While other cities were beginning to dismantle their worn-out street tram networks in the early 1950s Leeds was looking at modernising their network. They built two prototype single decker trams similar to the type used on the Continent [1]. The aim was to build a fleet of two hundred of these trams to replace their existing double-decker trams. Unfortunately these plans came to naught and the extensive Leeds tram network was closed in 1959.
| Information |
| Number built: |
2 |
| Built: |
1953 |
| Builder: |
Charles H Roe |
| Motor: |
4 Crompton Parkinson CP92B2 electric motors (DC OHLE) |
| Power: |
180 hp (134 kW) |
The trams were built by Charles H Roe of Leeds with bogie trucks by Maley & Taunton and electric equipment by Compton Parkinson. The two trams differed in the brakes used. Tram 601 had air and magnetic brakes and 602 electric brakes with am Allen West VAMBAC controller which combined braking and acceleration, though it was later fitted with a foot activated brake to avoid roll back on gradients. Tram 602 has been preserved at the National Tramway Museum. It's service life was short, it was withdrawn in 1957 and was preserved in 1960.
 |
| 602 at Crich |
 |
| 602 has central doors |
 |
| The Fischer Bow collector can be seen here, this was common for Leeds trams |
[1] Charles Knapper, The Golden Age of Tramways (David & Charles, 1961) p. 126
