British Trams Online is always on the look out for news and photos from tramways across the British Isles. Whether it be a tram being delivered, a new livery or any other piece of news we want to hear from you! All submissions should be sent to gareth@britishtramsonline.co.uk. As well as topical news and photos we are also still seeking archive photos for our Picture in Time series. Thanks to everyone who does send submissions.
All news carried on these pages is provided in good faith and is correct to the best of our knowledge. If you notice any errors please let us know either by leaving a comment or by email.
Opinions expressed on these pages are those of writer(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of British Trams Online or any organisations we are associated with.
If posting comments to any news articles please read these guidelines which will help us to keep a harmonious community. All comments will be reviewed before publishing and may be subject to editing.
For details of our Privacy Policy please click the following link: Privacy Policy
I have a question for any civil/construction engineers out there.Whilst admiring the new roof at Victoria station for the first time a few weeks ago.I couldn’t help but notice the material that the new roof panels are made from.They seem to be some sort of heavy duty polyurethane air bag.There seem to be ducting attached to the roof panels going down to what looks like a air con unit.Can anyone explain? By the way great photo’s Steve
Thanks tram man. As Johnny says below the roof and gable ends are clad in ETFE ‘bags’ inflated to tension them. They give some protection for UV but as the photos show provide a light and airy space. The system does rely on a set of small compressors to ensure the bags stay inflated as inevitably there will be some slight leakage over such a large area just as with car tyres.
The roof is ETFE. As you suggest, they are air filled bags kept inflated with air pumps.
Thanks Johnny.To a lay man like myself the advantages of this type of roof panels don’t exactly jump out at me.They don’t come across as very maintenance friendly,all those pumps to maintain.But I will bow to superior knowledge on this one.