Sunny and warm weather once again graced a major tram event in the UK on Sunday 4th October with the 18th annual Wirral Bus and Tram Show taking place on and around the Birkenhead Heritage Tramway. The event again saw the usual mix of an intensive tram service with lots of buses on display and running special tours around the local area. On the tram side the undoubted highlight was the use of Liverpool 245 – its first appearance at the event since its restoration was finally completed earlier this year.
The tram service started shortly after 1000 when Wallasey 78 left Taylor Street with a service to Woodside Ferry. 78 was soon followed into service by Liverpool 762, Lisbon 730 and the star itself, Liverpool 245. Services ran regularly from each end with trams meeting at both termini and also passing at the intermediate point of Pacific Road allowing for some unplanned photographic opportunities, especially as this was where the bus tours started from.
These four trams remained in service during the morning before popular open topper Birkenhead 20 finally entered service midway through the day. It ran one round trip before it was stabled at Taylor Street again whilst the crews took lunch breaks before it replaced Lisbon 730 in service for the afternoon. To add to the atmosphere a band played on the top deck of 20 and were there for two full round trips. This had the unfortunate side effect of meaning normal fare paying passengers were prevented from going for an open top tram ride until well into the event.
The two other runners in the Birkenhead tram fleet – the Hong Kong built 69 and 70 – were stabled outside Pacific Road along with some buses all day until they were moved back to depot at the end of the day. Meanwhile within Taylor Street two further trams could be seen with static exhibit horse car Liverpool 43 and the current restoration project of Warrington 28. The rarely opened doors in front of the Warrington car were also opened for the day allowing the rare opportunity to see the other end of the tram and to inspect the continued progress on its restoration.
Away from the trams there were also lots of buses – as the name of the event may suggest! – with some on static display but a lot of them were also offering free trips around the Wirral. There were also classic cars on display at Woodside Ferry giving plenty of interest for transport enthusiasts.
The stunning Wallasey 78 approaches Pacific Road - note tram 70 in the yard ahead.
Birkenhead 20 leaves Woodside Ferry - with the band up on top.
We don't often included buses on this page but here we see a bus alongside Liverpool 245.
The two operational Liverpool trams together - 762 and 245 - at Pacific Road. (All Photographs by Gareth Prior)