Following various adjustments and extensive testing, it is pleasing to confirm that London United Tramways 159 is due to re-enter service at Crich Tramway Village for the ‘Capital Weekend’ event, being held on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July. This will be the first opportunity to ride on this recently restored tram since its unfortunate derailment on its launch day last summer.
159 is expected to be in passenger service on both days of this event, along with fellow London trams Metropolitan 331 and London Transport 1622. It is also planned that two works vehicles, London Tramlink 058 and Cardiff 131, will make a few appearances on the mainline across the weekend. The latter will be used as Cardiff is of course the capital of Wales; similarly, it is expected that trams from other capital cities of the world may be displayed on the depot fan. Other attractions should include a procession of London vehicles, and a couple of visiting Routemaster buses which will add to the atmosphere of the occasion.
Hopefully, 159‘s expected return to service will ensure that the 2013 London event at Crich is much better than last year’s attempt, and will offer a suitable introduction to what should be a long and successful operating career for this tram at the museum. British Trams Online will be present to report on the day’s events, so if you can’t be there then look out for our coverage, with a few ‘live’ reports likely to be published on our Facebook page on Saturday 6th July.
London United Tramways 159 seen on 28 May 2012 in the Workshop. At the time everyone thought it was just six weeks away from a long and fruitful life in service. Glasgow 1068 is seen behind during its repaint.
Fast forward to 29 June 2013 and 159 is seen again in the Workshop with final preparations underway for its return to service. It has now been confirmed the tram will return to service as part of "A Capital Weekend". (Both photos: Keith Hopkinson)