Today’s “Picture in Time” is back to the Seaton Tramway as we are back in 1995 for a view of a tram which has changed a lot since captured here.
In 1995, no. 17 was only seven years old having been built in 1988 to provide capacity for wheelchair users to enjoy the Seaton Tramway. Based on the design of a Manx Electric Railway Crossbench, the single decker was a unique tram in the fleet and soon proved to be popular when used on sunny days. It was to remain in this condition until 2016 when it went through the workshops for a complete rebuild. With the new Bolton Trams Ltd trams – 9, 10, 11 – having been introduced around 2002, the wheelchair access of 17 was no longer required and with more out of season operation for the tramway it was rebuilt into a fully enclosed saloon and at the same time was renumbered 15.
In the first picture today we see 17 waiting at the Edwardian Seaton terminus – with a full load of passengers it will soon depart for Colyton. Also note on the far right the disabled access ramp and in between the two one of the chalets of the holiday camp.
And then from the top deck of 6 we see 17 again as it just starts to cross the road at Colyford bound for Colyton.
Both Photographs by Bob Hodges, 28th August 1995