Our modern tram version of “Picture in Time” is moving on to South Yorkshire for the next batch of photos and we start off with a view taken in 1999.
By 1999 the Supertram system was being operated by Stagecoach which meant the original uninspiring grey livery was replaced by a slightly more inspiring (just!) livery based on the Stagecoach colours. With a mainly white body and an orange, red and blue stripe along the lower half of the tram this was the first of three major different designs under Stagecoach control with more and more colour coming over the years.
In this shot, taken at Meadowhall Interchange, we see 105 sitting at the terminus when working a Purple route service. Although today the Purple route is confined to just running from Herdings Park to Cathedral there was a time when the service was extended to Meadowhall via a reversal at Cathedral and this was one such time. The tram retains its original roller destination blind. Note in the background the former cooling towers of the Blackburn Meadows Power Station which were finally demolished in 2008. This photo was taken on 7th April 1999.
Photograph by Bob Hodges