As most reading these pages will be know the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Friday 7th August is the exact anniversary of the opening and a special event is being held but there is already cause for celebration with not only the announcement that Tynwald have agreed funding to re-extend it to the Sea Terminal but also continued investment in the trams. In this article we take a look at some of that investment, as well as the movement of some trams.
The most high-profile overhaul in the fleet has been that of double-decker 18. This is not only the sole surviving double-decker in the operating fleet (14 does also still exist but is an exhibit at the Manx Museum) but is also the oldest tram with it originally being built in 1883. It was actually built for the Ramsgate and Margate Tramway and then moved to South Shields before it was finally acquired by the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.
1903 saw the tram converted into a single deck saloon and it wasn’t to be until 1988 that it would once again become a double decker as part of a restoration project. After over 30 years of use since that work, another overhaul was due and that has happened over the winter period.
With 18 now being back in a more standard red and white livery it has also become the second Royal tram in the fleet after King Charles III, Lord of Mann, took a short ride during his visit in July 2026. Its now part of the standard operating fleet again, although tends to only be used occasionally.
Also in the works is Sunshade 32, a tram which has been undergoing work for at least the past three years. This is one of six trams built in 1896 by G.F.Milnes in Birkenhead and seats 32 passengers. It hasn’t been in service for a number of years but hopefully won’t be too long before it does with it starting to look close to completion.
The recent Transport Festival also saw a couple of trams swap locations. As had been advertised in the pre-publicity, shop tram 22 was moved from Jurby Transport Museum for use during the Festival.
To make room for it in Strathallan Depot, Bulkhead 44 moved in the opposite direction. This tram remains in a special red and blue livery and is known as the Royal Tram as it has been used for several visits by the Royal Family in the past. Its thought it last ran in 2018 and is waiting for its chance to be restored so has gone for display at Jurby.
Bobby is at the front as double-decker 18 takes a ride along the tramway. We see the new livery for the tram (replacing the maroon livery its carried since restoration to a double decker) along with adverts for Bushy’s who have been a long-term supporter of the tramway.
Shop Tram 22 is seen outside Strathallan Depot. It is being used as a shop during its visit away from Jurby.
Inside the depot and we see 32 looking stunning as its overhaul looks close to completion.
And over at Jurby we see 44 now on display in the museum building. (All Photographs by Steven Hughes)