In an odd quirk of fortune there are two trams from Sheffield numbered 264 which were saved for preservation and in today’s “Picture in Time” image we take a look at the one which has just returned to service at Beamish.
264 was built as an double deck car with open balconies in 1907 by the United Electric Car Company of Preston but after less than 20 years was rebuilt to have a completely enclosed upper deck. It was latterly renumbered 342 (hence why there is another 264 in existence) and was eventually withdrawn from service in 1956. It was moved to the Clapham Transport Museum and was on display there until 1967 when it moved north eventually arriving at Beamish in 1973. Upon arrival at Beamish it looked very different to the style we know today as it had been repainted into Gateshead colours and was now an open top tram! It ran like this until 1985 when it underwent a restoration which saw it returned to open balcony condition and at the same time it was numbered back to 264. Returning to service in 1987 it ran until 2002 before it was withdrawn from service awaiting a restoration. This was eventually started in 2014 and the tram now looks resplendent once more and will prove to be an important member of the tram fleet at Beamish.
This view shows 264 in the town at Beamish on 16th August 1993.
Photograph by Bob Hodges