Following the news at the end of the week that Douglas Borough Council were to make six surplus trams available for sale by auction further details have now been released including confirmation of which six trams will be up for grabs. As mentioned previously any individuals or groups who are interested in purchasing one of the trams are required to show that they are seriously interested in preserving the vehicles and not just to purchase them without a plan.
The six trams are confirmed as:
Winter Saloon no. 28 of 1892
Bulkhead no. 33 of 1896
Bulkhead no. 34 of 1896
Bulkhead no. 37 of 1896
Toastrack no. 39 of 1902
Toastrack no. 40 of 1902
Only pre-approved bidders will be allowed to partake in the auction. All prospective purchasers are advised that are required to establish their identity, including Photo ID and to sign a declaration of intent regarding potential purchases. Registerations will close at 1200 on Friday 26th August ahead of the auction the following day.
Bids will be able to be made in person (with the auction taking place at Murray’s Saleroom, Allan Street, Douglas at 11am – viewing of the trams is available between 9am and 11am at the tram depot), commission bid (sealed bid), live internet bidding or by telephone. Any successful bidders will have to settle the account on the day of the auction and then have only until 30th September 2016 to remove the trams from Strathallan Depot.
Further details of the auction can be found at http://chrystalsauctions.im/next.php?sale=201608271100m (this link includes links to the auction catalogue).
Although there has been much complaint about this auction taking place (and so quickly) with some suggesting it is already a done deal it is worth pointing about that the auctioneers have sent emails out this morning to numerous parties who they believe could be interested in putting a bid in for a tram which will hopefully provide plenty of interest for the auction which takes place on Saturday 27th August.
And anyone interested in bidding for a tram can stay behind after the six trams have gone under the hammer for an exciting sale of needleworks and samplers…
Bulkhead no. 33 is seen at the back of the depot on 7th August. The state of the rear of the depot can be easily seen in this view showing exactly why investment is needed in a new depot. (Photograph by Gareth Prior)
Whilst I appreciate the need for the operation to be viable!!!!!! watching what occurred in Blackpool with a re concentrated fleet which despite gloom and doom has become a significant attraction and income.
Bearing in mind the size of these historic trams in relation to the Blackpool examples the operation to trim seems very premature and as the visitor numbers have increased using the trams thought needed. Surely space for storage can be found that is till new details and costings planning etc completed.
I have never visited IOM but can see it from Anglesey some may say irrelevant comments but because of the age, survival and world wide rarity maybe some good reason for steady thinking and the future.
It might also be worth examining the real reasons not the vehicle operational issues to see why a sudden and somewhat devastating tourist decision was cooked up.
Weather the likes of the Southport pier tram could be adopted to suit the operation for wetter weather days or cold would be an interesting scenario adding a dash of modern and a ready made little used instant (relatively) solution and no electrification.
Thinking outside the box.
Dave
So that we prospective bidders do not simply push the price up by bidding against each other, is anyone compiling a list of prospective bidders so we can perhaps co-operate ? I’m looking at the winter saloon, subject to transportation costs. Am I alone ? I’d rather see it go to an established museum, but if none are bidding my garden is as good a home as anyone else’s.
I thought that bidders were supposed to be proving they could preserve the vehicles? Selling them to be a garden shed is shameful. These vehicles are national treasures not rubbish to get rid of to anyone. Shame on you Douglas politicians for not bothering to find secure appropriate homes. Disgusting.
According to ‘Friends of Douglas Bay Horse Tramway’ Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/friendsofdbht ), the trams were all sold, as follows: –
28 – £2,800
33 – £1,200
34 – £1,300
37 – £1,100
39 – £1,800
40 – £1,000
Total – £9,200
It has been rumoured that five of the six are to remain on the Island.