Friday 9th July 2021 was another momentous day in the restoration of Blackpool Brush Railcoach 298 with its newly constructed underframe arriving at the Crich Tramway Village. The construction of the new underframe was contracted to the Ffestiniog Railway in Wales and they have been working hard on this since the end of 2020 with the original underframe of the tram needing replacement as part of the restoration.
The restoration of 298 is being funded through the Tramcar Sponsorship Organisation and work on returning the tram to service is expected to start in earnest later in 2021. The tram itself was returned to Crich from the Clay Cross store last month and is currently stored in the depot waiting for space in the workshops which remain busy with work on both Newcastle 102 and London County Council 1 continuing ahead of their own returns to service in the future.
Not only did 9th July see the return of 298’s underframe – which has been placed on accommodation trucks which once belonged to sister car 638 – but London Transport 1622 was also out on test. This tram last ran in 2016 and has undergone a comprehensive overhaul to return it to operational condition, it is expected to return to service this year.
Friday 9th July was a big day for the restoration of Blackpool 298 with the arrival of its brand new underframe at Crich. Here it is seen on the lorry used to transport it from Wales to Derbyshire.
The underframe was unloaded in the depot yard, and is seen here being lowered onto the spare set of ex-Blackpool Brush car bogies inherited from 298’s long-lost sister car 638.
A side view of 298’s new underframe shows just how impressive the new structure looks.
The underframe was also moved around the depot area for clearance checks before entering the workshop extension.
Also on 9th July, London Transport 1622 was taken out for test running following further attention in the workshop. The immaculate tram is seen in the sun at Glory Mine terminus.
A look at the period advertisements on the other side of 1622 as the tram takes a break at Town End. This tram is expected to be back in the operating fleet shortly, for the first time since 2016. (All Photographs by Peter Whiteley, 9th July 2021)
I think Crich has done very well in both acquiring the most modernised Brush Car (not counting 633/737) and now moving forward with the restoration of another as close as possible to original condition. This will allow them to demonstrate how the particular type of tram has evolved, while showcasing the capability that Rigby Road Works displayed over the years. At the same time, it will be possible for visitors to experience a pretty much authentic Brush Railcoach. Good to note that 638 is still proving useful long after its demise. Also pleasing to see progress on 1622 as the tramways of London were highly significant and important in the story of the British Tramcar. Pity a heritage line could not have been retained making use of the old Kingsway Tunnel. At least an open day has been arranged to allow viewing of the former underground tram route.