23 is to make a return to the Seaton Tramway, it has been announced. Whilst not previously having operated at the tramway it did make an appearance there in 1995 for the 25th anniversary of the opening of the line and will now be back as from Saturday 14th September during the Model Tramway Exhibition taking place that weekend.
23 was built by founder of the Seaton Tramway, Claude Lane, between 1948 and 1949 at his Lancaster Electrical Company Workshops in Barnet. It was the first (of many!) trams he built and was originally constructed for his own amusement using a 15 inch gauge and it was able to travel through his workshop showcasing his engineering ingenuity.
Based on an ex-Darwen tram from the Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Electric Railway (where Claude was a seasonal driver) it made its public debut on 2nd July 1949 at the Hadley House fete in Barnet. Its portability and charm made it a popular feature at various local events and then in the summer of 1951 operations moved to St Leonard’s in Sussex before six successful seasons in Rhyl, Denbighshire from 1952.
By 1953, Claude Lane upped his ambitions which meant a larger gauge and led to the opening of the Eastbourne Tramway in 1954 and then its relocation to Seaton in 1969 where it remains today. Unfortunately, the size of 23 precluded its move south and it remained in Rhyl until 1957 when the line closed.
But that was not to be the end for 23 as it was sold in 1959 to Ian L Cormack of Cambuslang, near Glasgow. Then in 1984 it moved to the Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society and underwent a restoration under the guidance of Denis Butler, a devoted tram enthusiast who had fond childhood memories of 23. The restoration was completed by 1999 and Denis operated it on a private track in his garden.
Denis sadly passed away in 2023 but it was his wish that 23 should return to Modern Electric Tramways Limited, the company Claude Lane founded and remains the operator of the Seaton Tramway. This will now be fulfilled with the tram making its debut over the weekend of Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September.
That weekend sees a free Model Tram Exhibition with members of the Tramway and Light Rail Society displaying their models at Seaton Station. Over the weekend you will be able to not only view the models but also ask questions of the TLRS members and if feeling inspired sign up to become a member.
23 has been to Seaton once before when it visited in 1995 for the 25th anniversary of the tramway. But this will be a much longer return and it will be on display at Seaton Station from 14th September until the end of the 2024 season on 3rd November.
In a statement the Seaton Tramway said: “Seaton Tramway is proud to welcome Car 23 back into its collection, exactly 75 years after it was first built, and will be displayed as a reminder of the roots of Seaton Tramway and the passion of its visionary founder, Claude Lane.
“This remarkable tram is not just a piece of Seaton Tramway history but a symbol of the dedication and love of those who have cared for it over the decades. We invite all tramway enthusiasts and visitors to come and see Car 23 at Seaton Tramway and celebrate the legacy that started it all.”