Trams move in and out of the Crich workshop

As reported previously, some further shunting of various trams took place at Crich Tramway Village on Saturday 25th November ready for the next phase of the depot refurbishment work to get underway. However, there were also a few trams being moved between the workshop and the depots as this article will clarify.

Sheffield 74 has spent much of 2017 in the workshop for replacement of its mould-damaged upper deck ceiling and a full exterior repaint. With this work now complete, 74 has been shunted around the depot yard under its own power a few times, and on this date it was briefly put into Depot 2 (becoming the first tram inside it since the new roof was fitted) before taking a ride on the traverser, which is a rarity for this particular tram! 74 was put in the Exhibition Hall, taking the place of works car Sheffield 330 which was put back in the main depots.

Meanwhile two Leeds cars, 180 and 399, were moved to the workshop whilst Blackpool 40 was moved to road 5 in Depot 2. For Leeds 399, the tram has since had its illuminations removed, having been decorated for the annual ‘Starlight Spectacular’. Leeds 180 is set to receive more extensive attention, however. Having missed the latter part of the running season, it will be fitted with a new resistance bank and is also to receive a complete re-wire before returning to use. 180 is the last tram in the operational fleet at Crich to be re-wired to modern standards, and this is hopefully a firm indication that it is set for many more years of active service at the museum, which will hopefully resume some time in 2018.

Sheffield 74's fresh paintwork gleams in the winter sun during shunting on December 27th, offering a preview of what should be seen in regular service next summer. (Photo courtesy of Crich Tramway Village Facebook page)

 

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