Telford Development Corporation
STEAM TRAM 'THOMAS TELFORD'
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Our unique narrow gauge locomotive 'Thomas Telford' is a rare example of a British Steam Tram. Built in Telford, by the local authority, this loco helps tell the story of the UK's former steam tramway network.
INFORMATION
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The Tram at Horsehay Pool Station |
HISTORY
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Local Beginnings
The Telford Town Tramway was built by the Telford Development Corporation (TDC) in 1979 to run around Randlay Pool in Telford Town park. They commissioned a custom Steam Tram and coach to operate the line which took its first public run in September 1979.
Soon after construction began, TDC became aware that they were legally prevented from running public transport so operation was handed over to the fledgling Telford Horsehay Steam Trust. An official naming ceremony took place in 1980, with Rev. W. Awrdy in attendance to name the Tram 'Thomas' after Thomas Telford. However over the next few years the Tram became less frequently used until it was effectively abandoned in its shed at the Town Park. |
Steam Tram on test at Alan Keef Ltd works |
Steam Tram trial run in the Town Park |
Celebrity OpeningWhen the Power Station converted to diesel shunters, the two remaining steam engines (No.1 and No.3) were put up for auction. Originally, No.3 had been promised as a donation to the fledgling TSR but this didn't come to pass. TSR submitted a sealed bid for the loco but unfortunately weren't successful, and it was sold to a buyer in Southport.
It went to Steamport Southport, were it was stabled with many other locomotives. It was used for light duties, such as brake van rides, and took part in special cavalcade services. In 1985, the owner wanted to part with the engine and it was put up for sale. |
Move to HorsehayBy 1987, Telford & Wrekin Council had taken ownership of TDC's assets and noticed they still owned the mothballed steam tramway. An offer was then made to Telford Steam Railway to come and remove the Tramway in total otherwise it was all going to be scrapped.
The volunteers quickly went and picked up the tram, track and shed, moving it to an empty site next to the standard gauge railway at Horsehay. Once at Horsehay, the mechanics of the tram were almost completely rebuilt to fix issues with the original design, along with a new red and cream colour scheme on the rolling stock. |
Re-Opening of the TTT in 1981 |
CURRENT STATUSIn 2019, the boiler on the tram failed and was considered beyond economical repair. This began a six year restoration process to bring the engine back to its former glory.
In 2022, a new boiler was purchased, and work on rejuvenating the mechanics began. Many of the steel body panels were replaced, while others were repaired. The front framework was significantly corroded due to issues with the original design. The framework was rebuilt and modified to ensure easier maintenance in the future and more efficient operation. All of the pipework was replaced and modified to fit with the new boiler and to make operation more efficient. The Tram was rededicated 'Thomas Telford' by Tim Dunn on the 24th August 2025 and is now in regular service on the Tramway. |
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Under Construction at Alan Keef Ltd |
WHO IS THE BUILDER ?When reading about the tram, you'll often see a few different firms listed as the builder. The truth is, there isn't a single answer.
Alan Keef Ltd is the most common name associated with the loco, however they only assembled the parts which were delivered to the works and acted as a project advisor. Dennis Skinner designed the loco, basing it on the local Sentinel design of steam loco. Skinner was the leader of the project and worked for TDC. Kierstead were a local firm in Telford who were commissioned to build the framework of the loco and coach and then sent it onto Keef. Many other parts such as the cylinder, wheels and boiler came from various sources across the country before being passed onto Keef. By the IRS definition, Kierstead should be the builder as they were responsible for the framework. However in the grand scheme of things they had little impact on the loco. We personally define the builder as TDC as it was there idea that brought the project to life. |
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SUPPORT THE LOCOMOTIVEHelp to keep our unique steam tram going by donating or joining up as a volunteer.
TSR has spent a significant sum to restore the locomotive and funds are constantly required to keep the engine in good working condition. Your donations help to tram in steam and secure its future. We are always looking for volunteers to guard and drive the tram, so why not join up today ! |
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