For the fourth year since it reopened following Promenade reconstruction works, the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway is only operating between Derby Castle and the temporary terminus at Villa Marina with no apparent prospect of it being re-extended towards the Sea Terminal. In this pictorial we head to that temporary terminus to see some images of the trams in service during the recent Manx Heritage Transport Festival. Jim Smythe is the photographer.
The temporary terminus has now received a shelter with plenty of signage to let people know exactly where to catch the horse trams from. Here we see 21 arriving on 25th July 2025 hauled by Nelson to form the 1700 departure to Derby Castle.
The only operational tramway lights on the route are on the approach to the terminus and in this view we see the first tram of the day, the 0900 ex Derby Castle, tripping the electronics to hold the traffic and get clearance to proceed to the terminus. 21 is the tram with Torrin providing horse power and its 25th July 2025.
When trams depart from Villa Marina, the conductor has to run alongside the tram to press the plunger to set the lights protecting the road crossing, before jumping on board. Tram 45 hauled by Alec forms the 1700 departure on 24th July 2025.
Then as the lights are set we see Alec draw 45 forward over the crossing as it heads back to Derby Castle. (All Photographs by Jim Smythe)
This is quite ridiculous! At least extend it immediately to opposite the Sefton Hotel!
Who said the terminus is temporary?