Preparations for ‘TMS 60’ event get underway

Workshop staff at Crich Tramway Village had an earlier start than usual on Saturday 12th September, shunting various trams in preparation for next week’s ‘TMS 60’ event which is being held on 19th September. As previously reported, this will predominantly feature the resident open top trams, two of which have already been moved from their normal resting places ready for a starring role at the big event – weather permitting, of course!

The first tram to be prepared for the event day is Southampton 45 which recently moved to the workshop to be commissioned for operation as a one-off, following its retirement last year. The tram has now moved under its own power around the depot yard, allowing its place at the front of the workshop to be taken, very surprisingly, by Newcastle 102. Having suffered a broken axle in 2000 when it last ran at the museum, this tram rarely moves out of the depots and so to move it this far was certainly a surprise. It is not thought that its move to the workshop is indicative of any plans for it to be overhauled and returned to use, presumably it is there for temporary storage and possibly to examine its suitability to be moved around on the depot fan for display, but it made a pleasing sight and perhaps this level of interest could increase its chances of running again in the not too distant future?

The Crich Tramway Village website now states that, weather permitting, the TMS 60 event will feature a unique line-up with 45, 102 and seven other electric open top tramcars, some of which hardly ever appear outside. A quick count up of the number of such cars on site indicates that this is likely to include some very rare trams indeed, making this a potentially very exciting event indeed and hopefully a fantastic way to celebrate six decades of Britain’s first and foremost tramway preservation group.

Although not officially confirmed, the event is also expected to provide the last opportunity for some time to ride on Glasgow 812 which is expected to be withdrawn from service. This car has been looking a little tired for a while now and looks set to endure a period of storage, but not before its appearance in service for the enthusiast event, when it is scheduled to perform the last service run of the day from Town End at 1800, duplicated by Southampton 45 which will also be making its final passenger working for the forseeable future. It remains to be seen when, or indeed if, 812 will receive the overhaul it requires but with the similar Glasgow 22 being overhauled at present the Scottish flag will be kept flying in the museum’s running fleet for some years to come whatever the future holds for this particular tram.

An unusual scene at the front of the Crich workshop with Newcastle 102 in residence for the first time in many years, along with Southampton 45 being prepared for a one-off appearance in service. (Photo courtesy of Crich Tramway Village)

 

 

This entry was posted in Crich Tramway Village. Bookmark the permalink.