But when Mayor Feinstein requested that the festivals continue in subsequent summers, Muni purchased two Melbourne W-class trams for its permanent historic fleet. One of these, No. 496, has operated regularly and reliably. The other, No. 586, has been kept, non-operational, as a spare. These large, quiet, center-loading cars are crowd swallowers with high capacity and large, opening windows, making them almost semi-convertible in design.

Car No. 496 is the first vintage car (non-PCC or Milan) to be fitted with the low-voltage package and GPS. Cars of this type have proven very reliable in service in Seattle and Memphis, among other venues. They also still serve in Melbourne on its ‘City Circle’ heritage line, inspired in part by the F-line. Car No. 496 has been used several times for goodwill promotions for Australia, including one featuring Olivia Newton-John.

1929-30
Cars No. 496 and 586 built in Australia for Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board.

1984
Retired from regular service in Melbourne. Sold to Muni. No. 496 prepared for service; No. 586 stored as a spare.

1985-87
Car No. 496 operated successfully in final three Historic Trolley Festivals.

1995
Car No. 496 began serving the F-Market line.

2000
Car No. 496 began serving the F-line extension on The Embarcadero to Fisherman’s Wharf.

2004
Electronics package installed on car No. 496; brought into compliance with CPUC regulations.

2007
Car No. 496 in revenue service on Embarcadero Shuttle.

Market Street Railway’s goal
With Muni agreement, Market Street Railway volunteers to mount displays in car No. 496 and touch up cosmetically in Spring 2007. Car No. 496 to continue in revenue service as part of the core vintage collection operating plan. On assessment of needs for the E-line, Muni to consider activating car No. 586.