Lanarkshire Tramways tram no 53

3D Model

This tram was built in 1908 for Lanarkshire Tramways and was used on services from Hamilton, Motherwell and Wishaw. In 1917 it was involved in a crash and was not used again in passenger service until 1921. At that time it got modified: “Tudor Arch” windows were added and the truck was rebuilt. The class of this tram was nicknamed “Dreadnoughts” by the staff due to the new heavier than standard truck. It continued to be used in service until 1931 when the tramway closed permanently.

After that, the no 53 got sold to a farmer in Beith, Ayrshire and was used as a hay store.

After over 50 years, the body was acquired by Summerlee, begining a 10-year long restoration project supported by the volunteers of the Summerlee Transport Group. The truck and running equipment came from another tram “Porto 150”, the platforms and upper-deck, along with seats, railings and steps were all made at Summerlee, where the tram can be seen just now.