Manchester 173

Manchester 173

173 on display at Middleton Road.

Manchester 173 is a 4-wheel double deck tram built by Brush and entering service at Queens Road Depot in 1901

Originally open top, it was later rebuilt with a top cover. 173 remained in service until 1931. Following its withdrawal, it was purchased by a private individual for use as a garden shed in Middleton, Manchester.

Restoration has taken place at several locations, with the truck salvaged from a Oporto Coal tram. Having spent many years on display, cosmetically restored at the Greater Manchester Museum of Transport at Boyle Street (link here), 173 was moved to Heaton Park in December 2013. Aswell as being displayed during events at the tramway 173 has also been displayed in Leeds in August 2014 and at Manchester Victoria Station in October 2019.

173 remains stored in Lakeside depot awaiting workshop space for a full restoration to commence.

173 (On the right) in 1914.
173  under restoration at the Manpower Services Workhop at Horwich Loco Works – W.G.S.Hyde
173 at the Manchester Museum of Transport.
An Oporto coal car was imported for equipment for 173 – S.G.Hyde