With the Classic London event taking place this week at the Crich Tramway Village it seems rather apt that for the first time “Picture in Time” heads to London as we take a look at the then Croydon Tramlink system ahead of opening with a view of the first numbered tram – 2530.
Trams returned to the streets of Croydon carrying the public in May 2000 but prior to that extensive testing was undertaken over the network. Brand new Bombardier Flexity CR4000 tram 2530 is seen at Church Street on test in August 1999. The tram is in the original red and white livery with roller blind destination display. The number might seem a bit odd to begin a fleet of new trams with but is in fact a follow on from the highest numbered tram in the original London Transport fleet.
Photograph by Ian Buck
Personally always felt this livery was far more sympathetic and should have remained.