Wanganui 21 launch

[Mal Rowe]

Last weekend saw the launch into service of one of the most impressive
restoration (re-creation?) of a tram in this part of the world.

Trailer 21 from Whanganui in NZ was launched into service and Henry
Brittain of Wellington Tramway Museum was there to capture the attached
pics.

The quality of the work is outstanding, beginning with careful CAD work
by Leighton Chan to allow manufacture of missing parts, to selection of
high quality timber including rare NZ Kauri and a stunning paint job.

The trailer is 'convertible' meaning that it can be an open or closed
car - depending on the season.  The pictures show that.

The aluminium lower side panels and the windows slide up into the roof
for Summer.

The trailer was built by Boon & Co of Christchurch and entered service
around 1920.  It was hauled by electric trams  but will generally be
hauled by ex Sydney stem tram No 100 which also came to MOTAT from
Whanganui.  There is a prototype for stem haulage as that was needed
during a period when the power station failed in Whanganui.

Mal Rowe - grateful to Henry for the great pictures