A PAIR of Melbourne’s iconic W-class trams are a shadow of their former green and gold selves after being left at the mercy of vandals in a Preston tram yard.

The two trams have been covered in graffiti and left to rust in the recently upgraded

St Georges Rd tram depot, Leader can reveal.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said the group hoped to see all W-class trams returned to the public.

HAVE YOUR SAY: How could the trams best be used by the public? Tell us below

“It’s disappointing that some of the older W-class trams, which are a vital part of Melbourne’s heritage, have been neglected and left at the mercy of vandals,” Mr Bowen said.

“Whether they are able to be brought back into service, or placed as a static display, we hope that in the future the remaining W-class trams are kept in good condition for the public to enjoy.”

Yarra Trams last week declined Leader’s request for access to the trams.

media_camera One of Melbourne’s W-class trams in happier times.

PTV spokesman Nicholas White said the group invited public feedback about how the trams could be used in the community.

“PTV is keen to work with interested groups and parties to find new and innovative ways to keep W-class trams in the community,” Mr White said.

Graffiti to the exterior of the trams was “not detrimental to their prospects of being restored in the future”, Mr White said.

There are about 200 W-class trams in storage around Melbourne, while some trams continue to operate on the City Circle route and as the restaurant tram.

Many W-class trams have found their way back to the community around Melbourne, with Fitzroy High School last year converting one into a hub for disengaged students.

Trams also continue to operate on tourist routes in Ballarat, Bendigo and Haddon, and feature in the Hawthorn Tramway Museum.

Proposals for the use of Preston’s W-class trams can be directed to the Registrar — Tourist and Heritage Adrian.ponton@ptv.vic.gov.au

RESCUED RATTLERS

Melbourne’s love affair with W-class trams has continued well after most of the trams left the railways. Here are three rescued rattlers that found new lives at the end of the line.

W-CLASSROOM

Fitzroy High School students, in conjunction with charity-backed initiative Hands on Learning program, last year turned a W-class tram into a classroom.

The space aimed to allow students who could otherwise lose interest in school to build their confidence in a supportive environment through the Hands On Learning program.

Students renovated the tram to be used as an interactive learning environment, including fitting it out with a kitchen.

media_camera A disused W-class tram found a new life as a hub for disengaged inner-city students at Fitzroy High School. Picture: Ellen Smith

WATTLE PARK PLAY TRAMS

Burwood Park is home to two W-class trams, which have become popular attractions to locals and visitors alike.

After one of the trams was destroyed by arsonists in 2011 VicTrack donated a new tram for the park, reconditioned by the Bendigo Tramways Trust, with fittings and wheels removed, steel interiors installed, and new paint.

media_camera Wattle Park is home to two of the iconic trams.

HOME SWEET HOME

Gary Markoff bought a decommissioned W class tram for $1000 in 1980 to camp out in until he was able to build a traditional house.

He hauled it to the outskirts of Muckleford, west of Castlemaine, where he spent 35 years eventually creating a three-bedroom house completely integrating the tram.