Another four horse trams have departed Strathallan Depot for off-site storage, following on from 44’s recent move to Jurby Transport Museum. This time its Toastrack’s 12, 38 and 39 along with Bulkhead 43 which have moved to a secure location.
All of the trams which have been moved are non-runners (and have not gone through the extensive restorations that many of the operating trams have now) and to create additional space within Strathallan Depot the decision has been taken to move them away. Their move does not signify that the trams have been deemed as surplus to requirements.
Included in the trams which have been moved is 12 which is the oldest tram built specifically for Douglas that survives. It was built in 1888 by G.F.Milnes in Birkenhead and seats 32. In a distinctive blue and white livery 12 is believed to have last carried passengers in 2018.
43 – the only non-Toastrack to have been moved – also last ran in 2018 whilst we have Toastrack 38 down as last having run in 2016.
That just leaves 39, which the eagle eyed amongst you may notice was not one of the trams retained by Isle of Man Railways when they took control of the tramway. This Toastrack was purchased by the Manx Electric Railway Society but reports are suggesting that it has been donated back to the tramway by the MERS and it is set to be next the restoration project.
39’s restoration will follow that of Sunshade 32 which, as we saw recently, is nearing completion at Strathallan Depot.
With all these moves it leaves the following trams at Strathallan:
Enclosed saloons: 1 (last ran 2024), 27, 29
Double decker: 18
Toastracks: 21, 42
Sunshade: 32 (under restoration), 36
Bulkhead: 45
Interesting. At the recent event there was a toast rack with new woodwork and a number 39 applied on blocks in the depot. It looked nearly finished bodywork wise so it’s a surprise to hear it’s been moved away
I was there for the Saturday parade and Toastrack 45 didn’t appear to be in evidence either.i believe that is a rebuilt car but someone told me there was something wrong with it, but I don’t know if that’s hearsay or not. The running horse trams were a credit to everyone who has been involved with rebuilding them and have the finest genuine authentic look I have ever seen (first visit 1976). The horses working that day were decorated for the parade and displayed in line, and the dedication of all the staff was apparent as ever. I hope the horse tramway will attain the promising and well.deserved future that seems to be opening up.for it at last. There was a real buzz in the air and congratulations to everyone for a superb event. I’m already determined it won’t be too long before I go back.to.the Isle of Man!
On the MERS website there is a photo with 45 in the background on the anniversary event – it is above a very present and very rebuilt 39!
https://mers.org.im/blog/articles/view/id/948/Horse%20Tram%20150%20extra
I believe the info in this post was taken from a post on the horse tram Facebook page which had some photos including a not rebuilt 39 on a lorry in a field. It was either taken sometime ago or the car on the MERS site is a new built and the old car is for parts. Perhaps someone could clarify.
38 and 43 are back.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19EmPP8J8q/?mibextid=wwXIfr