Tait car 201 BT was issued to service July 1950. It was an experimental car used to trial a different carriage interior and door layout. A similar style was adopted when the new trains ( later named "Harris" trains ) were issued in 1956.
From rumours, sightings and "In Service" data, some interesting history was pieced together.
The body for this car was built as 441 _T__, a Tait trailer car in the "arch roof" style group built in the late 1940's. The car was only partly completed and remained stripped and in storage at Newport Workshops before modification. A second 441T was built and placed into service about two years later.
201 BT entered service and was used in a number of capacity tests, checking passenger numbers and load/unload times. It seems as a result, the single sliding center door was altered to the twin linked sliding doors.
It was removed from traffic in the late 1970's and was placed in storage.
In about 1984, the vehicle was placed on the "Historical Register" for eventual preservation. It was still in storage in 1992, at Spotswood.
By about 1994, the decision was made to scrap it.
Tait T list showing 441T in service later with gap filled by BT201
Photos for 'BT '
FileID Description................................................AG250 BT 201, [oPJV]AI462 BT 201, Flinders Street Yard, c1975, [oPJV]BA008 BT 201, [oPJV]BP002 BT 201 - centre door/open/PRESERVED sign, Newport Workshops, 4/8/1982, [oPJV]AG274 BT 201 - eXp, [oPJV]AG251 BT 201 - eXq, [oPJV]DK156 BT 201 - non tap end, TO BE RESERVED ..., Newport Workshops, 6/5/1980, [oPJV]BP003 BT 201 - profile/end/fogged, Newport Workshops, 4/8/1982, [oPJV]BA009 BT 201 - red, lined grey, Spencer Street, 1950s, [sRXO]BP001 BT 201 - single door view, Newport Workshops, 4/8/1982, [oPJV]AV068 BT 201 - t, Newport Workshops, 6/5/1980, [oPJV]BA009 RM - blue / silver, Spencer Street, 1950s, [sRXO]
Diagrams for 'BT '
FileID Description................................................AS756 BT - 201, diagram B-7, [oPTC]AU663 BT - 201, Tait three door, [oD26]
File c202m compiled by Peter J. Vincent, updated 25/8/2007
