“Picture in Time” continues to take a look at things on the Isle of Man and its another 2002 image this week with a tram which has now been a long time out of service.
In fact 2002 was the last time that Crossbench 31 ran in service, which was at the time the only “Ratchet” car in operation. By this time it had suffered from electrical issues for a number of years and the decision had also been taken to stop the use of ratchet only cars so it was taken out of use. Its now stored at Laxey Car Sheds and sits on wooden sleepers following the removal of its trucks.
Looking back at the history of 31 it was built in 1904 in Preston by the Electric Railway & Tramway Carriage Works. It was at one time offered for sale but with little interest in its purchase (and a lot of opposition to the proposed sale) it remained part of the fleet although was withdrawn in 1979. It was back in service in 1993 but only saw limited use before it would run for the last time in 2002.
The two below images show 31 on its last Private Hire for the Isle of Man 50 Group on 3rd August 2002.
Both Photographs by David Mee, 3rd August 2002