Not previously noted on these pages is that currently no trams are running between Wakebridge and Glory Mine at the Crich Tramway Village because of infrastructure issues. The current problem relates to the overhead and has been ongoing since July, albeit with a short one day period when it was possible for trams to go through to Glory Mine.
The exact issue with the overhead has not been publicly revealed but announcements made on the Crich Tramway Village social media accounts have confirmed that trams are unable to run beyond Wakebridge at the moment. Trams were announced as running through to Glory Mine again on 4th August but by 6th August the decision had been made to turn short at Wakebridge again. There is no news on when things will be back to normal.
The revised operating arrangements currently at Crich mean that trams run from Town End to Wakebridge as normal. The tram then pulls forward onto the single track leading to Glory Mine where the trolley is turned and seats reversed if appropriate. The tram then pulls forward to the stop to wait time out before returning to Town End. If passengers wish to alight they can then do so and wait for the next tram to do the same move.
At Wakebridge with two trams passing. Sheffield 510 on the left is ready to head back to the main museum site whilst Blackpool 630 is just arriving. (Photograph by Trevor Hall, 12th August 2023)
Went today (Saturday) and trams are running to Wakebridge again. They currently stop just after Glory mine to switch the trolley to the right hand wire, as they terminate on the right hand loop at Wakebridge. It would appear that the problem is on the headshunt, as there is a temporary stop board at the far end of the loop.
I think you have Glory Mine and Wakebridge mixed up. Wakebridge is at the bottom of the hill, Glory Mine at the top of the hill and is the end of the line.
So – Trams are running to Glory Mine again and using only the east side of the loop at Glory Mine due to an infrastructure defect. Trams have to change wire at the north end of Wakebridge.
Indeed Peter! As someone who’s been going there for over 50 years, I’m at a loss to explain my error.