Its been a long time since we had an entry into this series but in this article we take a pictorial look at two long withdrawn tram bodies from Wrexham in North Wales, now stored out in the open.
The last trams ran in Wrexham on 31st March 1927 (so very nearly exactly 93 years ago) and it is remarkable to think that there are still two – true they are rather battered and derelict – tram bodies in existence, with their original use still very much apparent. It is likely that these two bodies are nos. 4 and 6 which were known survivors and were both of the batch of 10 trams built for the systems opening in 1903. These trams were double deck open toppers and as with many trams sold on the closure of their operating systems they were split with just the lower deck now surviving. Both these bodies were used as garden sheds but are now just in store with an uncertain future but at least they still survive.
The two bodies seen side by side. The one on the right was obviously painted green at one time judging by the flaking paint (the Wrexham trams were red during service) and even has a letter box added!
Looking at the right hand tram again we see the side of the body a bit more with wooden panelling where the windows would once have been now starting to come off.
A closer look seeing some of the detail remaining on the tram body.
There is also still some remaining Wrexham tram rail here as well. (All Photographs by Dave Jones)
There is a very nice article about Wrexham trams including more information about these two tram bodies at https://www.wrexham-history.com/the-rattle-of-the-trams-in-wrexham/
I think the biggest problem here is that these 2 bodies have been seemingly left to rot out in the open for many years now, with access to see them severely limited.
In my opinion they should be picked up by a tram society such as Birkenhead, Crich, Lowestoft, Beamish etc to give both cars a ‘fighting chance’ of survival especially as they have made it this far.
Whilst it would be nice to think that perhaps at least one of these relics could be preserved or possibly one good body made out of the two sets of remains I rather think that the preservation movement resources are stretched to their limits and setting out on yet another project would tax thing too far. I think there needs to be some prioritisation so that the more significant or important candidates are not missed. I certainly have concerns that in some quarters there are too many duplications which lead to a dilution of scarce resource. With the problems that the current global health crisis will bring I do wonder whether some heritage groups will be able to survive let alone take on more projects. This applies to all heritage movements not just tramways. This is a time for consolidation not expansion.
Absolutely agree with Steve Hyde; in all respects. This lack of shared prioritisation is, I believe, the greatest threat to tram preservation.
once these are gone, they wont be back, they need cover at the very least.