Tait Train, Jolimont Railyards,
C. 1968
A Tait Train heading west through the Jolimont railyards, is about to pass under Swanston Street/St Kilda Road, en-route to Gowrie.
This service originated at Glen Waverley in Melbourne’s east, will stop at Flinders Street, before proceeding on the Upfield line to Gowrie. (Please read last paragraph)
The Taits were referred to as ’Sliding Door’ cars, to distinguish them from the earlier ‘Swing Door - Dog Box‘ cars, introduced in 1887. They were introduced in 1910 - as steam-hauled cars initially. They (along with the Swing Doors) were converted to electric traction as electrification of the suburban network was rolled out, commencing in 1919.
The first Taits (named for VR Commissioner Thomas Tait) were introduced in 1910, the last in 1952. A total of 623 cars were produced at the Newport shops. They were gradually replaced from 1974: The last being withdrawn in 1984.
Gowrie is on the Upfield line in Melbourne’s north, at Fawkner. It opened in 1928 as a simple Rail Motor Stopping Place. It closed in 1956, then reopened as Gowrie in 1965.