Original Birmingham Tram Map/Network

[cjohnson2939]

Does anyone have any sources or information on the original Birmingham tram network, specifically the different 'lines' that ran?

I have these two below, which I combined to create this live map [link] (still in progress). It's really interesting to have context of the old network and to see how it translates to the modern layout of our city. I'd love to know how the Victorians managed to navigate the complicated central network, as this is overlooked by the London underground-style diagram below.

Any information, maps, diagrams, or suggestions of where I could find information on the Birmingham Tram network would be greatly appreciated.

Chris, 26.

 

[Mark Tooze]

Hi Chris; Any of these any good?

 

[Mark Tooze]

Another one here for "over't'border":-

 

[Mark Tooze]

Few bits more:-

 

[Mark Tooze]

And finally:-

 

[cjohnson2939]

Thank you Mark! Very interesting. Where did you find this info please?

 

[Mark Tooze]

Hi Chris; Just trawling around the internet - I like to find obscure bus and tram photos - found the items above "en-route". And also these:-

These bus maps also show tram routes:-

1920s:-


1930s:-


1939:-


This one is from the Mike Ashworth collection - well worth a night (well many nights actually........) on Flickr:-


This one is hard to read but references the withdrawl of the West Brom area trams in 1939:-



But trams still feature on the transport department brochure cover of 1939:-


What you need is one of these - circa. 1950:-

 

[Mark Tooze]

Tramway and bus tokens:-


And some more tickets:-

And in case you are wondering what came before trams - this did:-

 

[Mark Tooze]

And here is something rarer than a Birmingham City win - genuine colour tram photos:-

Corporation St 1953:-


Lancaster Place 1953:-


Navigation Street:-


Also - there was still a tram shelter in Hall Green in the 1970s:-

 

[superdad3]

Does anyone have any sources or information on the original Birmingham tram network, specifically the different 'lines' that ran?

I have these two below, which I combined to create this live map [link] (still in progress). It's really interesting to have context of the old network and to see how it translates to the modern layout of our city. I'd love to know how the Victorians managed to navigate the complicated central network, as this is overlooked by the London underground-style diagram below.

Any information, maps, diagrams, or suggestions of where I could find information on the Birmingham Tram network would be greatly appreciated.

Chris, 26.

Hi Chris,

You may know of these books, or even have copies, but just in case..................

Harvey [David] A nostalgic look at Birmingham trams 1933-1953:
vol 1: The northern routes
vol 2: The southern routes
vol 3: The eastern and western routes

Can be obtained on loan from Birmingham Public Libraries. Just brilliant books. Mainly phots with descriptions but also detailed route maps. Also brief earlier hist etc.

 

[Radiorails]

Mark, the first picture, of the tram in Corporation Street, is 1938 and not 1953. The tram is shown in the pre-war livery and so is the Midland Red bus.

 

[Mark Tooze]

Mark, the first picture, of the tram in Corporation Street, is 1938 and not 1953. The tram is shown in the pre-war livery and so is the Midland Red bus.

Thank you!! Both (well) before my time I'm afraid!!