It is with great regret that we report the news that Stockport 5 will not be visiting Beamish for the events to mark their tramway’s 40th anniversary next month. The cancellation of this loan also means that Blackpool 31 will not be appearing at the Heaton Park Tramway this year either, giving enthusiasts who were looking forward to both tram loans a double blow.
5 was due to appear to leave Manchester for Beamish next week, in plenty of time to appear at the museum’s Great North Festival of Transport, which includes a four day tram event under the banner ‘Our Friends Electric’. However, the hauliers who were contracted to transport the tram have expressed some concerns about its height and were reluctant to move it to Beamish, presumably fearing a repeat of the incident last year which saw Birkenhead 20 sustain some minor damage in transit. The tram’s owners did not wish to remove its trolley mast as this had been a notorious spot for letting in water, and has only recently been extensively re-sealed to prevent leaking. Despite having travelled from Blackpool to Manchester with its entire trolley pole attached and arriving completely unscathed, alleged expert advice from another museum who are assisting with the tram moves for the Beamish event has dictated that moving the same tram to the North East without damaging it is not possible. What is particularly disapointing is that the organisations involved in these tram loans have only just been told this, as the anticipation followed by inevitable disapointment could have been avoided had this questionable decision been made sooner.
This now leaves what was supposed to be the most spectacular tram event ever staged at a British museum, with just two visiting trams expected to attend. Lisbon 730 should make the journey from Birkenhead shortly and as a small single decker, its transportation should not present any problems. Glasgow 1068 should also be present and is currently in the workshop at Crich being prepared for its loan, although first its axles are being subjected to ultrasonic testing. Presumably if the findings are deemed unsatisfactory then it too will miss out on the events, which would leave us with a very underwhelming lineup, so it is to be sincerely hoped that the tram is passed fit for operation at Beamish. It is not known why such vigorous inspections could not have been carried out before the announcement regarding 1068‘s loan was made, and hopefully this will not lead to Crich and Beamish both ending up with egg on faces! At this time our sympathies go to the organisers of the Beamish event, who must be bitterly disapointed by the way that their plans have been thwarted.
Meanwhile, Stockport 5 is now set to have a busy year at Heaton Park and will soon be returned to use, looking immaculate following extensive attention over the past few months, which has of course included the application of period style advertisements. The tram is expected to return to use at the tramway’s spring gala on Sunday 24th March, which will also see the welcome return home of Leeds 6.
All dressed up but with nowhere to go - Stockport 5 inside the depot at Heaton Park on 10th March. Note the new 'Middleton Road' destination blinds fitted and the 'Bovril' advert banners. (Photo courtesey of the Heaton Park Tramway Facebook page)