We start a new photographic series today with a new theme: “Side by Side”. The concept of this theme is simple, it will feature photos of trams side-by-side (yes we are struggling for new themes, but you try coming up with new ideas after 23 years!) whether that be a posed photo opportunity or just in normal service. The selections will be pretty random as we will go between locations and also from heritage to modern and back. We start off at the Crich Tramway Village.
And this is one of those “posed photo opportunities” as we see two Works vehicles on the depot fan. This would have been an Enthusiasts Event in 2009 and this was the first year of operation for 131 after its restoration had been completed. It is a very special tram in the history of the Crich site as it was the very first tramcar to arrive in May 1959 and that is why the chance was taken to restore it for the 50th anniversary of the site in 2009. It remains an integral part of the operational fleet in 2025. Alongside 131 is Sheffield 330, a converted passenger tram which once ran in Bradford (1919-1942) before heading to South Yorkshire and then from 1951 became a works car. It has been operational at times at Crich but hasn’t been used since 2014. (Photograph by Gareth Prior, 5th July 2009)