BusTalk

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Trams in Melbourne (here we have both classic electrics and giant caterpillars!)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trams_in_Melbourne

["Z1.95"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

More interesting (historic and modern) "Down Under" trams.......

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trams_in_Australia

["NO MOTOR VEHICLES-TRAMS ONLY"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

"Down under" trolleybuses (Sydney)........

Until 1959, Sydney operated both single- and double-deck trolleybuses (only two survive today)

The big double-deckers were quite similar to those which ran in London until 1962 (London's trolleybuses were known as "Silent Giants")

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trolleybuses_in_Sydney

["AEC"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Today, Sydney boasts a magnificent bus museum, where a number of beautifully-restored vehicles now proudly reside (now.....these are REAL buses!)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Bus_Museum

["LEYLAND"]

[Cyberider]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Cyberider:

I recall there being at least ONE ex-Melbourne car in San Francisco; there were also a couple on the "Riverfront" line in New Orleans, back in the 1990s (I rode them back in 1992!)

Birneys also once operated in Australia; a few are preserved today!

"NYO"

["MELBOURNE TRAMWAYS, LTD."]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Cyberider:

See:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riverfront_Streetcar_line

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W-class_Melbourne_tram

["W-2"]

[Cyberider]

Thanks, NYO. Very distinctive cars. Nothing says Australia or Melbourne better!

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Of special interest here are the Birneys that once operated in Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere! (the little trolley that COULD....and DID!)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birney

["21"]

[Cyberider]

Agreed about the W cars.

Not so enthusiastic about the Birneys, though! To me, this was a case where a bus might have been preferable.

I think I saw one at the OETM, OERM, or whatever they call themselves now. This was about 50 years ago. I don't remember whether it was operational at the time. However, I was more interesting in riding the Blimps, the Hollywood cars, and the LARy PCC's at the time.

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Cyberider:

On the other hand, I have ALWAYS loved Birneys (true "Tonoerville Trolleys!!)

I have several postwar "O" gauge Birneys (operate on LIONEL track), made by the long-defunct "GM Company" in the late 40s/early 50s (one still has its original box!

I also have a large sheet metal Birney from the 20s, made by the KINGSBURY TOY COMPANY (bell rings when you push it!)

Too, I have several linited runs by CORGI, for different companies.

And, after all, a BIRNEY at least LOOKS like A STREETCAR, and NOT a GIANT caterpillar!!!

"NYO"

["CHARLES O. BIRNEY"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Cyberider:

Check out this classic restored tram from Sydney, now residing up at the Seashore Trolley Museum.......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?53118

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?53119

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["1700"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Here's an interesting page (w/photos!)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christchurch_tramway_system

["152"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Cyberider:

Normally, folks do not picture ex-LIRR MUs ending their days in Mexico, running once again in commuter service.......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?42933

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?42934

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["M-1"]