In days gone by most tram systems across the system had their own fleet of works vehicles which could perform a variety of tasks, often whilst most people slept no idea what maintenance work was taking place. The modern tramway is much different than that and it is usually the case that specialist equipment has to be hired in to complete tasks. And recently the Blackpool Tramway has done just that with a railgrinder on hire.
A Vossloh HSG-city grinder was hired in early September to undertake the grinding. This vehicle was hauled by Unimog 939 along the tramway in order to complete the required work with it being based outside Starr Gate Depot and some of the grinding work taking place in Fleetwood Town Centre.
- Video of the Railgrinder in action from Steven Hughes available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/uR7_Oo-1tUw
939 gets ready to haul the Railgrinder north.
The pair have just passed Central Pier as they make their way up to Fleetwood.
In Fleetwood at London Street with 939 and the Railgrinder going about their business.
Another view of them in Fleetwood. This time looking directly at the Vossloh vehicle.
A daylight image of the Railgrinder in the stub line outside Starr Gate Depot. (All Photographs by Steven Hughes, 5th/6th September 2024)
This has been preformed by 717 instead of unimog, in the last couple of days too.
Got some pics and video of it doing so, if of interest to the editors.
Cheers.