Gang are bringing back to life a 1939 tram bought for £1

had to repair everything. After they’d been built and tested, the next step was to repair all the chassis, starting with the bottom then moving on to the top, which we’re working on just now. It’s just like a giant meccano set!

“They called this the art deco tram because of its fixtures and fittings – and it was the fastest thing on the road, able to do 60mph in certain open areas.”

The tram has since been rebuilt from the ground up, with local firm Lifting Logistics having helped bring the two separated decks of the tram into position in the repair shed, while Reigart provided a portable building used by volunteers who work on the project twice a week.

Repairs and strengthening were carried out on the bodywork of the lower deck for a year before the top deck was then manoeuvred back into position.

Now the team are welding together and strengthening the tram’s frame. Then they plan to work from top to bottom in refitting its interior, from windows and wiring to seats and decorative details.

Charlie said: “The lower-deck roof has the names of men who built it originally written on to it and we’ve left them there for people to see. We’ve renovated all the wood and are trying to keep as much to the original as we can. Once the wiring is in we can put back the glass lights which we have stored and ready – and then all the intricate decor.”

Bobby added: “All the controls inside will look as they did in 1939. But it was prone to faults so we’re putting in a modern system to drive the tram which will mean future maintenance is built in.”

Sitting alongside the tram are its springloaded bolt collector, for connection to the overhead power lines, and “cowcatcher” bars, which would drop to the tracks to stop power in the event of an obstruction or accident.

Helpers from local disability groups are also contributing to the project, painting various metal components and restoring them to their original colours, while the Summerlee volunteers are also being supported by Culture NL and the museum’s staff.

They are also applying for lottery funding to allow them to complete the restoration and bring the tram back into public use next year as an attraction.

Group member George Drain said: “The tram is an iconic heritage symbol, taking workers to factories and offices, children to school and families on outings.”

Innes Robertson, who chairs the transport group and has volunteered as a tram driver at Summerlee for the past 15 years, said: “Our group trains volunteer drivers, with written and practical tests to pass. It’s good fun and we’re aiming to run some junior driver experiences for teenagers.”

Charlie added: “It’ll be a big thing to put something back to Coatbridge that was part of the town – they ran here until 1956 and I went to school on them, so there will be a sense of achievement when it’s finished.”

It will be the only running one in the world… people will be coming from all over to see it