The winter track renewal work at Crich Tramway Village has now been completed, and on Saturday 10th February, London Tramlink 058 was used to test the new rails, before completing a full run along the entire length of the demonstration tramway to Glory Mine – the first vehicle to do this in 2018. This was made all the more appropriate as this date marked 058‘s 40th birthday!
The last few months have seen new rail laid between Victoria Park and Wakebridge, replacing the straight length of single track. This project has been carried out by a team made up of volunteers, paid staff and a contractor. Many of the volunteers involved were young members – an impressive achievement, and a pleasing sign that the museum will be in good hands for many years to come! The ex-Croydon KLV 058 ‘John Gardner’ has been used in connection with the track replacement work, its crane being invaluable in moving track into position. 058 therefore earned the honour of being the first vehicle to pass over the newly laid rails, and it then ran up to Glory Mine once the required checks had been completed satisfactorily. With Cardiff water car 131 now in the workshop being commissioned, further routine attention to the track should soon be underway before the museum opens its doors to paying guests from 17th March.
In other news, 058 itself has benefited from some minor attention over winter – namely the fitting of new seats in its cab. This was a project carried out by TMS member Dean Sharp, and should improve comfort greatly (having ridden on 058 your writer can confirm that it wasn’t the most luxurious of rides!) on this invaluable member of the works fleet.
A selection of views of Tramlink 058 on the re-laid approach to Wakebridge during testing of the new track on 10th February.
Later the same day, 058 became the first railed vehicle to run to Glory Mine this year - as proved by this picture of it occupying the reversing stub at the end of the line.
A peek inside 058's cab showing the newly refurbished seats. (All photos by Dean Sharp)