So far in 2015, no passenger services have operated on Manchester’s Heaton Park Tramway, but behind the scenes an incredible amount of work has been taking place. Although the main focus remains the ongoing restoration of Hull 96, other projects have seen work on the tramway infrastructure as well as two other members of the resident tram fleet.
Progress on Hull 96 over the last couple of months has been considerable. This has included, in no particular order – the removal of saloon windows for re-sealing and in some cases, replacement of cracked glass; removal of the floor slats at each end for replacement; cleaning and polishing of a vast amount of ornate brasswork; removal of ceiling panels for attention; repairs to the roof and trolley base where required; replacement of the circuit breaker covers; treatment of woodwork both internally and externally, and further paint stripping ahead of its planned repaint. In fairness the above does not really do justice to the considerable number of man hours which have gone into the various detail work and many of these tasks are very time-consuming, however all should ultimately ensure that 96 will look as good as new when it finally returns to use this summer. A further discovery will ensure further accuracy, in the shape of 96‘s original ceiling panels! Although in a poor condition, these will be used to obtain a good colour match and will therefore make an invaluable contribution to the project. Plans for an event to re-launch this tramcar are also being formulated and will no doubt provide another enjoyable spectacle of the sort which the Heaton Park Tramway have rightly become known for in the recent past.
Before the end of 2014, Stockport 5 was awoken from its slumbers in Lakeside Depot and towed back to the Middleton Road depot to be worked on ahead of an expected return to service during summer 2015, having missed all of last season due to the discovery of some body rot. The upper deck flooring has now been stripped as necessary to allow the affected areas of wood to be replaced; unfortunately it was then discovered that there was more rot than originally thought, but repairs and strengthening work are now in hand. Some work is also being undertaken on Blackpool 623 which spent some periods out of action last year due to some recurring mechanical defects, primarily affecting its air brakes. For some time the actual cause of its woes were something of a mystery but having spent time over the workshop pit at Middleton Road depot, a number of parts have been stripped and overhauled which should enable it to run more successfully during 2015.
Finally, a more unusual development at the park has seen a new points lever installed at the tramway’s Lakeside terminus. This item was actually rescued from Blackpool during the tramway upgrade, and has since been rebuilt for re-use before being installed in situ. The area around it will now be tidied up with stone setts installed to make the area look more attractive, ensuring that not only will a historic object be demonstrated, but also put to good use in a new home.
A recent view of the interior of Hull 96 showing its current state, with the ceiling panels and associated beading removed. (Photo courtesy of the Manchester Transport Museum Society)