The Grampian Transport Museum in Alford, near Aberdeen, has an impressive display of vehicles with a concentration on cars and bikes although there is also enough to keep the tram enthusiast happy as well in the form of two trams. During 2017 one of these trams – Aberdeen horse car 1 – made a trip back home to Aberdeen for a short spell but is now back in pride of place at Alford where it can be seen alongside Cruden Bay Tramway 2. Keith Chadbourne made a recent visit to the museum and the following photos show the trams in situ.
Dating from 1896 Aberdeen Horse Car 1 is a double decker and is now back at the museum having spent a few months in the Aberdeen Science Centre midway through 2017 for display. This view shows the tram from an elevated position.
With the dummy conductor keeping a close eye on the photographer another view of 1.
The second tram at the Grampian Transport Museum is Cruden Bay Tramway 2, although it has in fact been restored using the best bits of the only two trams which ever ran on this short – less than a mile – line which linked Cruden Bay Railway Station and the Cruden Bay Hotel between 1899 and 1932 (1941 for goods).
The plush interior of the Cruden Bay tram.
Controller and handbrake.
The two trams are located close by in the museum. (All Photographs by Keith Chadbourne)