Back on 31st May there was a surprise arrival at Crich as Derby 1 was delivered from the Clay Cross store. At the time it was said that it was back for conservation work ahead of an exciting project and with the tram now having left it has been announced exactly what that is. The tram has returned back home to the city of Derby where it is to be displayed at “Great Northern Classics” which is in a building which was once a tram trolleybus.
Derby 1 – which has never operated at Crich and sits on a standard gauge truck, the Derby system ran on 4ft gauge – left for its home city on Sunday 20th August. Whereas a lot of tram moves to and from the home of the National Tramway Museum have taken place at quiet times this one was on a busy event day with the Model Tram Exhibition in full swing when it was loaded and departed Crich for the second time in just over two years.
However, whereas last time it left it was for storage at Clay Cross where it wouldn’t be able to be seen by the public this time its different as it is to be displayed at “Great Northern Classics”. This is Derby’s new centre for classic motor vehicle restoration which is located at the former Victorian Ironworks foundry on Osmaston Road. Derby 1 will be placed on display and will be able to viewed by the public from a mezzanine viewing area and café. “Great Northern Classics” is open to the public just yet but it is expected to be opened from November this year.
“Great Northern Classics” is described as an ambitious project which is repurposing the building to house new commercial units, workshops and showrooms for classic motor vehicles, alongside running an Apprenticeship programme for engineering skills. When it opens to the public later this year it won’t be possible to get on the same level as the tram but it will be viewable from above.
Speaking about the loan, Dr Mike Galer, General Manager of Crich Tramway Village, said: “I am thrilled that after many months of work and negotiation, Derby 1 is returning to its once home and that doesn’t happen very often. It will be able to be enjoyed by a brand-new audience who can appreciate Derby 1 in its original setting. We would like to thank Arts Council England and Museum Development East Midlands for the support for the Derby 1 tram loan project.”
Not only was the building once a Victorian Ironworks it also used to be a depot for Derby’s trams and then trolleybuses so this is a homecoming for Derby 1. The tram depot was built in 1904 and continued to house trams until June 1934.
The founders of “Great Northern Classics” are keen to maintain the link with Derby’s transport heritage which is why the deal for the loan of the tram has been concluded.
Abigail Whitt, Sales & Marketing Lead at Great Northern Classics, said: “We’re super excited for the tram to return to its original home, that will sit among a wonderful collection of vehicles in our storage facility. The tram will be on display overlooked by our mezzanine and café for all of Derby to see. We’re really proud to have such an important piece of Derby’s transport history here at Great Northern Classics.”
- Details of Great Northern Classics can be found on their website at https://www.greatnorthernclassics.co.uk/
Derby 1 makes one more move on Crich tracks as its shunted on the depot fan ahead of loading.
The tram on the back of the low loader as it gets ready to depart for its relatively short journey to Derby. (Both Photographs by John Huddlestone courtesy of Crich Tramway Village, 20th August 2023)
“Great Northern Classics” is an odd name to give something in Derby, the home of the Midland Railway (the Great Northern Railway’s chief enemy).