The major project in Crich’s workshop is currently the full restoration of London County Council 1 – or Bluebird if you prefer – with the work continuing to progress as this major project reaches another crucial stage. The two decks of the tram are now as one once again with Bluebird currently resting on jacks to allow further work to take place.
With the tram lifted its trucks continue to be worked on as well. The south bogie has reached the stage of being “dry” assembled following the repair and overhaul of the wheels, axles and motors. Once all component have been proved to fit and operate correctly the wheelsets and motors will also be dry fitted on this bogie. Meanwhile the north bogie has been fully stripped down with its own wheels, axles and motors having been overhauled at Dorlec Ltd at the same time as the other set.
The body of the tram is also still under attention with the interior and exterior being worked on. A number of the interior fittings have now been taken from store whilst a lot of the side paneling is also in situ.
The project still has quite some left but obvious progress is now being made and Bluebird will once again be ready to return to the rails as another popular member of the fleet at Crich.
The south bogie is seen from the Workshop viewing gallery as it is dry assembled. The wheels and motors are seen alongside.
A ground level view of the south bogie.
This is the north bogie currently at an early stage of overhaul.
The body of Bluebird in the Workshop showing the current general condition of the tram.
Looking into the lower saloon.
One end dash panel of Bluebird waits alongside the main part of the tram. (All Photographs Gordon Burch/Crich Tramway Village)