LMS Route: Birmingham New Street to Lichfield

Gravelly Hill Station: lnwrgh2335

Birmingham Corporation Tram No 693 is seen on the No 2 route from Steelhouse Lane to Erdington on 25th May 1953. The trams were withdrawn by early July 1953 being replaced by the more versatile bus. However it was the trams and buses that resulted in many stations located near to the city centre to close. Trams of this type were equipped with two 63 hp motors giving good acceleration. Such performance (and the consequent braking) caused wear on the bodies and by the late 1940s it was necessary to strengthen the bodywork. As can be seen in the photograph, this involved fitting 1/4" steel plate on the bulkheads separating the passenger saloon from the platform, thus eliminating the usual window.

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