In the wake of the cancellation of the Trans Lancs Rally because of ground conditions on the rally ground in Heaton Park the Heaton Park Tramway organised a short-notice late summer event which saw all three operational passenger trams in service with stored trams on display plus a model tram exhibition in the Middleton Road Depot – all combining to fill in the gap in the special events calendar. Steve Kemp visited as seen in the below photos.
Manchester 765 and Blackpool 623 stand at Lakeside with the Brush Cars trolley already turned for its next trip along the line.
The third passenger tram available for service is Hull 96 and we see it here at Middleton Road Gates.
Work is continuing on the overhaul of Stockport 5 and whilst it isn’t ready for a return just yet it was displayed outside Middleton Road Depot.
As was Blackpool 619. Another tram enjoying workshop attention this tram still requires various jobs to be completed – not least the fitting of seats! – before it too enjoys a period of operation again.
Outside Lakeside Depot and stored cars Blackpool 702 and Manchester 173 were on display. Manchester 765 can also be seen in the background.
Inside Lakeside Depot and the Manchester Horse Bus (on Rawtenstall 23’s truck) is on the left of this image with the body of Oldham 43 also seen.
Also tucked up in the shed was Blackpool Railgrinder 1. (All Photographs by Steve Kemp, 1st September 2019)