Southampton No. 57 saved from scrap threat

A NEW home has been found for Southampton tram No. 57, which would otherwise have faced being scrapped.

Having previously been in the care of Hampshire Cultural Trust, ownership has transferred to Solent Sky Museum in Southampton, to where the tram moved in January in conjunction with the Southampton Tram Project. No. 57 will be placed in the museum’s storage area. Its upper deck railings and replica stairs were moved to Solent Sky in December.

Built in 1910 at the Portswood Works in the city, the tram was among assets being disposed of by Hampshire Cultural Trust. In poor condition and having been used to house chickens near Romsey, it was rescued for preservation in 1975. Tram Nos. 11 and 38 were also subsequently recovered and their restoration was given priority. No. 57, which was initially owned by Southampton City Museums, has been in storage ever since. The future use for the car body has yet to be determined.

MARTIN PETCH No. 57 is pictured on December 16, 2021, the day its railings and replica stairs were transported to Solent Sky Museum, which will be the tram’s new home.