Restoration of discarded trams for Whiteman Park

Discarded Western Australian trams are being restored for service at Whiteman Park.

A team of volunteers from the Perth Electric Tramway Society operates the State's only electric tramway at Whiteman Park, but until now only Melbourne trams have been used.

After 18 years, 11,200 working hours and $58,000 the society has finished the first restoration of a WA tramcar.

The 1921 bogie saloon car, 'Number 29' from the Fremantle Municipal Tramways, will return to service today (August 16) at Whiteman Park.

Premier Carmen Lawrence will commission 'Number 29' for service at 1.30 pm and, after a brief instruction, take the driver's seat for the tram's first official passenger run.

Dr Lawrence said the effort to restore the tram was exceptional and the final product was a tremendous gift to the State.

An important piece of WA's transport heritage had been restored, not only for the enjoyment of visitors to Whiteman Park but for future generations.

The restoration program was aimed at authenticity, and original or replica equipment was used.

"Many people would not remember WA's original trams and this is a wonderful opportunity not only to enjoy a ride through the park, but to experience a part of history," Dr Lawrence said.

"It is fitting that Whiteman Park, which is a conservation, heritage and recreation park, should be the new home of the restored trams."

'Number 29' operated on the Fremantle line for 31 years servicing South Beach, Stock Road and Marmion Street routes until the line closed in 1952.

The Fremantle tram was salvaged in 1973 from the Emu Point Caravan Park in Albany where it and 20 other trams had been used as holiday chalets.

The Tramway Society paid $100 for the tram, which had been completely stripped of all mechanical equipment, undercarriage and internal furnishings.

Eight other WA trams bodies are stored at Whiteman Park awaiting restoration.