Trams reversing at Colyton Station will now need the driver to manually turn the trolley following the removal of the automatic trolley reverser. Located at the north end of Colyton Station it was used by all trams as part of their standard reversal before heading back to Seaton.
Often a source of fascination with visitors to the tramway, the trolley reverser was used to avoid drivers having to manually turn the trolley. It was the only one on the tramway and after years of use, wear and tear meant the decision has been taken to remove it. Drivers will now manually turn the trolley, just as they do at all other stops on the tramway.
More information has also been revealed about the plans for the extension to the depot following the launch of an appeal to help fund it late last month. As part of the initial release of the news it was mentioned that it would allow three more trams to be housed at the Riverside complex, although no details of what these may be were mentioned.
However, the latest information has confirmed that it is the long-term ambition to build three new fully accessible saloon trams. This would provide more opportunities for wheelchair users and passengers who would benefit from level, low-floor boarding.
Jenny Nunn, Chief Executive of Seaton Tramway, said: “This project is about much more than extending a building. It’s about protecting Seaton Tramway for future generations. The additional depot space will allow us to continue preserving our historic fleet while creating opportunities to introduce new trams in the future, ensuring the Tramway remains one of Devon’s leading visitor attractions for many years to come.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Swire Foundation for its generous support and for Seaton Tramway’s own investment in the project. Now we’re asking our supporters and visitors to help us complete the journey.”
The project would see the current welding bay converted into storage space for the new trams. The depot extension will then create a purpose-built replacement welding bay at the end of the depot allowing maintenance and restoration work to continue whilst also increasing the capacity of the site.
The mileage for the trams in July has also recently been announced with the top three this time around being 11, 9 and 8 (in that order). 14 didn’t run at all whilst 15 only managed 6 miles and 19 36 miles – probably a pretty good indication of the weather Devon has been experiencing!
Mileage figures for July
11 – 882 miles
9 – 852 miles
8 – 786 miles
2 – 642 miles
4 – 216 miles
6 – 126 miles
16 – 120 miles
10 – 115 miles
12 – 66 miles
19 – 36 miles
15 – 6 miles
14 – 0 miles
- To donate towards the depot expansion project you can visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/riversidedepot
- Seaton Tramway is open every day until Sunday 1st November 2026. The pink timetable will be in operation until Wednesday 2nd September which sees trams every 20 minutes between 1000 and 1700.
10 shows the trolley reverser in use. (Photograph by Gareth Prior, 28th June 2024)