In the relatively recent past we have seen several trams from the Portuguese systems of Oporto and Lisbon make it over to the UK, some initially as a source of spare parts with others being restored to operational condition. One such example which has taken a bit of convoluted route to carry passengers is Lisbon 711 which can now be found at the Crowle Peatland Railway in Lincolnshire where it is used as hauled stock.
Lisbon 711 was built in 1936 to the traditional Lisbon specifications with the body being built in the Companhia Carries de Ferro de Lisboa workshops and the chassis in the UK by Maley & Taunton. After withdrawal it was acquired by preservationists in the UK and moved to storage at Walton-on-Naze by 2015.
Then in April 2020 it was announced that the Crowle Peatland Railway in Lincolnshire had acquired the tram body and were intending to restore it for use on their railway as hauled rolling stock. The motors from the tram were passed on to the Heaton Park Tramway for their restoration on Manchester 173.
Thanks to £11,500 worth of funding from SSE Keadby Wind Farm it was possible to restore the tram which retains many original features but is no longer able to run under its own power with it now hauled stock.
Arriving in the UK in an advertising livery for AGFA film, as part of its restoration it has been finished in a dark green livery.
The Crowle Peatland Railway can be found in North Lincolnshire. The railway has regular open days throughout the year, for more details visit https://peatland.co.uk/.
The exterior of 711 seen in the shed at the railway. The green and white livery is seen here. It does retain the Lisbon yellow colour on the doors though.
Another view of 711.
On board 711 showing the restored interior.
On the former driver’s platform.
Although it may no longer be able to move under its own power it retains its original number of 711.
The interior retains the Portuguese signage, including this one which tells us there is capacity for 24 passengers. (All Photographs by Ken Jones, 29th April 2026)