Last August the three trams owned by the Southampton Tram Project were moved to a new secure home at the Solent Sky Museum and now a year later you will be able to get up close to see the progress made on the trams as a Model Tram Exhibition is held over the weekend of Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th October.
The Southampton Tram Project are the custodians of three trams – dome roofed 11, 38 (similar to Southampton 45 at Crich) and Lisbon 715. Before moving to Solent Sky in August 2021 the trams had been kept at the Docks next to one of the Cruise terminals for nine years but with development work ongoing there it was necessary for a new home to be found and the museum proved to be an ideal location with their own covered accommodation available which has allowed the restoration to continue.
11 is by far the most advanced of the three in being restored – 715 was originally purchased for spare parts but as with other trams from Portugal which came to the UK ended up being retained as a viable restoration project due to its good condition – but work has also been undertaken to keep the other trams secure for the future as well.
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th October will see a Model Tram Exhibition take place at Solent Sky along with trade stands. But possibly the most exciting aspect of the weekend is that it will be the first chance to see the trams at Solent Sky and to talk to the dedicated restoration team about the vehicles and their plans for the future.