Having last run in service during 2016, all being well 2021 should see a return to service of London Transport 1622 at the Crich Tramway Village with the tram making a brief appearance out on the mainline on Saturday 24th April – the start of the commissioning process.
1622 has been receiving an extensive overhaul in the Workshops at Crich over the past couple of years which has also seen it receive a complete repaint along with the application of some external advertising and the finished result is stunning!
The first runs out of the mainline were part of the commissioning process and saw it run down to Town End on a proving run. Over the coming weeks full testing will get underway before 1622 is handed over to the operating department and the tram can once again be used in service.
It looks likely that 2021 – at least initially – will see a smaller operational fleet than in recent (pre-pandemic) years. So far eight different trams have been used in service: Chesterfield 7, Glasgow 22, London County Council 106, Blackpool 167, Blackpool 236, Oporto 273, Leeds 345 and Leeds 399.
Two London trams pass at Stephenson Place. With London County Council 106 heading off up the line we see London Passenger Transport Board 1622 alongside waiting on it proving run.
Another look at 1622 showing off the stunning paintwork and new external advertising. Chesterfield 7 is also in the shot. (Both Photographs by Ryan Breen, 24th April 2021)