CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE NEWS ROUND-UP Our usual round-up of all the news from the trams of the Crich Tramway Village – home of the National Tramway Museum. This month’s update includes news of Edinburgh 35, Blackpool 40, Cardiff 131, London United Tramways 159 and Blackpool 166.
The major news of this month concerns Edinburgh 35 which has been officially transferred into the care of the Tramway Museum Society. Eight years of discussions have taken place with Edinburgh City Council over this car and despite enthusiasts in the Scottish capital seeking a return for a proposed transport museum it has now been agreed for a transfer in ownership. 35 now joins a long line of trams wanting restoring to service.
Progress continues at a pace on Cardiff 131 with the roof structure (including trolley planks, ducting and wiring) now being completed with the exception of the underside (ceiling). Roof mounted tail lights have been received from a contractor and fitted. Motor suspension spring seats have been manufactured in house whilst a delivery schedule has been agreed with an outside contractor for the wheelsets. A slip ring has been designed and manufactured in house for the trolley base, employing the fixing details in the original items.
Work on London United Tramways 159 also continues with the fourth bogie sideframe having been delivered and sent for machining.
Blackpool 40 has now returned to service after its overhaul and the completion of minor paintwork attention. Its place in the workshop has been taken by Metropolitan 331.
Blackpool 166 is nearly ready for a return to service but a few minor jobs remain outstanding. The tram made a brief “workshop outing” run on Tramathon but was unable to be used in passenger service due to the varnish still being wet in places! It is now complete with coloured festoon lights.
Source: Contact from the Tramway Museum Society
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 15th June 2008
A general view in the Workshop of various components of Cardiff 131. Nearest to the camera is the roof whilst furthest away is the underframe. The water tank is stored on an accommodation truck in the depot.
Photo: Gareth Prior
I'm not quite sure what happened to this photo, but it doesn't quite appear to be "sharp". Anyways, the photo shows the latest progress on London United Tramways 159.
Photo: Gareth Prior