Although the big project to construct a second tram depot in the grounds of Manchester’s Heaton Park is just beginning, members of the Manchester Transport Museum Society are still finding time for some smaller jobs focussed on improving the appearance of the trams in their collection. Blackpool 623 has recently received some minor attention and this should soon be followed by the other trams currently on site.
On 25th September, Blackpool Brush Railcoach 623 had its fenders removed for some attention. These were cleaned and polished before being re-fitted, and look superb once again. The white paintwork on the edges of the fenders has also been refreshed. One week later, and the roof was the focus of volunteers’ work, as some essential re-sealing work was undertaken to prevent leaking. As the only fully enclosed tram in the current operating fleet at the tramway, 623 is expected to be the main service car over the winter months and so it is good that it is now looking its best ahead of this important time.
Both Stockport 5 and Manchester 765 are also expected to be attended to over the winter. Car 5 has not had much work done to it since arriving at Manchester but that is set to change this winter. Jobs planned include revarnishing the top deck seats and touching-up the paintwork, which should ensure that this popular tram looks much smarter next summer. 765 is also expected to be withdrawn after the tramway’s halloween event on Sunday 28th October, and although it has not yet been revealed what this will entail, it is suspected that this will be the most thorough work undertaken on the Manchester tram for a number of years.
Tasks such as these show that there will always be plenty of work to be done at Heaton Park, and anyone who is able to help in any way with even the smallest of jobs is encouraged to contact the MTMS. Whilst major projects are obviously important, the trams still need to be cleaned and maintained and more volunteers will ensure that the fleet are kept looking their best throughout what is likely to be one of the tramway’s most hectic winters to date.
Blackpool 623 seen inside the small depot at Heaton Park, looking a little odd without its familiar bumpers. (Photo by Joe Savage)
Looking much better for some remedial work, 623 is seen later the same day with its fenders back in place. (Photo by Joe Savage)