Friday 5th May saw Newcastle 102 take a significant step towards returning to service after it was taken on its longest test run yet as part of the Tramcar Sponsorship Organisation funded overhaul. 102 ran the full length of the line on this test which took place on a Friday when the museum was closed to the general public.
The overhaul of 102 got underway on 30th June 2018 when the tram was transferred into the Workshop. Since then extensive work was undertaken on the tram, interrupted by a certain global pandemic!, particularly to its axle which had been the cause of its withdrawal at the turn of the century. Whilst the tram did undergo some limited testing last year this discovered a few tweaks were needed and now with more work having taken place it was deemed appropriate to take it out onto the main line again.
These tests are just the first stage of testing and commissioning the tram and its likely to be a while before it re-enters service with a launch date to be advised, but it is hoped that this will be later in 2023. The test run up to Glory Mine was the first time that 102 has been there since it suffered its axle fault back in April 2000 – and it hasn’t run in service since then!
Newcastle 102 is seen having its trolley turned at Wakebridge during test running on 5th May.
The sun shines on Newcastle 102 for its first trip to Glory Mine in over two decades! The car is seen at the reversing stub.
A face-on view of the immaculate 102 at Glory Mine.
One final view of 102’s big day out with the tram pictured at Town End terminus. (All Photographs by Peter Whiteley, 5th May 2023)