The annual ‘Power from the Past’ transport extravaganza held at Beamish Museum has become established as one of the highlights of the year for those who are interested in most forms of transport, and 2012 looks set to be no exception. Emphasis this time around is being placed on steam engines and agricultural machines, but the trams of Beamish will not be left out with two members of the permanent tram fleet of the Museum set to share the limelight.
For many, the star of the show looks set to be Gateshead 10 which is currently being transformed back into its latter day guise as Grimsby & Immingham 26. In just a few short weeks remarkable progress has been made on this tram, with the bodywork being rubbed down and the distinctive roof advert panels being removed, revealing the attractive chlestory roof which is normally hidden from public gaze. Now, the tram is receiving the first touches of green paint as it is returned to British Rail green livery for the first time since it was restored in its original Gateshead colours some forty years ago. Despite a tight deadline, the Museum remains confident that the tram will be unveiled at the event which is being held on Thursday 30th August to Sunday 2nd September inclusive. The car is then expected to operate over the autumn and winter in green before returning to the works for restoration in the more familiar maroon and cream, meaning that ‘Power from the Past’ may be the only major event to feature Grimsby & Immingham 26 in service.
As if this was not exciting enough, work is also fast approaching completion on the overhaul of Oporto 196 which has been treated to a stunning repaint in South Shields blue and primrose livery. Varnishing work was carried out over the past weekend and roof advert boards similar to those just recently removed from car 10 have been fitted, featuring the ‘Shop at Binns’ slogan famously carried by many North East trams. Some finishing touches remain to be completed – most notably refitting of all saloon glazing – but this should also be completed before August 30th to enable 196 to play a major role in the four-day event.
A good opportunity to see and photograph both of the newly painted trams will be on the evening of Saturday 1st September, when Beamish Museum will be holding one of its popular enthusiast photo shoots after normal opening hours. This will feature a whole host of vehicles being posed with staff in period costume, with both 26 and 196 set to be posed in the Town area alongside other vintage road traffic. Just 200 places will be made available for the evening photo session, and tickets must be purchased in advance at a very reasonable £10 for this event, which will be held between 6:00pm and 9:00pm. For further details please visit http://www.beamish.org.uk/photographic-evening-pftp/
Normal admission charges will of course apply to the event during standard opening hours, and both members of the British Trams Online team expect to be present on at least one day of the event – so expect full coverage to feature on this website afterwards!
Recent progress on transforming Gateshead 10 into Grimsby & Immingham 26 can clearly be seen in this view of the car, looking very different without its advertising boards. (Photo courtesy of the Beamish Transport & Industry Blog)
The near-complete 196 also seen in the depot at Beamish shortly after the addition of adverts and fleet numerals, and looking absolutely magnificent! (Photo courtesey of the Beamish Transport & Industry Blog)