“Meet the Trams” moves on from Beamish after we’ve reviewed the four trams which have run so far in 2026, and the next heritage tramway we will be featuring trams from is the National Tramway Museum. And the first tram we feature is London County Council 106, a tram which ran on the first day of the 2026 season.
London County Council 106 was built in 1903 by Dick, Kerr in Preston. A “B” class tramcar it was built as an open topper but as with many trams across the UK it received various modifications over the years, including the fitting of a top cover. Once the class was withdrawn from service some were sold on to other operators, whilst others were converted for works use, and that is the fate that befell 106.
It became a Snowbroom, renumbered 022, which saw the top deck removed and it is that conversion which we are to be grateful for as it allowed it to enter preservation. As London’s tramways were abandoned it was decided to preserve the tram so that it could be converted back to a traditional open topper, a process which would take many years.
The London County Council Tramways Trust took on the task of its restoration, work which started in 1971 and was finished in 1983. Fitted with a trolley pole (it was a conduit car when it was previously a passenger tram) it was officially presented to the National Tramway Museum on 15th May 1983 and swiftly became a useful member of the demonstration fleet at Crich.
Remaining in service until 1999 it has since spent periods both in and out of service. Its last return to action came in 2024 and it has operated in all years since. This includes 2026 where it has already seen regular use.
106 departs from Town End with a journey up the line on the first day of the 2026 season. (Photograph by Steven Hughes, 14th March 2026)