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Ryde Pier Tram Restoration

Discussion in 'Diesel & Electric Traction' started by Freshwater, Jun 23, 2015.

  1. Freshwater

    Freshwater New Member

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    The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is close to completing its appeal for funds to restore the Ryde Pier Tram. Purchased for preservation when the tramway closed in 1969, the tram was used in the early days at Havenstreet but fell into disrepair and was effectively abandoned. In 2011, a small group of members put forward a proposal for its restoration and an appeal for £60,000 was launched.

    The original plan was to restore it at the Railway but lack of workshop space made this impractical. Two benefactors then came forward and offered to provide extra funds to finance the tram’s restoration away from Havenstreet, providing the original appeal was completed. In 2013, the fund received a major boost with the award of a £15,000 grant from the Association of Industrial Archaeology and there is now just £1,500 to raise. If you are able to make a contribution to help us reach our target, online donations can be made here:

    http://www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk/make-a-donation.aspx

    Further details about the project can be found here:

    http://www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk/ryde-pier-tram-restoration-project.aspx

    There is a fascinating video showing the tram in the 1930’s here:



    The Ryde Pier Tram is probably the only remaining self-propelled light railcar from the 1920’s and as such is unique. We are hopeful that it will be restored in time to run on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for its 90th birthday in 2017.
     
    LesterBrown, PaulB and Jamessquared like this.
  2. Victor

    Victor Nat Pres stalwart Friend

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    That's a wonderful video clip, thank you for posting it.
     

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