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Melbourne's tram classification system is based on classes originally devised by the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB). At first this was based on the order in which the original tramways companies had purchased the different types of tram between 1910 and 1921.
The classification system was simplified in 1928. All the drop end combination trams: B, H, J, M and S classes were added to A class. The straight sill combination classes F, K, Q, and R, were added to G class. Maximum traction bogie combination classes D, E, N, and P, were added to C class. Sometimes variations on a design were given extra letters or numerals. For example, W class trams classified as W3 or CW5. Over the years many of the trams were modified and then reclassified. For example, all the W class trams were converted to W2 class between 1928 and 1933.
Individual trams were also numbered by the tramways companies. In 1924 the MMTB unified the numbering across the fleet. With the introduction of Z class trams, the MMTB started a new numbering system. Tramways in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Sorrento and the Victorian Railways had their own tram numbering systems. Trams which were moved between the systems were renumbered.
There were also a large number of non-passenger trams, such as rail grinders, breakdown cars and freight cars which were not included in the classification system.