We continue with “Meet the Trams” as we take a more detailed look at the trams which have run in service at the Seaton Tramway during 2026.
This time out we feature the first of the three “new” trams (if something which is now over 20 years can be considered new!) – no. 9. This would be the first tram for the Seaton Tramway (and previous Modern Electric Tramways operations including in Eastbourne) which was not built in-house with Bolton Trams Ltd signing a contract to supply three open top double deckers in 2001.
Providing a larger capacity than the historic trams which had been used in Seaton since services began in 1970, these three trams would take some design elements from Plymouth and Blackburn tramcars, although obviously at a different gauge! 9 would be open top with two enclosed saloons at each end of the lower deck and an open section in the centre. This centre section would be wheelchair accessible.
9 would arrive in Seaton on 11th April 2002 and upon arrival would be moved into the Paint Shop to receive a livery which was based on the Glasgow experimental livery of two tone blue. The tram would also be finished off at Seaton and would eventually enter service for the first time in 2004.
The tram has received one major alteration over the years when in October 2023 its central section received doors.
9 approaches Riverside Halt. (Photograph by Gareth Prior, 1st October 2026)