treated.

 

Dash canopy lighting proved to be inadequate, so three holes were cut into the canopy as a temporary measure, and standard headlights were progressively re-installed, the conversion program being carried out between 1951 and 1958.  New cars entering service from 1951 onwards received standard headlights.  Dash canopy lighting was, however, re-introduced  for illuminating advertising trams such as 1024.

 

I remember hearing some time in the 1960s from a Camberwell Depot driver that he felt safer at night driving a tram that had dash canopy lighting (especially with the three holes cut into the dash) during World War 2, because such trams did not have the more evident headlight.  Fear of Japanese fighter planes spread as far south as Victoria, apparently.

 

Cheers!

 

Len Millar

 

 

From: Logan English

Sent: Thursday, November 28, 2024 8:21 PM

To: tramsdownunder@googlegroups.com

Subject: [TramsDownUnder] SW6 Dash canopy

 

Hi all,

 

Just a brief question for someone wise and clever.

 

What was the reason for the SW6's having dash canopy lighting as opposed to the more conventional headlights? I understand it was a failure so I hope someone can shed light on the reasoning.

 

Kind regards,

Logan

(021) 0825 4513

 

 

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