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