No sooner has we uploaded the last story when some photos of Blackpool Jubilee 762 drop into our inbox! As we briefly mentioned in the story on the KLV’s test run, the completion of the work on 058 allowed Blackpool Jubilee 762 to enter the workshops to be commissioned for use during 2017. Following the movement of the Jubilee car to the workshop and its commissioning work the tram then went on its own commissioning run. Thanks to Peter Whiteley for these photos.
As the only known American to attend Electric 50 at Crich, I thought I attended the launch ceremony for this car on that day. I know it broke down on that Saturday delaying the parade of trams but it did run on Saturday, the following Sunday and on the Monday after Electric 50. I should also mention that the assembled masses on that Saturday had little to say about the beauty of this tram. But it is historic as one of only two of its type and its future does seem secure.
You did indeed attend the launch of this tram, I rode on its inaugural journey – well one way, then it failed! This article is simply reporting that it has gone through its annual commissioning process and is now ready for another year of service.
I believe this tram would be better suited in Blackpool where it would be hugely appreciated. It just doesn’t suit the operation at Crich. Maybe a long-term loan?
?? Its a historic item – the last ever British double decker (for now?) How can it not be suitable for our national tramway museum?
For now? The last, there will be no more new British double deckers.
No?
Who would have predicted the construction of new main line steam Locos?
Yes but its not carrying passengers. Tornado is the next one if they had continued production as it were. You can’t do that with Trams as all new vehicles must be DDA compliant and a double decker cannot be. There was a big discussion some time ago about a historical recreation of a missing tramcar. Technically that would be new materials but as its an exact copy then it isn’t ‘new’ design. It was unclear if it would be allowed due to DDA legislation. (No definitive answer was forthcoming).
Setting aside the fact that 762 is a mere rebuild, with less new structural material than the latterly refurbished Balloons such as 713, 717, 723 and 724, 3 new double deck trams have successfully been built for and operated on the Seaton Tramway since Rail Vehicle Accessibilty Regulations from which a selective exemption has been obtained. No doubt new build museum cars could similarly be exempted.
RVAR regulations stipulate 50% of floor access is accessible which rules out double deckers effectively, however these rules were developed with single deck vehicles in mind, as there was no practical application of DD vehicles as new ones have not been built for ‘full size’ tramways for decades. Should someone really see a need, I’m sure a case could be made for amending regulations – just as different ones apply for DD buses. I can’t see why anyone would see the need for a modern DD tram.
It does fit in.
Leave that advertising alone and please not another standard green/cream.
Well known at Blackpool but at Crich an eye catcher.
It should be in the collection for its historical status, but its operation should be limited – it looks ridiculous in the street setting and to the casual visitor its not ‘a historic Tram’ they would expect to see.
If only more crews were trained on it, being a high capacity OMO car it is otherwise ideal for those days at Crich when we don’t have three full crews on the roster but have large group bookings.