When the assets of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway were transferred between Douglas Borough Council and the Isle of Man Government, there were a number of trams which were deemed surplus to requirements and so were made available via auction. All did find new homes although the majority have remained out of the public eye since. But one which has made a few public appearances is no. 34 – although its no longer able to run on rails as it has been converted with rubber wheels and an engine!
34 was built as one of six “Sunshades” in 1896 and was originally open on the sides and ends with capacity for 32 passengers. It then received glazed bulkheads in the 1960s. With fewer trams required to operate a reduced service the tram fell out of use and was offered for sale at auction with a private individual securing the tram’s future. Rather than be stored with little prospect of use the tram was then converted for use on the road and now features a steering wheel, rubber wheels and an engine! The owner of the tram is confident that if necessary in the future it will be easily converted back to a full tram.
During the recent Manx Summer Transport Festival 34 was out and about and offered private tours as seen here. (Photograph by Paul Wigan, 28th July 2022)
Dreadful. However the location is interesting being the North Quay in Douglas with the steam railway station located just behind the tall building in the distance. Always surprised me that Isle of Man Transport have not been able to provide an effective heritage link between their three rail systems in the town. Even more surprising when you consider that they operate a small fleet of vintage buses along with a much larger fleet of modern ones!
Here is the answer for the useless DOI ( Department of (for) Infrastructure) Simply hire this magnificent vehicle and run it from Broadway to Sea Terminal. Or better yet license the gentleman who owns it to operate this route. This would (should) show them up!!!
P.S. In fact run it from Broadway to North Quay ( where this photo is taken) to the Railway Station via Sea Terminal, and show them what could be done!!!