Tait Train 317M has the pantograph raised to 1500v dc for the first time in almost 18 years

Live line direction test of TAIT train at Newport workshops 21.01.2020, this saw re activation of the train under its own power for the first time in almost 18 years. The Melbourne Tait Trains were built in from 1910, this Driving Motor Brake Compartment Standard was built by Newport Workshops in 1915. Equipped with the Sprague patent Multiple Unit traction equipment manufactured by the USA firm of GE it was the first 1500v dc EMU in the world, using American tried & tested 700v control traction equipment with control run via a "Dynamotor" rotating potential divider, splitting the 1500v traction power to 750v dc for control & lighting. The trains were run as locomotive hauled stock untill electrification was turned on in 1919. This test follows previous tests carried out by myself and my associate engineer such as insulation & continuity tests, Hi-Pot testing, sequence tests, resistance grid & fuse rating value test, Overload setting test.

[@captainnuzza]

Fantastic, great work and fingers crossed it will be running tours under its own power , again thanks Elecrail 😍

[@rosaleal6043]

FAN BLODEY TASTIC GOOD WORK TO ALL INVOLVED

[@MrP4n]

Now she’s running under her own power

[@liam3284]

The red rattler rattles again

[@nicholaskolaric343]

Interesting to see much older rolling stock up and running than what we are all accustomed to. Do you know if the Tait trains ran along the Port Melbourne train line, around 1957, for migrant transportation purposes or was that the work of the swing door trains?

[@johnd8892]

The most references i have come across for migrant transportation was using country carriages either diesel or steam locomotive hauled direct from station pier heading to Bonegilla. : ruclips.net/video/3X77EVqodHI/видео.html
This was the experience of the Greek origin part of my family.
Amazing that the colour film was made in 1956 and is on RUclips. Searching Bonegilla Trains on RUclips will show more documentaries touching on the direct train trip. Made without walking to Port Melbourne station to catch the normal Tait or Swingdoor electric trains that were both standard service on the Port Melbourne line in 1956. The special migrant only train removed the need for more changes of train at Flinders Street and other stations and several loading unloading operations of the migrants belongings in luggage.
Not sure about other migrant Hostels that may have been less well served by a very close by station as in Bonegilla. Maybe buses used.