The Crich Tramway Village may currently be closed to the public with trams not due to run again until Saturday 11th March 2023 but the workshops are still a hive of activity. In preparation already for next season a number of trams have seen attention in the workshops with a view to being returned to service at some point during 2023. In this pictorial update we see some of those trams enjoying some attention.
Amongst projects which have been progressed over the past few weeks has been London County Council 106 which missed the entire 2022 season after a shunting accident early in the season. With a view to getting this popular open topper back in service ahead of next summer it was lifted for assessment and this resulted in no more damage being discovered. 106 is now back in the depot waiting for commissioning ahead of next season.
Blackpool 40 is now back on its trucks as its overhaul continues at a pace with the tram now moved to road 3 in the workshop. Its place on the pit has been taken by Newcastle 102 which has been suffering from a hot axle box and this now needs to be investigated before it can continue its road to a return to service after its Tramcar Sponsorship Organisation funded overhaul.
Meanwhile, the new underframe for Blackpool 298 has been moved to road 1 ready for its air pipework to be installed. Steam tram engine John Bull has also been through the workshops for some attention to its paintwork – it will be back in the Great Exhibition Hall for the 2023 season.
On 19th November, steam tram loco ‘John Bull’ is unusually seen on the depot fan where it was given a heavy clean following its recent return from Wales. It has since spent time in the workshop for some attention to its paintwork.
The stunning LCC 1 is seen in the workshop on Saturday 3rd December, with Blackpool 40 in the background.
Sheffield 74 had to be moved outside on 3rd December to release Newcastle 102 from the back of the depot as part of a shunting operation. Here we see 74 in the depot yard as 102 is moved through the depot gates.
GMJ pushes Newcastle 102 towards the workshop for attention to investigate a hot axle box.
Another peek inside the workshop on 3rd December with 102 now in situ alongside LCC 1. (Photographs x5 by Peter Whiteley)
Also on 3rd December and Blackpool 40 was being shunted around the depot fan, just a few days after it had been reunited with its trucks.
Another view of 40 being shunted by Croydon Tramlink 058. (Photographs x2 by Dean Sharp)