The October Half Term is usually the last hurrah for many heritage tram lines across the UK of each year (until the inevitable Christmas rush with Santa specials running in some locations) and 2018 has been no different. With the daily afternoon heritage tours and evening illumination tours ongoing in Blackpool until the end of the weekend, over the other side of the country at Beamish the hardworking trams having also been continuing to work hard – aided by a spell of dry if not that warm weather. On Friday 2nd November a three tram service was in operation with the following views captured by Trevor Hall.
It may have been November but two of the three trams in service on this day were open toppers with Blackpool 31 and Newcastle 114 continuing to prove popular – there is obviously just something about enjoying an open top tram ride whatever the weather! They were joined by Sunderland 16 to complete the trio, a tram which only returned to service after workshop attention a few weeks ago and has quickly settled back into regular operation. The remaining operational trams at Beamish – Oporto 196 and Sheffield 264 – were resting in the depot but with the Christmas events coming soon at Beamish they are likely to come into their own allowing 31 and 114 to take some well earnt rest.
Sunderland 16 approaches Pockerley with a clockwise service. Having been out of service for much of the year it is good to see 16 back in use and it looks resplendent here in the autumnal sunshine.
The lower saloon of Sunderland 16.
Blackpool 31 approaches the Town with a few passengers enjoying a top deck tram ride.
The third of the trio in service was Newcastle 114 which is caught here just leaving the Town. Being wrapped up warm was the order of the day for not only those on the top deck but also the driver! (All Photographs by Trevor Hall, 2nd November 2018)