We caught the tram at Cathedral Junction and did a double loop around the inner city. This was the first time I’ve ridden on the little Invercargill Birney Tram number 15.
There are only two of these trams left in New Zealand (the other’s in New Plymouth and not mobile). In 1952, after more than thirty years of service, Birney no. 15 made its last trip to South Invercargill, the most southerly tram line in the world. After years spent as a farm sleepout this tram came to Ferrymead in 1985, and restoration started in 2009. It was finally completed in late 2013, since when the tram’s been running in the central city. This little tram needs only one staff member, as the only door is at the front. It was therefore more economical for a smaller city like Invercargill.
“This is a darling little tram
all done up now and looks so glam.’
ruth, at least one tram at ferrymead has come from the Heriot farm owned by Heathers brother Ken Black. The same tram was on ABC TV here last night in relation to the nz actor sam o’neil life story. Paul
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Paul, that’s fascinating. This Birney tram had been a sleepout at a Waimatuku property, west of Invercargill, so not from Heriot.
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