If you think of double-deck horse trams on the Isle of Man you are likely to immediately think of 18 as the operational tram on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway. But it isn’t the only double-decker which remains on the island as no. 14 can be found in the Manx Museum in Douglas.
Unlike 18 which was rebuilt as a double-decker in 1988, 14 has always been a double-decker although hasn’t always been numbered 14! Built in 1883 by Metropolitan Carriage & Wagon Co in Saltley it originally operated in South Shields before purchased for use in Douglas in 1887. It was originally numbered 13 but was renumbered to 14 in 1908 (after the original 14 – also from South Shields – was destroyed by a rock fall at the back of the depot). 14 spent a period of time at the Clapham Transport Museum in London but returned to the island for the tramway’s centenary in 1976. 15 years later – in 1991 – it was moved to the Manx Museum and that is where it can still be found to this day.
14 is seen at the Manx Museum here, still in its 1976 centenary livery. (Photograph by Jim Smythe, 28th July 2021)
I have an old photo of 14 in the depot next to 72 (cable car?) if it would be of interest.
Yes please Hazel – always happy for any contributions.