Birmingham Corporation Tramways Radial Class

This large fleet of tramcars was built in 1906 and 1907 for the recently electrified Birmingham tram network. These single truck trams were the first to have top covers from new. The trams also used the radial design of truck, from Mountain & Gibson of Bury who undercut the original intended supplier Brush Traction. The tram bodies were built by the United Electric Car Company of Preston. Dick, Kerr electrical equipment was also fitted though some trams later were fitted with General Electric motors.

Information
Number built:	150
Built:	1906-07
Builder:	United Electric Car Company
Motor:	2 DK6A electric motors (550v DC OHLE)
Power:	70 hp (52 kW)

The trams entered service in 1906 and operated from depots in Washwood Heath and on the Coventry and Moseley Roads. The trams had a seating capacity of fifty two, twenty four lower and twenty eight on the upper deck [1]. The trams served into the late 1930s when withdrawals began, though the last was not withdrawn until 1945.

One tram, number 107, has survived. It was withdrawn in 1939 and later used as a summer house. Restoration is ongoing at the Aldridge Transport Museum.

Number 107

[1] P.W. Lawson, Birmingham Corporation Tramway Rolling Stock (Birmingham Transport Historical Group, 1983) p. 30