Dick Kerr open balcony double-deck tram |
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Prototype |
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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. |
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Model |
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Manufacturer |
Matchbox |
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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 metal wheelsets are correct for 16.5mm gauge track but are not insulated and will therefore short any current supply to the track. |
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Motive power |
Not motorised. A Tenshodo WB24.5 or Halling motor unit can be fitted after heavy modification of the model. |
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Price |
Originally sold for about £5. |
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Availability |
Produced from 1987 to 1991 and occasionally thereafter. |