Metropolitan Electric Tramways Feltham Tram

In 1929 the Metropolitan Electric Tramway in London ordered an experimental tramcar from Union Construction Company in Feltham. The tramcar contained a lot of advanced features including higher horsepower than was usual for electric trams (allowing for faster speeds), twin bogies, air operated doors and a streamlined fully enclosed body. The tram was able to seat sixty-four passengers with twenty more standing. The trams stood out compared to earlier types, one newspaper called them "ocean liners" compared to older trams which were like "paddle steamers"! [1]

One hundred production trams (which became known as "Feltham trams") followed plus a couple of experimental prototypes. Fifty four were operated by MET and forty-six by London United Tramways [2]. LUT Feltham cars had different electrical equipment.

MET 331 at Crich

Information for production Felthams
Number built: 100
Built: 1929-31
Builder: Union Construction Company
Motor: 2 BTH electric motors (550v DC OHLE or conduit)
Power: 140 hp (104 kW)

All trams were passed to London Transport in 1933. Most of the trams survived in service until the end of London tram operation in the early 1950s. Ninety Feltham trams (all production models) were sold to Leeds where they remained in service for a few more years. Three have been preserved including one of the prototypes which was fitted with central doors [3]. This tram, MET 331, was sold to Sunderland in the late 1930s as it was unsuitable for use on conduit lines due to the position of the doors.
MET 355 at London Transport Museum Depot, Acton

MET 331 again, this tram was transferred to Sunderland in 1937

331 was one of the prototypes, it was fitted with central doors (compare with 335 above)


[1] Robert J Harley, Barnet & Finchley Tramways (Middleton Press, 1997) Fig. 23
[2] R.W. Kidner, The London Tramcar 1861-1952 (Oakwood Press, 1992) p. 81
[3] Harley Fig. 103