This latest outing for “Meet the Trams” features Seaton Tramway 6.
6 is the oldest purpose built tram for the Modern Electric Tramways operation with it first being constructed in 1954 as a single-deck Toastrack type car before 1956 saw the chassis reused for the double decker we have come to know as running on the tramway. Built in 1954 at Claude Lane’s Barnet base it was originally constructed for the operation in Rhyl, North Wales and as such was just 15 inch gauge, but would only run for one season there before it would be rebuilt.
This rebuilding would also take place at Barnet with the chassis being used as the basis for a new number 6 which would be for the Eastbourne operation and as such would be 2 foot gauge. Whereas all previous trams built by Modern Electric Tramways were based on designs elsewhere this was to be a unique Eastbourne design with it being an open top double decker with a lower deck open crossbench.
A rebuild would come in 1962 when the lower deck received two enclosed saloons at each end to provide accommodation during wet weather. The tram move across to Seaton in 1970 with it being regauged in 1974 and then in 1989 it would return to its original open crossbench style on the lower deck. It has run in most years since and enjoyed a repaint last winter into its familiar green and white colours.
6 is at Colyford in this view with it departing working a service to Seaton. (Photograph by Gareth Prior, 29th June 2024)