Hong Kong Stories: Master In The House 2
With the extension of tram tracks along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island 120 years ago, the distinctive silhouette of this small island has been outlined.
Upon the opening of the Whitty Street Tram Depot in the end of 1980s, the tram company has started its in-house production of trams. Currently, the 165 trams travelling through the Hong Kong Island were all made in Hong Kong. The production line is mainly manually operated, with the components from roof racks to wooden armchairs being made by the skillful hands of 25 masters.
Over the past century, trams have undergone evolution and constant changes. Nevertheless, in renovating the teak trams, the masters would certainly preserve the equipment such as foot bells, brake levers and hand-operated destination signs. Based on the design of 100 years ago, the chassis of some trams are still in use today. This means of transportation, which has great historical value and symbolic meaning, is being safeguarded by every master in Whitty Street silently.
With the progressive retirement of teak trams in recent years, aluminium alloy trams have been launched. In the depot, many masters who have reached their retirement age are also waiting for newcomers to take over their duties. Times have changed slowly amid trivial and ordinary days, yet trams have kept travelling for a hundred years. With the gradual changes of all things, fortunately we still have a group of tram masters who use their hands to preserve the beautiful landscape in a corner of Hong Kong silently.
Producer: Joanne YIM
