THE TRAMS
(Page1)
The Manchester Transport Museum Society own a number of different trams, some of which have operated at Heaton Park and other locations at various times. A number of other trams have visited Heaton Park over the years and the Society have others in the course of restoration in readiness for operation in Heaton Park. What follows is a brief look at the fleet of trams which have operated in the park since the line re-opened, or which it is intended will operate in the park.
Manchester Carriage and Tramways L53
(Photo MTMS archive)
L53 is an example of the typical Manchester Carriage and Tramways Company Eades Patent reversible double deck horse tram dating from the 1880s. The tram shown above is not actually L53 but represents the condition which it is being restored to. The patent design created a single ended tram whose body could be rotated on it's truck at the terminus. This gave significant savings in weight and allowed the use of fewer horses. The design which was developed by the Company was used by a number of other operators but MCTC had a large fleet which operated across Manchester, Salford and surrounding towns. The car is currently being restored to its original knifeboard seat condition.
(Photo MTMS archive)
The only known view of a MCTC Eades car being turned at a terminus. Note the horses pulling the car body round on its turntable.
(Photo MTMS archive)
L53 was rescued from Woolley Bridge near Glossop where it had been used as an annex to a hairdresser's shop and also as part of a fish and chip shop. It had survived complete with its reversible truck and chilled iron wheels. The photo above shows the car just prior to its recovery.
(photo courtesy R.Hill)
L53 emerges into the sunshine in May 2001 showing progress in its ongoing restoration.Since this photograph was taken much progress has been made with the restoration and the car is now fully glazed and has its basic red, cream and green livery applied.
(photo S.G.Hyde)
The picture above was taken on September 1st 2002 and shows the progress made with the lower saloon roof and the platforms.
(Photo S.G. Hyde)
This picture was taken on April 11th 2004 and shows work ongoing fitting out the top deck.
(photo S.G. Hyde)
Taken on 20th June 2005 showing top deck seating and handrail fitting in progress
(Photos S. G. Hyde)
Two photographs taken on 27th November 2005 during shunting moves to prepare the trams for winter storage show L 53 with the new front decency board and upper deck seating in place.
MANCHESTER TRANSPORT MUSEUM SOCIETY