Amongst the major projects being undertaken in Crich’s Workshops which are approaching a conclusion is the Tramcar Sponsorship Organisation (TSO) funded overhaul of Newcastle 102. Having last run in 2000 the return of the large open topper to the operational fleet is much anticipated and with the TSO having a meeting at the museum on Saturday 6th July the chance was taken to get the tram out and allow passengers on board as we feature in this small pictorial article.
Newcastle 102 first ran at Crich in 1975 and would remain part of the operational fleet on and off for a quarter of a century (which included a visit back to the northeast for the Gateshead Garden Festival in 1990). But this came to an end in 2000 when it suffered a broken axle and the tram was withdrawn and joined the queue of trams which needed workshop attention before running again.
Salvation was to come in the form of the TSO who agreed to fund its overhaul and with the money in place, 102 would enter the Workshop on 30th June 2018. Whilst the pandemic got in the way, good progress was made on the restoration and testing commenced in 2021. Then in the October of 2021 it was officially launched by Tramway Museum Society patron HRH Duke of Gloucester. However, the tram was not ready at this stage for full testing and commissioning and this work has continued (including the addition of mesh on the upper deck for safety reasons) over the past few years but it is hoped that at some point in 2024 the tram will return to service.
With the TSO holding their meeting at the museum on Saturday 6th July their members were given the chance to have a ride on 102 ahead of its formal launch into passenger service.
- The TSO are always looking for more members to help support more exciting projects such as this. You can find out more details from this leaflet available to download from the Crich Tramway Village website: https://www.tramway.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/TSO-leaflet.pdf
102 stands at Town End with “RESERVED” on the blinds. The mesh added to the top deck can be seen here.
Another look at 102 after its made its way to Glory Mine with the trolley being turned.
102 is back at Stephenson Place here having run to Glory Mine and back.
Glasgow 22 was in normal service on this day as well. We see it passing Victoria Park.
Chesterfield 7 was out on driver training. We see it here as it approaches Victoria Park on the way back down to Town End. (All Photographs by Keith Chadbourne, 6th July 2024)
Absolutely fantastic!