As we reported earlier this month, trams are now running again at Beamish following the conclusion of the trackworks in the 1900s Town (alongside other infrastructure works on the overhead). Wednesday 2nd April was the first day back for the trams and they have been running every day since – Beamish is now back to daily opening until the end of October 2025 – with four different tramcars having operated so far this year. In this pictorial article we take a look at the trams in action over a couple of days in early April. Trevor Hall paid a visit.
On Sunday 6th April with four trams out of the shed and in service there was the chance to get an almost unblocked view of Gateshead 10, the overhaul of which continues. As seen here it is still waiting its overhauled trucks with it raised from the ground. Much of the paintwork has been completed although a further visit is needed for final signwriting.
With depot works completed Lisbon 730 and Gateshead 52 are back on road 1 (behind the closed doors here) and Oporto coal car 65 is back alone on the fan under tarpaulins.
Oporto 196 – which is due an overhaul in the future – was in service as part of a four car service on 6th April and is seen here running clockwise (as all trams were on this day) passing the side of bus depot.
Another of the trams in service on 6th April was Sunderland 16 and that too is seen passing the bus depot on the way between Foulbridge/Home Farm to the 1900s Town.
With early April seeing fine weather, Blackpool 31 has been a popular tram and is seen here in action on 8th April at the Foulbridge/Home Farm stop.
The fourth tram to have been used so far is Sheffield 264. On 8th April the tram service was running the more traditional clockwise and anti clockwise direction with 264 doing the anti circuit. Here it is at Foulbridge again.
Work was also taking place at the tram depot meaning that it was cordoned off. Newcastle 114 can just be seen behind Oporto 65. The bus is Sunderland 139, a 1955 built Guy Arab III which is part of the North East Bus Preservation Trust collection. (All Photographs by Trevor Hall)