Stockport 5 has taken another step forwards towards being returned to service at Manchester’s Heaton Park Tramway, being extracted from the back of the Lakeside Depot and transferred to the tramway’s original Middleton Road Depot on Tuesday 20th October. The protective tarpaulin, employed to shield the tram from the unwanted attentions of the depot pigeons, has also been removed ahead of work resuming on repairs to the upper deck flooring.
As may be remembered, 5 last received workshop attention in 2013 but was withdrawn from service again only a year later after investigative works to try and find the cause of body leaks revealed some rotten wood. The upper deck has already been partially dismantled but, with most attention focussed on Hull 96 until recently, the popular open topper has been left as it is for several months. However, further examination can now proceed so that the work required to replace the affected wood and return 5 to an operational condition can be costed. It is sincerely hoped that, unlike the previous attempt, this will cure 5 of its tendency to leak for good and that it will be able to run again next summer as it has been greatly missed during its enforced lay-off. Its return will also reduce pressure on the rest of the fleet, all of which, Hull 96 aside, are showing their age and would benefit from either some TLC or reduced mileage. Manchester 765 in particular is becoming increasingly tired whilst Blackpool Brush Railcoach 623 is also looking quite shabby in places and Blackpool Vanguard 619 is expected to receive some cosmetic attention in the fairly near future, being in a generally good condition. Only good things can come from another operational tramcar and so hopefully 2016 will be a good year at Heaton Park with a good pool of trams available for all weathers.
Stockport 5 - currently devoid of its trolley mast due to the ongoing remedial work on its top deck - is seen being shunted into Middleton Road depot by Manchester 765 on 20th October, ahead of its repair work being restarted this winter. (Photo courtesy of the Heaton Park Tramway Facebook page)