Sheffield 510 gets lifted

Early work on the long-awaited overhaul of Sheffield ‘Roberts’ car 510 at Crich Tramway Village is now underway, with the tram having been lifted off its truck using the workshop’s electric jacks during the latter part of September. In addition, several small items such as the lifeguard have also been removed, and work has commenced on removing some of the upper deck panels which are in a poor condition.

As previously reported, the Tramcar Sponsorship Organisation are funding a heavy overhaul of Sheffield 510 to allow this popular tram to return to service. After a vote of TSO members, it was agreed that 510 will retain its distinctive ‘Last Tram’ livery but will be treated to a full external repaint. In fact, work has already started on painting the platform areas. It is expected that the paintings on its panels will be copied and the ones being removed from the car will be retained due to their historic value. Unfortunately, 510 is looking very tired and has suffered badly following a period of storage in the main depots at Crich since it last ran in service, meaning that several panels are expected to require replacement. However, the attention being lavished on it now should keep it looking pristine for many years to come, thanks to the generousity of TSO members.

In other news, London United Tramways 159 has now returned to the workshop – presumably for some further attention following a failure on its first day in public service at the museum. Glasgow 1115 has also passed through the works; whilst out of the Exhibition Hall, the opportunity was taken to carry out some minor cosmetic attention. The tram has now returned to the depots for storage until a futher shunt takes place to return it to its usual place of display.