Dick Kerr open balcony double-deck tram
(sold as "Preston tramcar")

Matchbox Yesteryear Y-15 Dick Kerr open balcony double-deck tram

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

Code/year

Operating company

Advertising

Notes

Y15-3a/1987

London Transport

Swan Vestas

(1), (3).

YY942/1987

London Transport & none

Swan Vestas & none

(1), (3), (5). Limited edition - notes.

Y15-3b/1988

Darlington Corporation

Swan Soap

(1), (3).

Y15-3c/1989

Paisley District Tramways

Golden Shred

(1), (3).

Y15-3d/1991

Newcastle Corporation Transport

Zebra Grate Polish

(2), (4).

YET01-M/1995

Birmingham Corporation Tramways

Yorkshire Relish

(2), (4). Special edition - notes.

YYM 37797/1996

None shown

Coca Cola

(2), (4). Limited edition.

Notes:
1. Made in Macau.
2. Made in China.
3. Sideframes with low bar.
4. Sideframes with track brake.
5. Two models, one in unlettered component form, in a framed presentation box. Apparently 8000 produced.

The Y-15 catalogue number has also been used for 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 metal 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

Originally sold for about £5.

Availability

Produced from 1987 to 1991 and occasionally thereafter.

British 1:87 Scale Modelling