For the first time this year we take a look at which heritage trams have run in service during 2024 across the British Isles. To remind you this article aim to feature which heritage trams have run in passenger service during the year – private hires do count but if the tram has only undergone test runs that does not count for the purposes of the article. Information is correct as far as we are aware but if you know of any errors or omissions please let us know – contact details at the end of the article.
Beamish – The Living Museum of the North
Blackpool: 31
Newcastle: 114
Oporto: 196
Sheffield: 264
Sunderland: 16
It is expected that the above trams will be joined by Gateshead 10 and Lisbon 730 in service later this year. Further details of their return to service are to follow.
Black Country Living Museum
The tramway remains closed as redevelopment works take place at the Museum.
Blackpool Tramway
Bolton: 66
Brush: 631
Balloon: 700, 717
A limited pool of trams are likely to be used this year with heritage operations centred on Starr Gate Depot which only has capacity for a maximum of five heritage trams at any one time.
Crich Tramway Village:
Blackpool: 40, 236
Glasgow: 22
Leeds: 180, 399
Sheffield: 74, 510
A number of other trams are due to be commissioned for service during the 2024 season.
Douglas Bay Horse Tramway
27, 45
East Anglia Transport Museum
Blackpool: 11, 159, 634
Sheffield: 513
Further trams are expected to be commissioned for service this year.
Great Orme Tramway
4, 5, 6, 7
Heaton Park Tramway
The tramway has yet to start running for 2024 waiting for repair work in the substation.
Manx Electric Railway
Motors: 2, 5, 7, 9, 20, 21, 22
Trailers: 41, 44, 56, 57
Seaton Tramway
4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19
Snaefell Mountain Railway
1, 2
Statfold Barn Railway
Burton & Ashby: 14
Summerlee Museum
The tramway is currently closed and has not run since late 2022.
Volk’s Electric Railway
4, 6, 9, 10
Wirral Heritage Tramway
The tramway remains closed during the takeover of the Museum and Tramway by Big Heritage.
Information is believed correct up to and including Sunday 14th April 2024 (with updates now included from omissions – 16/4/24). This list is intended to show those trams which have run in some form of passenger service during 2024 (and thus does not include those on test/driver training) and is as accurate as possible, although errors may have occurred. Various online sources and information sent directly to us have been used to collate this information.
If you know of any mistakes or anything not included above either please leave a comment below or email gareth@britishtramsonline.co.uk.
Probably the heritage tram highlight of 2024 so far was the entry into service of Blackpool 634 – for the first time in preservation and first time since 2004. Its seen here at the East Anglia Transport Museum’s Chapel Road terminus with fellow Blackpool tram 159 for company. (Photograph by Bryan Grint, 30th March 2024)