The repaint of long-term Beamish Museum resident Gateshead 10 into its later identity as Grimsby & Immingham 26 has recently been further enhanced, by the fitting of replica lamps at each end above the driver’s windscreen. These high-level lights were a distinctive feature of all the Grimsby & Immingham fleet, and this feature adds even more authenticity to this superb repaint.
Not only has the fitting of the new lamps made 26 look even better, but it has allowed the saloon lights to be restored after being temporarily disconnected recently – which will no doubt be welcomed now that darkness falls earlier each evening. The job has been carried out ahead of a planned photography event next weekend which will feature 26 as well as Blackpool Coronation 304. The car is expected to operate in green for the rest of the year before receiving a second repaint, this time in its more familiar Gateshead maroon and cream, ahead of the tramway’s 40th anniversary celebrations in April 2013.
One of Grimsby & Immingham 26's new lamps is seen clearly in this view of the tram at Pockerley on 27th October, where it is passing Leeds 6, which remains on loan from the Heaton Park Tramway. (Photo courtesey of the Beamish Transport & Industry Blog)
Whilst looking at recent copy of Heritage Railway I noticed a photo of Grimsby & Immingham tram No. 26. I saw this tram circa 50yrs agobeside the Derby to Sheffield main line on a siding between Clay Cross Junction and Clay Cross station along with other bits of old railway stuff, it was in quite good condition but the green paint was matt, probably due to being outside in all weathers. I distinctly remember it being No. 26 because the the house I and my parents lived in was No. 26. It would be nice to know where this tram has been whan I saw it 50yrs ago and it arriving at Beamish.
I’m not sure I understand what you are trying to ask Peter. Are you asking where 26 has been in between you seeing it at Clay Cross and now? If so, then it’s been at Beamish for the last four decades, albeit restored as Gateshead 10. As has been well documented on this site and elsewhere, the repaint in Grimsby & Immingham livery is only temporary and it will return to its normal identity next spring.
Thanks for the info Andrew, I’m mainly a train fan really I just mentioned on Railway Forum a few days ago I’d seen a photo of No. 26 and it brought back so many great memories from 50+ years ago, someone on Railway Forum gave me the link to this site. Was the tram originally Gateshead 10 or Grimsby + Immingham 26? You must admit though it looked a bit out of place in a siding at Clay Cross. I’m hoping to be going to Beamish in 2013, I think Statesman Rail do a trip there so it would be a good day out. All the best………. Pete.
No problem Peter. The tram was originally Gateshead 10, then was sold to British Rail after the route it operated on was closed down, and ran at Grimsby & Immingham until that system closed in 1961. Beamish Museum obviously restored it back to its original livery due to the local connection, but when it became due for an overhaul and repaint it was decided to return it to its latter day appearance for a short period. It’s due to be repainted back in Gateshead colours in time for the Beamish Tramway 40th anniversary events in April 2013 as it was the first tram to run there. Incidentally, there is also an original Grimsby & Immingham tram, number 14, preserved at Crich although sadly it is not operational.
hi,
I have been cataloguing a box of 600 or so railway negs and slides I recently bought on ebay. Mostly they are late 1940s but a few later slides emerged, one of which (dated June 1966) I believe may be the vehicle at Clay Cross.
I came across this conversation whilst web-searching to try to find the location of the above mentioned slide. A quick visit to Clay Cross on Google Earth seems to confirm it.
Would you be interested in a copy for your records?