THE TRAMS
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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 coming to the end of a restoration to its original knifeboard seat condition and it is intended to 'launch the car in Spring 2008 with a commemorative event in Heaton Park.
(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 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.
The almost finished restoration. L53 seen on 4th September 2007
(Photo A. Gray)
This view shows the car body rotated on its truck in process of turning round at the terminus.
(Photo A. Gray)
With the body partially turned the turntable arrangement can clearly be seen along with the brake rigging.
(Photo A. Gray)
L53 in service on its launch day 27th March 2008. Tram horse Murdoch from the Bradford Industrial Museum is in charge.
(Photo S. G. Hyde)
MANCHESTER TRANSPORT MUSEUM SOCIETY