nathanmallard
Well-known member
This railway fascinates me to no end, but I'm not really sure why! The railway opened in 1804 and became the world's first passenger railway, using horse drawn vehicles at first, then eventually in 1877 adopting steam power, using various assorted locomotives pulling double-deck coaches. The distinction between a railway and tramway is a bit vague, it was really more like an American-style interurban. In 1926 it was electrified, and a fleet of 11 huge English Electric tramcars were purchased. Over it's life the railway used more forms of traction than any other line in the world: horse, steam, battery, wind, diesel, petrol and overhead electric.
The line closed in 1960 and all but two of the tramcars were scrapped. One was preserved but caught fire and was destroyed in open storage, and only half of the other was preserved. Now it is proposed that the tramway may be rebuilt. Can't wait to see that happen (if it does), even if the rolling stock is totally different!