When it was discovered, just a few weeks ago, that Burton & Ashby 14 was being put up for auction as part of a mass sale of assets from the city of Detroit, few people were optimistic about the future prospects for this unique tram. However, a few people were determined to do all that they could to not only ensure that the tramcar would survive, but also that it would be returned to its home country – and it looks as though their hard work will pay off as the tram has been successfully purchased for preservation here in the UK!
The lack of time to prepare a plan of action before the tram was due to be auctioned off could well have deterred many enthusiasts from attempting a rescue mission, but fortunately a number of people were determined to ensure that the sole survivor of the long-lost Burton & Ashby Light Railway was not lost forever. Full details of the preservation plan will no doubt be announced in due course, but what is known is that the tram was successfully acquired and it is now planned to repatriate it for future operation in the United Kingdom. This would represent a major turnaround in the fortunes of a tram which has been stored out of action for some time, after the Detriot heritage operation ceased trading some years ago.
A lot of work and fund raising will no doubt be needed to achieve the ultimate goal of returning Burton & Ashby 14 to its country of origin, but it seems that what seemed like a wonderful fantasy mere days ago will become a reality in the near future. Everyone on both sides of the Atlantic involved in this miraculous turn of events deserves huge thanks, and this really does serve to prove what individuals can do when they put their minds together and work towards a common goal for a cause they feel passionately about. Although several British trams have been preserved in America, many of which are not operational or even restored to a presentable condition, 14 will become only the second tram ever to permanently return to Great Britain after being sold to the USA, following on from Blackpool Standard car 147. The fact that this seems to have been achieved without any support from established preservation groups makes it all the more impressive. Naturally, any further details will be reported here as soon as they become public knowledge, and we now look forward to the glorious day when this tram returns to the UK where it belongs!
Great News
So where could it possibly operate in the UK? Remember this tram is narrow gauge. The only tramway I can think of that might be suitable is the Black Country Museum, but last time I looked their tramway was out of action and looked like being that way for some time.
It could be converted to standard gauge, or a new line could be constructed. For now though the main thing is that it won’t be scrapped and it will be brought back to the UK!
It would be splendid to have a brush built tram in Loughborough where it was built.
At present, it is 9 decimeter guage, and not on its original wheels and truck. It’s about 111 years old, spent more time running in Detroit than in England, and more time out of service than operating anywhere.
And your point is…… ?
Wonderful that the efforts to save B&A 14 has been successful. All Midland Railway fans will be delighted.
If the enthusiast’s can get the money at short notice to repatriate it they could find the money to repair the black country museums tramway. There is no point building a new tramway just for one tram. The only other option I can see is a stuffed exhibit in a museum. I would love to see it running but to convert it to standard Gauge I think would spoil it.
Going off some comments made on the last article about the Black Country Living Museum they don’t appreciate input from enthusiasts so enthusiasts’ money would be more welcome elsewhere.