The recent London Event at the East Anglia Transport Museum – 70 years since the last tram and 60 years since the last trolleybus in the capital – also saw another more local anniversary celebrated during the events which took place over the weekend of 9th and 10th July. While earlier in the year there was a celebration for the 50th anniversary of the museum itself, 11th July marked 40 years since the tramway was extended into the woods.
To mark the occasion, stalwart tram Blackpool 159 was decorated with bunting – as it was at the 50th Anniversary event at the end of May – and signs to commemorate the anniversary. It was 11th July 1982 that trams started running into the woods with track being used from the former Erith tram depot along with pointwork from Lowestoft and Dundee Corporation systems. More recently some of the track on the curve leading into the woods was replaced by rails rescued from the old Transperience attraction in Bradford.
As well as the commemoration of the opening of the woodland extension, the London Event also saw many of the resident London trolleybuses in action alongside London buses (both resident and visiting) and taxis. London HR/2 tram 1858 was also in use and there were local bus services too.
Blackpool 159 all dressed up to commemorate the 40th anniversary. It stands at Chapel Road terminus.
159 is joined by 1858 and a plethora of other London Transport vehicles.
In this view we 1858 and fellow former London Transport vehicle, trolleybus no. 260. (All Photographs by Tim Major, 10th July 2022)
Wonderful sight.
Was there on the 9th. It was a fantastic event with all the trolleys but especially tram 1858 doing sterling service. ?