Dick Kerr open balcony double-deck tram
(sold as "Preston tramcar")
Prototype
Box notes (updated and corrected for literal errors)
This tramcar is one of over three thousand supplied to nearly fifty municipal and company tramway operators in the United Kingdom by "Dick, Kerr & Co." (later called the "United Electric Car Company of Preston"). The basic design appeared in 1900 and, with variations in the stair position and type of truck, was produced until 1920. Many lasted to the end of first-generation tramway operations in the 1950s, some having been modified and used as works vehicles. Both open-top and enclosed versions of these trams are preserved in England: at "Crich Tramway Village", Derbyshire, and at the London Transport Museum, Covent Garden.
Model
Manufacturer
Matchbox
Catalogue number
Y-15
This model first appeared in 1986. Several liveries have been applied, but the same catalogue number is used for
each of them. Note that the Y-15 catalogue number has also been used for car and other non-tram models made by
Matchbox.
Construction
Die cast metal with plastic detailing. Longitudinal seating on lower deck. Cross-bench seating on upper deck. Moulded representation of trolley pole on roof. No glazing. No hand rails or controls. Wire mesh on balconies represented by solid casting. The supplied wheelsets are correct for 16.5mm gauge track but are not insulated and will therefore short any current supply to the track.
Motive power
Not motorised. A Tenshodo WB24.5 or Halling motor unit can be fitted after heavy modification of the model.
Price
Around £7 second-hand (APR07)
Availability
Discontinued
Suppliers
Matchbox dealers for old stock and second-hand examples.
The TLRS claim (AUG07) to have the Newcastle
"Zebra Grate Polish" version for £7.50.