Sheffield 264 tops the mileage charts at Beamish for 2020

This article usually starts by mentioning how the trams at Beamish are the hardest working heritage trams in the UK with over 25,000 miles covered across the fleet during 2019. But, as can be expected and in a phrase everyone is probably bored with hearing, 2020 was not a normal year with the overall milage of the trams down to below 3,000 miles with the trams not having run in passenger service since the first lockdown back in March 2020. Despite the shortened operating season four trams saw use during 2020 and of these Sheffield 264 covered the most miles.

The figures for 2020 have been revealed on the excellent Beamish Transport Online blog as part of their annual review and have revealed that Sheffield 264 ended up covering 1,275 miles. It was joined in operating by Sunderland 16 (775), Oporto 196 (475) and Blackpool 31 (325). The fact that the operating season consisted of January to March helps to explain why 31 is down at the bottom of the charts as opposed to its usual higher position.

Of the current nominally operational trams one noticeable absentee in the list is Newcastle 114 which had been withdrawn from service at the start of 2019 for an overhaul which hadn’t been completed at the start of lockdown and the furloughing of staff. Gateshead 10 (or Grimsby & Immingham 26 as it remains currently) is also awaiting the completion of its extensive overhaul which it is hoped will be progressed during 2021 with a view to the tram possibly returning to action in 2022.

With the continued Covid restrictions in place there is no word on when the trams may return to action but it is hoped that all being well, and vaccine rollout continuing at a pace, that trams may start running again in the first half of 2021. But as with everything at the moment no-one really knows when it may be before that kind of normal resumes.

196 is due some workshop attention and was due to have been withdrawn after the Great North Steam Fair last year. Its unlikely to receive attention before 10 returns to service and until that time it will be used on a limited basis. Newcastle 114 should also return to service but still requires its motors to be refitted. It, along with all the operational fleet, will also have to go through the most extensive inspection before use.

2020 Beamish Tram Mileages:

Sunderland 16 – 775 (5,300)

Blackpool 31 – 325 (6.000)

Oporto 196 – 475 (2,775)

Sheffield 264 – 1275 (5,850)

Total – 2,850 (25,250)

Figures in brackets are 2019’s for comparison

This entry was posted in Beamish Tramway. Bookmark the permalink.