Glasgow 22, Cardiff 131, London United Tramways 159, Leeds 180, Metropolitan 331 and Oporto 273.
The completion of the paintwork on Cardiff 131 is almost finished whilst the scrubber gear has now been delivered and will be fitted as soon as possible along with the water system. A detailed inspection before test running identified a slight problem with the south end emergency coupler, which has now been rectified. Test running has not yet commenced.
It has been agreed with the London County Council Tramways Trust that the restoration of LUT 159 will be completed by July 2010. A review is to be undertaken on what work has been done and what work remains to be done of the restoration. Work is continuing in various areas of the body including the lower saloon interior trim, staircases and the platform trellis gates. On the trucks work continues on the bogie frames, secondary suspension items and the wheelsets and motors.
During dynamic testing of MET 331 some problems were discovered including the north end cab door which would not stay closed – this was fixed by dismantling and reassembling the whole door. Another problem identified concerned a gear cover contacting an axle on the north bogie, this was resolved by packing the mounts.
The recovered seat squabs and backs of Leeds 180 have been returned from the contractor and await fitting. The truck frame has been turned over to give better access to the primary suspension spring mountings which are being fitted with new brushes. The electrical equipment remains under overhaul with the circuit breakers and compressor governor currently under attention.
During the commissioning of Oporto 273 a defective air reservoir gauge at the north end was replaced.
Glasgow 22 has been refitted with a fixed head trolley. This was done whilst the tram was receiving treatment to damage caused by a de-wirement.
Visitors are now able to alight from trams at Wakebridge again after the resurfacing work, following the trackwork, was completed.
* For regular photos and updates from Crich please visit Richard Lomas’ blog here where up-to-date photos are regularly added.
* This news is taken from Contact: The Newsletter of the Tramway Museum Society. The only way to receive this monthly is to become a member of the Tramway Museum Society. As well as this monthly newsletter membership carries with it the right to a free copy of the Society’s illustrated quarterly Journal, free admission and free rides on the trams when the Museum is open to the public, and a voice in running Britain’s National Tramway Museum. Full details on how to join can be found here.
Source: Contact from the Tramway Museum Society