[TramsDownUnder] Melbourne tram routes 55/56

From:	Graeme Cleak <gcleak@optusnet.com.au>

Peter,

The through service, West Coburg - St Kilda Bch began 3/2/1946 as 55, whilst short workings to either West Brunswick or Domain Rd were allocated 56. At some stage early 50's, the 'confusing' 55 northbound/56 southbound numbering was adopted for thru trips.

The 1956 timetable shows through trips only running in M-F peak hours, plus all Sat morning.

The 1962 timetable only has a handful of through journeys in M- F peaks, in 1964 ex West Coburg at 6.25, 6.37, 6.54, 7.08, 7.20, 7.36, 7.48am,  then 4.33, 4.42, 4.54, 5.09pm. They are gone by 1969, though there were still 2 or 3 Peak trips Dudley & William to St Kilda Bch till 1983 shown in later years as Routes 53/55.

Regards,

Graeme Cleak

 Andrew your memory is not defective, the service only operated southbound as route 56 to the Domain Road crossover. Route number 55 was available for a service beyond to St. Kilda Beach but I don't recall it ever being routinely operated and I started on the job at South Melbourne/Hanna St in November 1966. I think cars were supposed to show 55 running northbound services and 56 southbound. I don't remember but possibly there were some peak Beach services but that could have varied when a new block was introduced, perhaps an AM service running into Hanna St to go on the wheel grinder. That's just a guess though. I finished up on the Australia Day holiday 1977 at Camberwell. See attachment.

Regards,

Peter Bruce