Monthly Archives: December 2012

Blackpool Balloon cars in the works

Posted on Thursday 20 December 2012 by Andrew Waddington

Fresh from our report that Blackpool Balloon car 700 was set to exchange the swing-over seats on its upper deck, with the fixed bus seats in Brush Railcoach 631, comes news that the tram has returned to Rigby Road having … Continue reading →

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Trams test at full speed in Edinburgh

Posted on Thursday 20 December 2012 by Gareth Prior

After last weeks initial tests of trams on the section of the Edinburgh Tramway between Gogar Depot and the Airport at walking pace and then further testing at higher speeds, Wednesday 19th December has seen the first tests of a … Continue reading →

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Metrolink wins second national accessibility award

Posted on Thursday 20 December 2012 by Gareth Prior

Manchester Metrolink is celebrating after receiving their second national award for accessibility this year, this time the Transport for Greater Manchester Disability Design Reference Group (DDRG) has won the “Public Sector Engagement” award at Breakthrough UK’s National Independent Living Awards.

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Manx Electric Railway announce bus replacement tram service!

Posted on Tuesday 18 December 2012 by Andrew Waddington

In a remarkable development, the Manx Electric Railway have announced that an extensive tram service is to be provided across three days this month, due to strike action being taken by a local bus operator. With residents of the Isle … Continue reading →

Posted in Manx Electric Railway | 3 Comments

Heaton Park & Beamish confirm an open top swap

Posted on Tuesday 18 December 2012 by Andrew Waddington

Beamish Museum have announced more details of their upcoming event to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their museum tramway, with Stockport 5 now confirmed to visit Beamish to participate in the celebrations. As if that alone wasn’t exciting enough, it … Continue reading →

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East Anglia confirm expanded transport gala for 2013

Posted on Monday 17 December 2012 by Andrew Waddington

In a welcome move to keep its annual events programme fresh and interesting, the East Anglia Transport Museum have announced some changes to its main event, held each year in September. The popular ‘Trolleybus Weekend’, which has been held annually … Continue reading →

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Heaton Park Tramway ends the year in style

Posted on Monday 17 December 2012 by Andrew Waddington

A highly succesful year of operation at Manchester’s Heaton Park Tramway came to an end on Sunday 16th December, before the regular volunteers take a much-deserved short break for the Christmas period. As planned, the day saw Manchester 765 in … Continue reading →

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3001 inaugurates services to Shaw and Crompton

Posted on Sunday 16 December 2012 by Gareth Prior

The latest extension of Manchester Metrolink has now opened with trams running through to Shaw and Crompton from Sunday 16th December. This is a short extension of the Oldham and Rochdale line with two new stops now open for use, … Continue reading →

Posted in Manchester Metrolink | 12 Comments

M5000 3062 arrives in Manchester

Posted on Sunday 16 December 2012 by Gareth Prior

The last of the Bombardier built M5000s ordered for the Manchester Metrolink Phase 3b extensions has now arrived at Queen’s Road Depot with 3062 being delivered on Saturday 15th December. Although there are still another 32 trams to be constructed … Continue reading →

Posted in Manchester Metrolink | 3 Comments

First tram runs on NET Phase Two track

Posted on Sunday 16 December 2012 by Gareth Prior

Incentro 203 has become the first tram in Nottingham to run over Phase Two track – although it’s not quite what you would expect! As part of the extension work the current depot at Wilkinson Street is having to be … Continue reading →

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Manchester Metrolink Engineering Works: Sunday 6th January 2013

Posted on Sunday 16 December 2012 by Gareth Prior

On Sunday 6th January 2013 no trams will run to Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly Station because of engineering works. Trams will run between Altrincham and Bury direct and Eccles-Victoria (via MediaCityUK) with a normal service running from St Werburgh’s Road … Continue reading →

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Delays after tram hits taxi in Piccadilly Gardens

Posted on Sunday 16 December 2012 by Gareth Prior

All tram services into Piccadilly Station were suspended for a time on Friday 14th  December after a tram was involved in a collision with a taxi at Piccadilly Gardens. The incident happened at approximately 1740 when T68A 2006 became involved … Continue reading →

Posted in Manchester Metrolink | 4 Comments

Beamish confirm ambitious transport events for 2013

Posted on Saturday 15 December 2012 by Andrew Waddington

The official website of Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, has confirmed dates for their major special events during 2013 which include an expanded programme of transport activities. The highlight of the year for tram enthusiasts will be the … Continue reading →

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MER Ratchet car to be restored?

Posted on Saturday 15 December 2012 by Andrew Waddington

Isle of Man Railways have confirmed plans for one of the surviving ‘Ratchet’ cars on the Manx Electric Railway to be returned to service during 2013. None of these trams has run in passenger service since 2002 meaning that this … Continue reading →

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Plenty of seats up top on Leeds 107!

Posted on Saturday 15 December 2012 by Andrew Waddington

The restoration of the last surviving Leeds horse tramcar, Leeds 107, continues to make impressive progress at the Middleton Railway. One of the most visible accomplishments since the tram arrived at this location late in the summer, has been the … Continue reading →

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New old look for Brush car 631

Posted on Saturday 15 December 2012 by Andrew Waddington

Following on from the news that Blackpool Brush Railcoach 631 is to be repainted in a historic livery for its new role as part of the Blackpool tramway’s heritage fleet, it has now been revealed that some further changes will … Continue reading →

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Stockport 5 under attention

Posted on Friday 14 December 2012 by Andrew Waddington

As reported previously, Stockport 5 is receiving some well-deserved attention at the Heaton Park Tramway this winter. The car has put in excellent service since it arrival at its new home in August 2011, but it is currently undergoing a range of … Continue reading →

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Friends in high places for Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust

Posted on Friday 14 December 2012 by Andrew Waddington

Local dignitaries have recently been offering their support to the Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust’s initiatives to develop a tramway heritage centre in the town of Fleetwood. On November 16th, two local Politicians were shown around the planned site of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust | 14 Comments

A new extension and an old friend in Manchester for December 16th

Posted on Thursday 13 December 2012 by Andrew Waddington

Sunday 16th December 2012 is set to go down in history as a great day in Manchester’s rich tramway history, with the long-awaited opening of the latest section of the new Rochdale to Oldham line on Metrolink. In addition, there will … Continue reading →

Posted in Heaton Park Tramway, Manchester Metrolink | 1 Comment

Paint brush for Blackpool 631

Posted on Wednesday 12 December 2012 by Andrew Waddington

Blackpool Transport’s last remaining Brush Railcoach, car 631, has recently lost its all-over advert for Walls Ice Cream. The tram is currently being prepared for a full repaint in light of its new status as a member of the heritage … Continue reading →

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