Nottingham Corporation Tramways No. 121

The tramcar dates back to 1908 and was one of ten (numbered 116-125) top-covered tramcars that were ordered from the United Electric Car Company of Preston for the steadily expanding Nottingham Corporation fleet. Number 121 is recorded as having been shown to the Tramway Committee to demonstrate the effectiveness of its braking system, which included combined magnetic and mechanical track brake and “run back” preventer.

Sister car 117 at Trent Bridge terminus, date unknown. Photo courtesy of Crich TMS photo archive

Somewhat ironically, the very same tramcar was involved in a run-away accident some years later after it was brought to a halt in foggy conditions near the top of Derby Road so that the driver and conductor could set off on foot to ascertain their whereabouts. On returning to where they left the car they found that it had set off by itself, careering down the hill to Gregory Street and colliding with another car which was knocked into some gardens.

It is not known if the preserved end is the one that was involved in the collision but presumably the tram was not too badly damaged as in 1920 its lower saloon was fitted with windscreens by Henry Street & Co. Ltd., a local firm of bodybuilders. In the same year 121 is reputed to have been one of five cars that were selected for a trial of carbon skids instead of trolley wheels, though the latter were subsequently replaced at the end of the trial period.

The tramcar was withdrawn in 1934-5 after which the lower saloon and platform were sold and used at Trevithick’s boatyard in Lenton.  In spring 1988 the remains were donated to a Tramway Museum Society member, following which the surviving platform end was transferred for a time to the Nottingham Industrial Museum in October of the same year.  This was then subsequently moved to the museum’s off-site storage facility on 3 April 1995.