Today we start a new series as we take a look at those heritage trams which have run during 2026. With Beamish having the only year-round heritage operation it seems an appropriate place to start with a look at Sunderland 16.
Sunderland 16 was originally built as an open topper in 1900, and was one of six trams built by Dick Kerr, Preston for Sunderland Corporation Tramways. Following the cessation of hostilities in World War I it received a top cover and throughout the 1920s it enjoyed further modifications.
Following the closure of the tramway in1954, the lower deck of 16 was sold on for further use. This was initially as a football changing room before it was later moved to a farm near to Hexham. Here it was used as a store and would remain there until the late 1980s.
In 1989 it was rescued by Beamish Museum with a view to restoring it into service on their tramway. With only the lower deck remaining, and no trucks or any other equipment, it would be a big job which meant a new upper deck had to be constructed. The decision was made to restore it to its fully enclosed 1920s condition and a lot of this work took place over two years from 2001.
The tram entered service in 2003 and has operated in most years since. Its fully enclosed, large capacity nature makes it a useful tram for Beamish, especially during the winter months.
We head back to 2023 for this image of Sunderland 16 as it makes its way around the museum tramway circuit. (Photograph by Gareth Prior, 7th May 2023)