As we reported last month, Leeds 602 was extracted from Crich’s Great Exhibition Hall to allow it to play a role in the celebrations of the King’s Coronation. It has now been confirmed that the tram will be displayed on the Traverser in front of the depots for the rest of this week and up to Bank Holiday Monday.
Leeds 602 entered service on its home tramway on 1st June 1953 and with the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on the horizon it was painted in a special purple and white livery. We may not realise today just how a significant event this was considered at the time – the Coronation that is not the entry into service of 602, as exciting as that may have been! – and there was great civic pride in being able to celebrate it hence why 602 was chosen to receive this special and unique livery.
70 years later and 602 has retained this livery throughout its service and preservation life. As such its an appropriate tram to be used to help Crich celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation.
The tram has been displayed outside the depot this week and will be repeating this on Thursday 4th , Saturday 6th, Sunday 7th and Monday 8th May. It should be on display between 1100 and 1500 each day, weather permitting. There will also be opportunities for visitors to board the tram to have a look inside when volunteer guides are available.
Leeds 602 on the Traverser with information panels outside the tram to tell visitors all about it. (Photograph by Andy Martin, 2nd May 2023)