British Trams Online, one of the best tram and light rail websites on the internet, reports on the sale of six horse trams at the weekend…
"The much-discussed auction on Saturday 27th August on the Isle of Man, resulted in the sale of six long-withdrawn Douglas horse tramcars. The six raised a combined total of £9,200 – some would say a rather measly sum considering the historic merits of these vehicles, but one that is perhaps understandable bearing in mind the fairly short notice given for the auction. This sum also compares favourably with the selling price of various Blackpool cars offered for sale a few years ago.
The Manx Electric Railway Society did its best to derail the plans to sell off these trams, but once it became clear that the auction would go ahead, the organisation determined to try and purchase two of the trams themselves for preservation. It was duly successful in acquiring Toastrack 39 for the sum of £1800, but an attempt to buy Winter Saloon 28 was thwarted when the Society were outbid, this tram ultimately being sold for £2800 – the highest amount of any of the six. "
READ THE FULL ARTICLE (recommended) HERE