We move locations as “Meet the Trams” continues. For the next four weeks we make our one and only visit to Wales as we take a look at the trams which operate the service on the Great Orme Tramway.
For trams which were built in 1902 (making them 125 years old in 2027) there isn’t a huge amount which can be said about the trams with all four having operated on their respective sections either since they first entered service. They also have to be amongst the most reliable trams around as if one isn’t available then that section can run – its not as if it can just be replaced by another tram from the depot!
4 is one of the trams which operates on the lower section of the tramway between Victoria Station and Half Way. Built in 1902 it entered service upon the opening of the lower section on 31st July 1902. Today it carries the name St Tudno and is in a mainly blue livery.
4 was involved in the only fatal accident which took place on the line when it derailed (the cause being a drawbar failure) and hit a wall on 23rd August 1932. The driver of a tram and a 12-year-old passenger died as a result with ten other serious injuries reported. This accident led to the line being closed until 1934 for safety improvements to be made.
4 descends on the lower section. If you’ve ever wondered just how narrow the streets that the tramway runs on then this view helps to show that! (Photograph by blackpool_trams, 4th July 2026)