Lanarkshire 53
This tram was built in 1908 for Lanarkshire Tramways and she was used on services from Hamilton, Motherwell and Wishaw. The tram was based in the main tram depot “Traction House” on Hamilton Road, Motherwell. In 1917 she was involved in a crash and was not used again in passenger service until 1921 when she was modified and “Tudor Arch” windows were added and the truck was rebuilt. The class of tram was nicknamed “Dreadnoughts” by the staff due to the new heavier than standard truck. She continued to be used in service until 1931
In 1931 the tramway closed and they changed from trams to buses and became Central SMT. She was then sold to a farmer in Beith, Ayrshire and was used as a hay store.
In 1985 the body was acquired by Summerlee and bodywork started at Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway and in June 1988, she came to Summerlee. The truck and running equipment came from another tram “Porto 150”, The platforms and upper-deck seats/railings and steps were all made at Summerlee.
On the 1st April 1995, the tram was launched into passenger service by Helen Liddell (MP For Monkland’s East at the time) after a 10-year restoration project supported by the volunteers of the Summerlee Transport Group.
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53 used a hay store in the 1980's
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The royal Visit on 11/9/2001 with Princess Anne at the controllers
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1/4/1995 the launch on 53 with Helen Liddell MP for Monklands East
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3D Scan Photo of Lanarkshire 53 - © Scottish Maritime Museum
Lanarkshire Tramways Company
| . | Act | Opened | Closed | Lenght | Gauge | . |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| . | Hamilton Motherwell and Wishaw Tramways Act 1900 |
22 July 1903 | 14 Feburary 1931 | 23.43 Miles | 4ft 7¾in | . |
Technical Information
| . | Built by | Where built | General type | Controllers | Motors | Truck | CultureNL Museums Archive Number |
. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| . | UEC | Preston | Open-top electric car |
B54C | GE 2 x 55hp | Brill 21E | COTSL-1995-27 | . |