Around the country there are various groups restoring trams which remain off the radar as they aren’t such high profile of those projects ongoing at the main heritage tramways we regularly report on. One such tram is Brighton 53 – the last remaining passenger tram from this system – and there will be a chance to see progress on its restoration at Open Days on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June.
53 only ran for two years in Brighton having been built in 1937 with the system closing in 1939. The tram was then sold on for further use and ended up at a West Sussex farm where it remained until the Brighton 53 Society was formed in 2010 with a view to restoring the tram to its former glory. Restoration has been ongoing in recent years by a small and dedicated band of volunteers and now is your chance to see how the tram is progressing.
The Society also own Graz 225 (former resident at Summerlee) which is also on site at the farm and Brighton Works Car 1.
Brighton 53 resides on a farm in the South Downs and anyone who wishes to attend either of the Open Days is required to either email tram53project@yahoo.com or phone 01273 486 099 to get further details (including exact location) or to book your place. The Open Days will take place between 1200 and 1500 on each day and refreshments will be provided.