At least 17 passenger trams and four works cars are set to be commissioned for service at the Crich Tramway Village this year. This will include three trams planned to return to service having not been used in 2022 – and subject to testing more trams may return to service later in the year.
With all the usual caveats to be considered, the planned passenger trams due to be commissioned are:
Glasgow 22
Blackpool Standard 40 (last used 2021)
Sheffield 74
London County Council 106 (last used 2021)
London United Tramways 159
Blackpool 166 (last used 2019)
Blackpool 167
Leeds 180
Blackpool 236
Oporto 273
Metropolitan Electric Tramways 331
Leeds 399
Sheffield 510
Blackpool 630
Liverpool 869
London Transport 1622
Berlin 223 006-4
In addition, the following Works Cars are being prepared for use:
Croydon Tramlink 058
Cardiff 131
Blackpool loco
GMJ
Of those trams which ran in 2022, Chesterfield 7 (announced ahead of Tram Day last year as being withdrawn at the end of the season), Blackpool & Fleetwood 40 and Leeds 345 (which was withdrawn during the season after suffering damage) are not on the list of trams which will be commissioned. But there are set to be three additional trams with Blackpool 40’s overhaul completed and two extra open cars, London County Council 106 and Blackpool 166, ready for a return to action as well.
As well as those listed above there may be some surprises, as long as testing is successful.
The Crich Tramway Village reopens to the public on Saturday 11th March. Opening dates for 2023 are:
- Saturday 11th March to Thursday 13th July – Saturdays to Thursdays (closed Fridays, except Bank Holidays and School Holidays)
- Friday 14th July to Sunday 3rd September – Daily
- Monday 4th September to Sunday 5th November – Saturdays to Thursdays (closed Fridays, except Friday 3rd November)
Thanks to Graeme Wigglesworth, Engineering Manager, Crich Tramway Village for the above information
Hopefully Box 40 will be added to the fleet as an extra car at some point, especially with this year marking the 125th anniversary of the Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramroad – also presumably Newcastle 102 (and maybe LCC 1?) will join in later in the year all being well. No doubt any news on these will follow in due course.
That said, even if “only” the 17 trams listed in the article run in 2023, that is still a fantastic and varied selection. The planned availability of four open cars (five if 102 is added) is particularly welcome; lets hope for some good weather so they can be used and enjoyed!
Box 40 sidelined again – what a surprise. Should have left it in Blackpool.
I disgaree completely. Looking at the state of trams like 717, Blackpool is clearly no place for such a valuable historic tram as 40 and staying there could affect its long-term preservation. I certainly hope it is commissioned again soon though, but its important to accept that sometimes it is better for trams in the long run to be in a safe and suitable environment, even if that might mean we don’t get to ride on them.
Because the Blackpool fleet has such a good record at the moment……
I agree. However I also agree that Blackpool’s heritage fleet seems to be quite neglected these days. But that’s another story!
As for Crich, please don’t think that tucking a vehicle away in their depots means it’s safe. Many years ago they tried this with LCC 1. The tram was deemed to be pretty much in “as withdrawn” condition, so they decided to stuff and mount it as a kind of time capsule (same as they’ve since done with Leeds 602). However anyone who knows anything about vehicles will tell you that inactivity is the worst enemy. Parts seize up and corrode, particularly in the harsh, damp Derbyshire climate. In the end LCC 1 had to be restored because it’s metal body was literally turning to powder where it stood and wouldn’t have maintained it’s structural integrity for much longer.
Also when vehicles are not earning their keep they are also at risk. Look how many of Blackpool’s fleet have now been sidelined, with no plans (as far as I know) to return any of them to service. The best way to keep any heritage vehicle in top condition is to keep using it, keep it earning and keep it maintained. The Great Orme Tramway, Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell and often forgottem Muni electric trams in San Francisco are all good examples of complete fleets of heritage vehicles still going strong.
If you think returning vehicles to the care of Crich is such a good idea maybe you should ask Gareth to publish a recent photo of Blackpool Dreadnought 59 or OMO 5
What about Newcastle 102 where is it?
Likely to be under the surprises if testing is succesful category.
Nobody can dispute its a quality operational fleet with some exciting additions in 2023 and beyond. Top marks for sharing the planned operational pool in advance of season starting. They have been criticised in past for secrecy so only right credited for openess. Hopefully Box Car 40 can emerge at some point in the centenary year but main thing is it is now in secure accomodation where it can receive some much needed TLC.
What’s happening to Newcastle and bluebird trams, are they not going to run this year?
Both are likely to come under the “surprises” if testing goes OK category. It seems sensible not to over promise in case there are any issues discovered in testing.
What damage did Leeds 345 suffer, when and under what circumstances?
I hadn’t realised 166 has been absent for so long! Hopefully 40 will make an appearance later – it was August last year before we saw it!