Now that the major restoration of London County Council 1 is at an end with the tram having launched into service in September 2024, the big focus in the Workshop at the Crich Tramway Village is on Blackpool Brush Railcoach 298. In this article we take a look at some recent photos of the tram as well as seeing another recent product of the Workshop in action – Newcastle 102.
Since 298 returned to Crich in 2021, with it soon being followed by its newly constructed underframe, the restoration of the tram has commenced with the familiar shape of the streamlined product of Brush of Loughborough having becoming more apparent over the past year. Recently further work has taken place with the trial fitting of its bulkheads. These are the original woodwork which has been treated and cleaned – now looking almost like new!
Talking about the Workshop, a tram which recently enjoyed attention to return it to service was Newcastle 102 and that has seen regular use in service over recent weeks. The relatively mild weather being enjoyed into October has seen it as a natural choice on the two or three tram service in operation.
Ahead of the winter – Crich closes on Sunday 3rd November for the season, although will also be open the following weekend for the special A Journey Through Time and Light event – there have also been some tram moves with an additional three trams moved into the Great Exhibition Hall. These were Johannesburg 60, London United Tramways 159 and Glasgow 1282 – all currently non-runners in the fleet.
The bulkhead trial fitted is seen here on 298. Just beyond we can see London County Council 1 which returned to service in September.
The south end bulkhead was also been trial fitted.
A view from outside through the cab framework showing the bulkhead in place.
Newcastle 102 in service as passengers disembark at Stephenson Place with darkness starting to take over.
The saloon lights blaze into the oncoming gloom of dusk as 102 waits. (All Photographs by Peter Whiteley. 27th October 2024)
298 coming along nicely
You will see that the tram has “new bones” but the flesh (the bits you see) will be original. This is essential to give the tram a long operational life.
The money from this work has been raised by the Blackpool Railcoach Fund (aprox 2/3rd of the cost) and the Tramcar Sponsorship Organisation (TSO) (aprox 1/3rd).
If you want more trams restored please join the TSO, info at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079972492608