We move on to our third location for “Meet the Trams” as we continue to take a slightly more detailed look at those heritage trams which have run in service during 2026. The East Anglia Transport Museum is the latest location and the first time we take a look at is Amsterdam 474.
Amsterdam 474 has been in the UK at the East Anglia Transport Museum for very nearly 45 years (arriving on 30th September 1981), although it was in its home city for longer than that when it carried no fewer than four numbers (and was both a trailer and a motor!).
Built in 1929 by Beijines – a manufacturer based in Haarlem between 1838 and 1963 – it was originally numbered 909 and was an unpowered trailer car. It would only survive in this condition until 1938 when it would receive motors and receive the number we now associate with it, 474.
Whilst remaining as a motor the tram would be renumbered twice before leaving the Netherlands, firstly to 874 in 1968 and then to H14 in 1972. Deemed surplus to requirement by 1981 it was acquired by the East Anglia Transport Museum and made its way to Carlton Colville, arriving on 30th September 1981.
The tram spent periods in service before being withdrawn after the 2023 season to allow a full overhaul to take place. This was completed to allow it to return to service on 3rd April 2026 and is now being used regularly during opening days at the museum.
Amsterdam 474 soaks up the sun at Chapel Road terminus in between journeys along the museum tramway. (Photograph by Bryan Grint, 24th May 2026)