Saltburn Cliff Tramway – Timeline
Explore the history and heritage of the Saltburn Cliff Tramway from the day it opened in 1884 to the present day –
28 June 1884: The tramway opened to the public. With a height of 120 feet and a track length of 207 feet, creating a 1 in 4 (71%) incline. It was built by Tangyes Engineering Company, and it remains today the oldest water-balanced cliff funicular still in operation in Great Britain and the second oldest in the world.1921/22: the track gauge was changed from 1.143m (3ft 83/4ins) to 1.283m (4ft21/2ins).
1924: The gas engine was replaced with a 20 horse power electric pump
1955: The carriage bodies were replaced without stained glass windows
1979: The Wheels and undercarriage of the carriages was replaced and the railway sleepers were renewed
1986: The carriage bodies were re-aligned to the chassis due to very bad docking.
1987: An emergency retard and safety stop function were fitted
1989/90: The carriage overlooking Marske was rebuilt over winter following an accident when lowering the carriages for the winter period.
1990: The Bottom tank was emptied and the foot valve and pump was reconditioned.
1991: The Stained glass windows were reinstated to the carriages by Saltburn artist Chloe Buck.
1993: An interlock for the carriages and station doors were fitted.
1997/98: The interlock system was rewired.
1998: A Sheaf/Winding wheel was replaced and a hydraulic brake system was installed by Skelton Engineering.
2002: The tramways, pump motor were rewound by Dowling & Mills, Middlesbrough.
2003: The carriage ropes were replaced.
2005: The brake blocks were replaced.
2005: Feature lighting was fitted to the track.
2007: A new water pipeline was fitted
2009: The underneath plates of the carriage overlooking Saltburn were taken off and refurbished.
2010/11: Restoration work was carried out to the Tramway at a cost of £30,000. Works included:
New slow down system fitted
New hydraulic system “complete” fitted
A new bumper was fitted to the bottom station
A new gate was installed Saltburn side of the top station.
The carriages were taken off-site in November 2010 for specialist refurbishment and an intercom system was fitted inside the carriages.
New cables were fitted to the carriages.
2012: The top tank roof was replaced, maintenance was carried out to the pump switch including new springs and oil.
2013: A new armoured cable was fitted for bell “uptrack”
2014: The lower timber parts of the bottom station were restored as well as the water lever at the top station rebuilt and new rests system was introduced.
2015: The bottom station docking area was restored.
2017/18: The tramway closed for major refurbishment with of over £400,000 being invested. Work included new railway sleepers and rails, scotch timbers, lifelines and escape route, carriages refurbishments, band brake, and safer access to winding chamber, water pipe and new fence at the top station.
2018: The Tramway re opened August .
