Raising the Rattler Pole

A tribute to one of Melbourne's iconic heroes – the W-Class -rattler' tram – has found its home among the city's public art collection. Raising the Rattler Pole – the last of the Connies, commissioned by the City of Melbourne Public Art Program, is an actual scale, artistic recreation of the last W-class tram built in 1956: the 1040.
Positioned on the corner of Spencer and Flinders Street the 10 metre sculpture is upended, jutting eight metres out of the ground and tilted at 10 degrees. At night, the Rattlers headlights glow and windows light up to create the illusion of bustling inside activity.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the City of Melbourne Public Art Program has brought a number of innovative and unique art pieces to Melbourne.

'Raising the Rattler Pole is a fantastic addition to Melbourne's public art collection. It is sure to become an iconic piece that is talked about by Melburnians and visitors alike," said the Lord Mayor.

Artist David Michael Bell said the W-class tram is iconically Melbourne and an important part of the city's history.