A cunning plan for Glasgow 488

It has been a while since we mentioned progress on the restoration of Glasgow Standard 488, which is being renovated in Wales before joining the collection of the East Anglia Transport Museum near Lowestoft. In truth, this hasn’t been much visible progress to report on of late – but plenty of thinking has been going on with regard to plans for the car’s truck.

One big job that remains outstanding is converting 488‘s truck to standard gauge to enable it to operate at the museum, due to Glasgow trams being of slightly different gauge. However, an alternative idea may be considered which could potentially save a considerable amount of money. It is hoped to move the truck from 488 to East Anglia so that it can be measured up and compared with a spare truck the museum already has, which is thought to be of Glasgow origin. Depending on what is found, it may be possible to use the spare truck underneath the restored Glasgow tram which would potentially save the large cost of new axles and mean that its existing truck would not need to be re-gauged after all.

One obstacle preventing this from happening straight away, is that Lowestoft 14 is currently mounted upon this spare truck, whilst its own receives further attention. It is therefore intended to prioritise the outstanding jobs which need to be finished to enable 14 to be reunited with its own truck, releasing the spare for the Glasgow project if it is deemed to be suitable and in a reasonable condition.

Meanwhile, 2016 has been another busy year at Carlton Colville with the tram service operated by Blackpool 159, Sheffield 513 (still on loan from Beamish Museum) and London 1858. Blackpool VAMBAC 11 is currently on restricted use and has only run for the museum’s ‘Santa Tram’ days, whilst Amsterdam 474 remains out of action requiring remedial attention to its motors. Therefore, when completed, both Lowestoft 14 and Glasgow 488 will relieve considerable pressure from these trams and allow them to receive some of the TLC they all so richly deserve.

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5 Responses to A cunning plan for Glasgow 488

  1. Nigel Pennick says:

    Lowestoft was three foot six inch gauge I believe. Black Country loan?

    • Paul says:

      The plan was (and as far is I know still is) to rebuild 14 to standard gauge so it can run at EATM. The truck referred to in the article as “it’s own truck” is not it’s original but a standard gauge truck from another system (?? possibly Leeds or Sheffield??)…

  2. Alan Kirkman says:

    Why not ask TMS how they did all the Glasgow Cars at Crich from memory I thought I’d read of just new tyres? I know Carlton Colville got “confused” with 1245 ages ago but TMS have done a lot! I expect BTS/BHTT will be asking about 1016’s truck.

  3. Ste says:

    My understanding is that regauging is actually quite simple, though it would depend on the facilities available.

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