We move on with locations for “Meet the Trams” again and this time we head as far south as we can for heritage type trams in the British Isles – Seaton Tramway in Devon. For the next 12 weeks we will be taking a look at the trams in this unique fleet which have run in service during 2026, and its most of them as only one passenger tram at Seaton isn’t on the operational list.
We will take a look at the trams in numerical order which means we will start with no. 2, which isn’t the oldest tram in the fleet despite what you may think with its number! 2 is now 62 years old having been built in 1964 when the Modern Electric Tramways operation was based in Eastbourne on the Sussex coast. It is a bit unusual amongst the older double deckers which operate at Seaton as it hasn’t had any major rebuilds, unlike many of the others.
It was built based on design features of trams which once ran on London’s Metropolitan Electric Tramways and London United Tramways. That includes Robinson type staircases and having those actually makes it one of the easier trams to get upstairs without having to become a contortionist! The lower deck features partially enclosed saloons with the upper deck fully open top. When built it received a red and white livery, colours that it retains to this day.
As with all trams originally built in Eastbourne it was initially constructed as 2’ gauge tramcar before being regauged to the wider track laid in Seaton of 2’9” when it moved across to Devon in 1970.
Although not normally a first choice tram for use, it still sees fairly extensive use (particularly in the busier season when more trams are out in service) and remains an important part of the operating fleet despite the fact its now in its seventh decade of operation.
Here we see 2 on the approach to Riverside Halt coming from the direction of Seaton. In the background is part of the large housing estate which is still being built on the site of the former Warners Holiday Camp. (Photograph by Gareth Prior, 30th June 2024)