Not all trams end up being restored back to their former use but do still end up carrying passengers once again, and it is a tram which falls into that category which we feature in this article. The Alford Valley Community Railway in Aberdeenshire has in its possession the body of Aberdeen Suburban Tramway Company 11 which was converted into a carriage a number of years ago and is currently undergoing attention to make it operational again.
The Alford Valley Community Railway was closed in 2017 requiring maintenance but was able to reopen again in 2023 under community ownership. Since they resumed operations they have been running a service on the 2 foot gauge line but the former Aberdeen Suburban Tramway Company car has been absent requiring more workshop attention.
This work has been underway over the past few months and its hoped that the tram – which is now hauled rolling stock and has obviously been regauged to match the railway on which it runs – may be operational again later in 2024.
A recent visit to the railway saw new glass for the upper windows having recently arrived and waiting fitting whilst the second bogie was under repair. A lot of recent focus on the body has been sanding down the body in preparation for its eventual repaint. More work is also required on the brakes and other mechanical aspects before it can be seen out on the railway again.
11 operated as a tram for just 13 years between 1914 and 1927. Now nearly 100 years later it is set to have a bright future once again as a railway carriage.
With the body lifted the recent work on sanding down the paintwork can clearly be seen here.
A view of the side of the tram with lower panes of glass in place but the upper still to follow.
The new wheelchair area on 11 is also received covering. (All Photographs by William Brown, 14th June 2024)