Central Tramway, Scarborough was built between Foreshore Road and St Nicholas Gardens by the Central Tramway Company Scarborough Ltd, which still owns it. It opened on 1st August 1881 following the success of the South Bay Cliff Lift, which has been more substantially modernised. Its winding gear was powered by steam and the driver had no direct view of the cars as the equipment was sited some 18m below the top station, presumably for safety. The parallel standard gauge railway tracks are 77.7m long over a slope of 1 in 2. The steam-powered funicular was converted to electric drive between 1910 and 1920, drawing direct current from the town's tramway system. It used alternating current after 1931, when trams were abandoned. The motor was relocated under the top station and the driver has full view of the cars, which were replaced in 1932. Safety brakes are located on a rail in the centre of each track.
The unveiling will be at the Top Station of the Tramway by Scarborough’s Mayoress, Cllr Janet Jefferson at 10.00 on Yorkshire Day, 1st August 2024. The early start is to allow a ceremony before the cliff lift starts to get busy. Parking in Scarborough is either on-street or in a number of council car parks, not far (10 minutes-walk) from the top station. The address is Upper Station, Marine Parade, Scarborough YO11 2ER, - click here for map. Refreshments will be available.
NTT members are welcome to attend the event and the unveiling but places are limited so if you wish to attend, please contact Jerry Swift by email or call 07956 295489.