On Sunday 4th July, one of the more imaginative events of the year so far took place at Crich Tramway Village. The Emergency Vehicles Day is a well established and popular part of the yearly events calendar at Crich, but for 2013 this featured an extra attraction in the form of a tram which rarely escapes from the confines of the museum’s depots: New York 674. The tram was chosen to appear out of doors as part of an American vehicle line-up in the depot yard; a new innovation for this year.
The day began with some re-organising of the non operational trams in the fleet, with Blackpool ‘Standard’ 49 being returned to its old space in the main running sheds just eight days after being moved to the less accessible Depot V! Its place in Depot V was then taken by Blackpool & Fleetwood ‘Rack’ 2 which is of course presently out of service. It was then New York 674‘s turn to come out to play, and after being pulled out of Depot VI, the car was carefully positioned on the traverser where it spent most of the day.
674‘s inclusion in the event was to create an American-themed photo opportunity, with a New York Police car displayed alongside the tram. Unfortunately, the American fire engine which had been booked to attend did not appear after becoming defective, but this was a minor blot on what was otherwise a very good event. Allowing visitors to board the New York tramcar and view its interior was also very much appreciated, and it is hoped that the advance publicity regarding its appearance generated some extra visitors on this day. Initial feedback indicates that this was one of the more successful events held by the museum so far this year, no doubt boosted by the organiser’s aim to ensure that the event changes slightly each year, and hopefully the inclusion of an unusual tram in what is an event aimed at the general public rather than tram enthusiasts, will have been well received and appreciated.
Our thanks go to Sean Crowshaw for supplying the information and photographs contained in this report.
A morning depot fan scene at Crich with a difference, as Blackpool 40 and New York 674 are prepared for their respective roles in the day's events.
A sunny shot of New York tram and police car posed together on Sunday 4th August.
A rare look inside the interior of New York 674 during its outdoor appearance for the Emergency Vehicles Day at Crich.
A closer look at the driver's controls on 674, with various trams in the depot visible through the windscreen. (All photos by Sean Crowshaw)