Melbourne's tram classification system is based on classes originally devised by the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (M&MTB).
At first this was largely based on the order in which the original tramway operators had introduced each different type of tramcar between 1906 and 1920.
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The classification system was simplified in 1928][ (or possibly earlier). All the drop-end combination trams of the B-class Melbourne tram (first), B, H-class Melbourne tram, H, J-class Melbourne tram, J, M-class Melbourne tram, M, and S-class Melbourne tram, S classes were added to A-class Melbourne tram (first), A class. The straight sill combination classes F-class Melbourne tram, F, K-class Melbourne tram, K, Q-class Melbourne tram, Q, and R-class Melbourne tram, R, were added to G-class Melbourne tram, G class. Drop-end-and-centre Maximum traction bogie combination classes D-class Melbourne tram (first), D, E-class Melbourne tram (first), E, N-class Melbourne tram, N, and P-class Melbourne tram, P, were added to C-class Melbourne tram (first), C class. Sometimes variations on a design were given extra letters or numerals. For example, W-class Melbourne tram, W type trams classified as W3, CW5, or SW6. Over the years many of the trams were modified and then reclassified – for example, every one of the original 200 W class trams were converted to W2 class between 1928 and 1933.][
Individual tram fleets had been numbered (from 1 upwards) by each of the pre-M&MTB tramway operators, but by 1924 the M&MTB had consolidated the numbering across the combined fleet.][ With the introduction of Z-class Melbourne tram, Z class trams, the M&MTB started a new numbering system.][ Tramways in Trams in Ballarat, Ballarat, Trams in Bendigo, Bendigo, Trams in Geelong, Geelong, Trams in Australia#Sorrento, Sorrento and the Victorian Railways had their own tram numbering systems. Trams which were moved between the systems were renumbered.
There were also many non-passenger trams, such as rail grinders, breakdown cars and freight cars which were not included in the classification system.
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Classes
References
{{MelbourneTramNavbox, state=collapsed
Taxi in Melbourne
Trams in Melbourne
Tram vehicles of Australia