As we’ve reported regularly on these pages, there have been no trams running at Beamish since early January to allow for major trackwork to take place. The bulk of the work has been undertaken by external contractors on the curve leading to and from the 1900s town (at the east end by the 1950s town) and the pleasing news to report now is that this is starting to come towards the end. In this article we also take a look at some of the trams stabled around the depot and depot yard. Trevor Hall provides the photos.
Excellent progress has continued to be made on the track relaying and by mid-March the rails has been curved, bolted to the concrete base and the fishplates secured. Bonding (which creates electrical continuity) was well underway in the last Beamish Transport blog update which was due to immediately precede the start of testing. Testing was due to take place during the week of 17th March before the final road surface would be put down (due at the end of March). All being well this should enable trams to start running again by Easter as planned.
This view – looking away from the 1900s town – shows the newly installed track in place and now just awaiting the final road surface to be laid. Barriers in the distance restrict access with the bus having to be diverted through the 1950s town instead at the moment.
At the depot and the temporary arrangements there which were introduced whilst works took place on road 1 are still in place. Under the tarpaulin is Oporto coal car 65 which has been stored outside for over a year now and then alongside that is one of the prides of the fleet, Sunderland 16. Then on the right we have the most recent tram to arrive at Beamish – Lisbon 730. This tram arrived in January 2024 and is a permanent member of the tram fleet having been transferred from Birkenhead, it requires additional work to bring it into service and this isn’t expected to be completed before 2026.
The temporary tram moves have led to Gateshead 52 being moved into the main depot and for the first time in a long-time its been possible to see the tram in more detail. 52 suffered fire damage when it was part of the TMS’ collection at the Clay Cross store and this is evident in this photo of the remains as it waits for its chance to be restored back into service. Sheffield 264 is behind and Teesside trolleybus 11 can just be seen next to 264 and through 52. (All Photographs by Trevor Hall, 23rd March 2025)