Another edition of “Picture in Time” goes to Crich on a 1979 Bank Holiday Monday.
Taken on Bank Holiday Monday, 27th August 1979, this photo shows one of the Sheffield tramcars in the national collection – 189. Built in 1934, 189 was one of 210 “Standard” cars constructed by Sheffield Corporation in their own workshops and it would remain part of the operating fleet in the steel city until 1958 when it was taken out of service. At that time it was donated to some early Tramway Museum Society members but stayed stored in Sheffield which meant that come 1960 and the closure of the Sheffield system it was able to take part in the closing procession. Having moved to Crich, 189 did run at times from 1969 but it hasn’t operated since 1980 and is stored in the depots on static display.
Photograph by Bob Hodges, 27th August 1979
Whilst the car is probably complete from its earlier preservation condition, it would be good to know not only for this but other stock if they are suitable for future use and what might be needed so that some revenue can be gained.
Obviously not everything in the preservation world is perfect to the last item, everyday condition says rubbish, scratches, and other (non safety) defects.
Preservation of a 87 yr old Blackpool tram as a service vehicle says it has a story to tell.