Britain's Preserved Trams: An Historic Overview

The first tram was preserved in Britain almost 100 years ago, and since then a great variety of trams have been saved from tramway systems. Many trams were purchased directly out of service and others were acquired after many years of alternative usage. The story of tram preservation is not wholly positive, with many trams suffering from vandalism and weather damage in the early days. However, in 1959, the National Tramway Museum was acquired, and a comprehensive collection of trams from all over Britain and also foreign tram networks has been assembled to secure a collection of tramcars for future generations. There are also fine collections of trams in other museums in Britain and Ireland, which cover much of the rich history of this once common form of public transport. This book looks at almost 200 of these trams when they were in service, through historic photographs, prior to their withdrawal and eventual preservation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2021
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Since the first tram was preserved in Britain over a century ago, a remarkable variety of trams have been rescued from both small and large tramway systems. Some trams were purchased directly from service, while others were acquired after years of alternative usage, serving as summer houses, homes, or sheds on farms or allotments before undergoing meticulous restoration over many years. While the story of tram preservation has its share of challenges, particularly in the early days when many trams were stored in open, unsafe sites, subject to vandalism and harsh weather conditions, significant changes occurred in 1959 with the acquisition of the site for the future National Tramway Museum in Crich, Derbyshire. This acquisition has resulted in a comprehensive collection of trams from across Britain and foreign tram networks, ensuring the preservation of these historic vehicles for future generations. In addition to the National Tramway Museum, there are fine collections of trams in other museums in Britain and Ireland, which document the rich history of this once-common form of public transport. This book showcases nearly 200 of these trams, capturing them in their operational years through historic photographs before their withdrawal and eventual preservation.

Weight: 940g
Dimension: 225 x 288 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526739018