In 2015 rather than horse tram operation at Crich being restricted to just the Edwardian Weekend (plus during the Sheffield event last year) a number of Horse Tram Days are being held with the first of these taking place on Wednesday 13th May. Once again the operational horse car at the home of the National Tramway Museum is Sheffield 15 and on this first day of operation it operated alongside open cars Blackpool 166 and Glasgow 1068.
Horse Joseph was also back at Crich again and as is always the case Sheffield 15 ran between the Town End terminus and the depot crossover in between the standard electric tram service. This was the first chance for a horse tram ride on the UK mainland this year and further Horse Tram days can be enjoyed on:
Tuesday 19th May
Wednesday 15th July
Tuesday 18th August
Thursday 20th August
Wednesday 16th September
Sheffield 15 waits at the Town End terminus with horse Joseph for company.
Another view of 15 at the Town End terminus.
15 pulls away from Town End. (All Photographs courtesy of Crich Tramway Village)
Once again a brilliant but double edged move. Great to see it out, but no weekends? seriously?
Whilst obviously its a positive sign loadings were healthy the real test is whether gate receipts are up on Wednesday 13th May 2014 (or if you will the average gate receipt for mid week this time of year). Obviously needs to see % increase to justify the expense of a horse tram midweek. Can only assume they get a cheaper deal midweek as otherwise makes very little sense.
On a positive note at least by them being positioned mid week less of clash with Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours events.
So no events at weekends in case they clash with Blackpool? Should Birkenhead and Heaton Park close for the summer then? Very few enthusiasts use the Blue Service in Blackpool – visitors and locals do, so a weekend Horse Tram is hardly going to harm them.