The Streets of Dundee Trams
and Buses in the 1950s
Brian J. Dickson
Thursday 18 September 1952. At the Maryfield depot, car No 32 is parked at the entrance, constructed at their own works during 1926 and originally numbered 98, later becoming No 84 and finally No 32 in 1936. Seen in the background from left to right are two double deck Daimler CWA6 vehicles, registrations YJ8007 and YJ7996, Dundee numbers 84 and 87, which entered service in 1945 and 1944 respectively. To the right of the tram is Daimler CWA6 registration YJ7983, Dundee Number 92 that had been purchased by the Corporation in 1944, all three buses would be withdrawn in 1965. (TR727)
Thursday 18 September 1952. At the Maryfield depot the well balanced design of car No 44 is seen looking in sparkling condition in this side-on view. The product of Hurst, Nelson & Co in 1920 as part of a batch of six vehicles, she would originally be numbered 80, becoming No 44 towards the end of the 1920s. Rebuilt as seen here during the early 1930s, she would continue running until the system was abandoned in 1956. (TR729)
Wednesday 25 July 1956. Standing in the Market Street storage area are three recently purchased AEC Regent RT double deckers from London Transport. Registration numbers JXC196, JXC186 and JXC184, all constructed in 1949 and acquired by the Corporation as part of a batch of thirty vehicles during 1956, these would become Dundee numbers 234, 228 and 224 respectively. All would be withdrawn from service in 1968. (GCB1163)
August 1956. AEC Regent III registration CYJ254, Dundee number 139 is parked in the Dock Park; she had been purchased as part of a batch of seven vehicles by the Corporation during 1953 and would be withdrawn in 1974. (GCB953)
Left: Wednesday 19 September 1956. Seen in the Perth Road with the building that is now part of Dundee University in the background, car No 33 is operating a service to Maryfield. Constructed by the Corporation’s own works during 1926 and initially numbered 99 and later 85, she would become No 33 during 1936 and continue working until the system closed a month later. (TR121)
Right: Friday 28 September 1956. This rare night shot was taken less than a month prior to the closure of the system, car No 49 is seen at the Maryfield terminus operating a No 21 service to West Park. The product of Hurst, Nelson & Co during 1916 and rebuilt in the form seen here in 1932, she had originally been numbered 75, becoming No 49 in 1936. (GCB1060)
Far Right: Summer 1956. In the High Street looking east, car No 44 is operating a No 21 service to Ninewells; constructed by Hurst, Nelson & Co in 1920 and originally numbered 80, she would become No 44 during 1928 and remain in service until the system closed. The bumper sticker tells us, again, that the Ice Rink will re-open on Wednesday 26 September. (GCB773)
Far Left: Sunday 1 December 1957. Daimler CVG6 registration DYJ440, Dundee number 169 is seen in Panmure Street operating a No 1A service to the City Centre via Beechwood. Purchased in 1955 as part of a batch of ten vehicles, they would all be withdrawn from service during the later 1970s. In the background are the beautifully proportioned towers of the Panmure Street Congregational Church which is now called Trinity Hall and part of Dundee High School. (GCB964)
Left: Sunday 1 December 1957. On the same day and captured at the same location as the previous photograph, Daimler CVG6 registration FTS209, Dundee number 205 is operating a No 15 service to Lochee via the Lochee Road. Bought by the Corporation during 1956 as part of a batch of six vehicles she would be withdrawn from service twenty years later in 1977. (GCB970)
Right: Sunday 20 April 1958. Quite clearly recently repainted and looking in excellent condition, Daimler CVD6 registration AYJ379, Dundee number 127 is parked in Dock Street. Purchased by the Corporation during 1951, she has managed to reach the preservation scene, originally being kept at the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum at Lathalmond and currently in store at the Dundee Museum of Transport. (GCB951)
From the rattle of horse trams in 1877 to the final clang of electric cars in 1956, Dundee’s rich tramway history charts the city’s growth and industrial might. This compelling account explores the transition from steam to electric trams, the competition from emerging bus services, and the vehicles that kept the city moving for decades.
Featuring the poetic presence of William McGonagall, landmark expansions to Broughty Ferry, and the post-war influx of London double deckers, this narrative captures a bygone era of transport innovation and municipal ambition. Perfect for enthusiasts and historians alike.
ISBN 978-1-913893-71-2
£13.50
