Tramways return for 2016

As Easter is just around the corner it is time for several more heritage tramways to resume operations for another year with this weekend seeing the Manx Electric Railway and Crich Tramway Village welcome their first passengers of 2016.

The Manx Electric Railway was the first to start operating again with the first public services running on Friday 18th March. The three set timetable B was in use on the first day with Winter Saloon 19 taking charge of the first departure, the 0940 from Derby Castle to Ramsey. This was soon joined by fellow Winter Saloon, no. 21, which operated the 1040 from Derby Castle.

The third car in use was actually the biggest surprise as rather than one of the Winter Saloons or even a Tunnel Car it was left to car no. 2 to do the honours! Yes one of the two oldest trams to still operate on its original line was allocated to service on the first day of the 2016 season. 2 had been stored at Laxey during the winter period and after its drying out runs had remained outbased here so it was allocated to the Laxey diagram which commenced at 1055 with a journey through to Derby Castle.

The Manx Electric Railway will now operate daily until the end of September with a variety of different timetables and then continues running during October but not on Mondays or Fridays.

Just a day after the MER started running again it was the turn of the Crich Tramway Village to start another season. Saturday 19th March saw three trams allocated to service with enclosed stalwarts Leeds 180 and Liverpool 869 joined by Blackpool Open Boat 236 – nothing gets rid of the cobwebs as well as an open top tram ride through the British countryside! Berlin 223 006-4 – the Access Tram – was also available for use as required.