Most of the time when we write about trams in Birmingham it is very much all about the modern West Midlands Metro system. But it shouldn’t be forgotten that the city centre is also home to a survivor of the Corporation Tramway system with no. 395 to be found on display at the Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum.
395 was one of a batch of 40 open balcony double deckers built for Birmingham Corporation Tramways in 1911/2 by UEC. The tram ran in service for around 40 years and when the system was abandoned in 1953, 395 was restored and presented to Birmingham Museums. It was the only tram out of over 800 which were preserved at the time of abandonment (the remains of 107 are now also in preservation).
395 was displayed at the old Birmingham Science Museum in Newhall Street but this was closed in 1997 with preparations being made for the construction of Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, which subsequently opened in 2001.
The tram is located in the Move It gallery, which also includes other transport exhibits. This includes LMS Princess Coronation class steam locomotive 46235 City of Birmingham, a Spitfire, a Hurricane and the Railton Land Speed Record car.
During term-time the museum is open Wednesday to Sunday (daily during local school holidays). The old Birmingham Science Museum was free to enter but for an adult to visit Thinktank it costs between £18.95 and £21.95 (depending on when the visit is). It is located just a short-walk from the new West Midlands Metro terminus at Millennium Point. Full details of visiting at https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank/visit
Birmingham 395 at Thinktank.
A side on view of the tram.
The other side of the tram with the wing of a plane for company!
There is no public access onto the tram.
And another, and final, look at 395. (All Photographs by Ken Jones, 7th April 2026)
Ken Jones is grateful to the management and staff of Thinktank for allowing him free access to photograph these images.