In one of our recent updates from Beamish we featured a photo showing how the tram depot was off limits to allow some work to take place. This is all part of the general upgrade of the depot facilities to make it not only a more pleasant working environment but also to make it safer for the maintenance team when working on the trams.
This has included the installation of new gantries to allow work to easily be undertaken on the roofs of the trams in the depot. Work will now be able to take place safely on inspecting the trolley poles, trolley base, roof equipment and other elements of the roofs and top decks of the tram fleet.
Further work should follow in the depot, although this will be subject to sufficient funding being available.
The new gantry seen in situ. Newcastle 114, Gateshead 10 and Oporto 196 all present in the depot with Sunderland 16, Blackpool 31 and Sheffield 264 out in service.
A view from the other side with Newcastle 114 closest to us. (Both Photographs by Trevor Hall, 23rd April 2025)