In this edition of “Picture in Time” we move forward some three years on the Seaton Tramway to 1995 as we take a look at one of the single decker saloons – no. 14.
There are three trams in the current fleet at Seaton which are enjoying a second tram life having been converted from “full size” trams, the first of which is no. 14 in the Seaton Tramway fleet. Built in 1904 for Metropolitan Electric Tramways as their no. 94, the tram started off life as a double deck open top tram and would remain in service until 1935 by which time it had changed ownership to London Transport Passenger Board and was numbered 2455. The tram was rediscovered at Waltham Cross in 1960 and it was moved to Eastbourne where it was planned to restore it into original condition. These plans didn’t come to fruition and the ownership of the tram was transferred to Modern Electric Tramways in 1968. A long-term rebuild into a single decker then followed and this was completed in 1984 with it then being launched into service by Larry Grayson.
In the first photo below we see 14 standing outside Riverside Depot. Of note, is the lack of destination blind above the driver’s window with a board inside the cab instead.
And then we see the plush interior of the tram.
Both Photographs by Bob Hodges, 28th August 1995