[motto]

What I know of it. Mostly hearsay as the cable trams were gone before I was out and about.
The cable tram system/s used power houses with the winding mechanism to run the cable which was a continuous loop to the end of the section and back. Some of the buildings still stand today I believe. I recall having one pointed out to me in North Melbourne.
The cable travelled below a slot between the rails through which the grip mechanism on the tram was able to be attached. If the street was quiet enough the cable could be heard making a low hissing sound and children would sometimes amuse themselves by snagging a piece of rag on it through the slot and watch it travel down the street.
The trams consisted of two parts, the forward section was the 'grip' and carried the driver or grip man to attend to the tram operation and also carried passengers. The rear section was the 'dolly' or 'dummy' and only carried passengers. There used to be a complete tram on display outside the museum in a glassed in enclosure.
As the system was dismantled some of the miles of cable was reused as fencing around parks and public areas strung from post to post. It was of unusual construction and instantly recognisable. There was a long length of it near the school I attended in Ascot Vale that we would sit on and swing back and forth or try and walk along. It was there for many years and we all knew what it was.

David

There are some ex Melbourne electric trams on your side of the pond Phil. They were operating them along the Seattle waterfront when I was there years ago and may still be doing so.