This edition of “Picture in Time” returns to the Seaton Tramway as we take a look at no. 4 at the end of August 1995.
For whatever reason – probably partly due to its relative rarity being used in service – Seaton’s no. 4 has become one of the most popular members of the operating fleet. As with many of the trams it was initially built for use at Eastbourne which means it ran to start with on the 2 foot gauge of that line with its first entering service in Sussex during 1961. With Modern Electric Tramways moving to Seaton in 1970 it was to be a while before 4 would be converted to the larger gauge and it wasn’t until 1976 that it would return to action. Since then it has been available for use most of the time although its relatively small capacity often means it is one of the last trams to be considered for normal service.
In the first of two images of the tram taken on 28th August 1995, 4 is just pulling forward from the end of the line at Colyton as it gets ready to return to Seaton. Note the “Unloading Only Here” sign on the right.
Later on the same day and we are at the other end of the line, Seaton, with 4 heading off with another journey. The old holiday camp is beyond the tram in a scene which has changed beyond all recognition over the past 25+ years.
Both Photographs by Bob Hodges