As the Dundee Transport Museum prepare to move into the old Maryfield Tram Depot (due to open in 2027) there has been a remarkable discovery which will go with them – the only known surviving Dundee electric tram!
The tram – exact identity unknown – has been found on an allotment where its thought it has been since the 1950s. Experts believe that it is from 1908 which would make it part of a batch of six trams built by Milnes Voss for the tramway. These were open balcony trams which by the 1940s had been relegated to extras (such as football specials) before they were withdrawn from service.
It was subsequently sold on for further use and its thought that it initially used as a hen hut before it made its way to an allotment in the city. And that is where it has remained – until now!
Ahead of the major move of the museum to the Maryfield Tram Depot, the remains of the tram body will be extracted from the allotment and will be able to go on display. When there it will join horse drawn tramcar no. 24.
It is thought that Dundee is the only system to have surviving example of horse, steam and electric trams!
The new Dundee Transport Museum at Maryfield Tram Depot is due to open in 2027. Ahead of that there is a special exhibition at their current home at Market Mews marking 70 years since Dundee’s last tram. Oor Trams Dundee’s tram era remembered is open until 31st October 2016.
- Full details on the Dundee Museum of Transport at https://www.dmoft.co.uk/