Z-class Melbourne tram

Z-class
Z3.228 on a Route 58 service on Market Street, July 2023
Refurbished Z3 class interior
ManufacturerComeng
DesignerMelbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board
AssemblyDandenong
Constructed1975–1983
Entered service1975
Number built230
Number in service87
Number preserved6
Number scrapped34
Successor
Fleet numbers
  • Z1 1–Z1 100
  • Z2 101–Z2 115
  • Z3 116–Z3 230
Capacity
  • Z1/Z2: 48/70
  • Z3: 42/70
(seated/standing)
Depots
Specifications
Train length
  • Z1/Z2: 16 m (52 ft 6 in)
  • Z3: 16.64 m (54 ft 7 in)
Width2.67 m (8 ft 9 in)
Height
  • Z1/Z2: 3.55 m (11 ft 8 in)
  • Z3: 3.41 m (11 ft 2 in)
Doors4 double, 2 single (Z3 only)
Wheel diameter
  • Z1/Z2: 680 mm (27 in)
  • Z3: 660 mm (26 in)
Wheelbase1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)
Maximum speed
  • 70–72 km/h (43–45 mph) (design)
  • 60 km/h (37 mph) (service)
Weight
  • Z1/Z2: 19 t (19 long tons; 21 short tons)
  • Z3: 21.8 t (21.5 long tons; 24.0 short tons)
Traction system
  • Z1/Z2: ASEA Tramiac resistance control
  • Z3: AEG/Siemens chopper control
Traction motors
  • Z1/Z2: 4 × ASEA LJB 23/2 57 kW (76 hp)
  • Z3: 2 × AEG ABS 3322[1] 195 kW (261 hp)
Power output
  • Z1/Z2: 228 kW (306 hp)
  • Z3: 390 kW (523 hp)
Acceleration1.5 m/s2 (3.4 mph/s)
Deceleration
  • 1.6 m/s2 (3.6 mph/s) (Dynamic braking)
  • 1.4 m/s2 (3.1 mph/s) (Mechanical braking)
  • 3 m/s2 (6.7 mph/s) (Emergency)
Electric system(s)600 V DC (nominal) from overhead catenary
Current collector(s)Pantograph
UIC classification
  • Bo′Bo′ (Z1/Z2)
  • B′B′ (Z3)
Bogies
  • Z1/Z2: ASEA
  • Z3: Duewag tandem-drive
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Notes/references
[2][3][4][1]

The Z-class are single-unit bogie trams that operate on the Melbourne tram network. Between 1975 and 1983, 230 trams spanning three sub-classes were built by Comeng, Dandenong. The design was based on two similar Gothenburg tram models, and a prototype built by the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board. While the Z1 and Z2-class trams were very similar, the Z3-class had significant design changes.

Since introduction they have had a variety of liveries, and modifications. The Z1 and Z2-class trams have been retired, with 87 Z3-class trams remaining in service.

  1. ^ a b "Tram Track Design" (PDF). Yarra Trams. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference VicsigZ1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Z2 Class Archived 27 November 2020 at the Wayback Machine Vicsig
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference VicsigZ3 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).