If all goes according to plan, Crich Tramway Village could be the proud owners of a fully functional new Access Tram by March 2026 with the project to convert Blackpool Centenary 645 moving up a gear as a Crowdfunder is launched to help fund the work.
1987 built 645 has been resident at Crich for two years now having arrived on site in July 2023. It was acquired with the specific objective of converting it to become a new Access Tram and over the past couple of years investigations have taken place and a plan has been formulated to complete the work. It is now hoped that it will be possible to complete all the work to allow it to be launched in March 2026, although as always that is subject to various factors, with funding still required to complete it.
£150,000 is needed to convert 645. This includes a full overhaul of the tram – which hasn’t run since 2011 and has spent some time stored outside in this time – as well as the installation of a wheelchair lift and associated equipment.
Some panelling has already been removed to allow for an assessment of the bodywork and underframe. The 24 volt system is also been checked. As part of the work a wheelchair lift will be installed in the centre northeast platform, with a trial “cassette” having been temporarily fitted to check suitability. It is planned that a removable step will be fitted over the lift when not needed.
Crich used to have Berlin 223 006-4 in use as an Access Tram which gave a major benefit to the museum as visitors in wheelchairs were able to easily have a tram ride. However, the tram has been out of action since 2022 and needs a full overhaul which is likely to cost more than converting 645. The Blackpool car also has the added benefit of having a larger capacity and will be able to be used by all visitors to the museum.
It is also planned that 645 will be able to allow a wheelchair user to drive it – a first for the UK. This will add another advantage to the conversion of the tram.
- To help fund the work on the tram you can donate through a Crowdfunder which can be found at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/access-tram
Blackpool 645 is seen having just arrived in the workshop on 28th July, ready for the removal of its bogies. Brush car 298 looks on, with its splendid new cab framework clearly visible.
The accommodation bogies – painted in a very bright yellow! – are shunted into position ready to go under 645. These are made up of one truck from 298, whilst the other is from scrapped Brush car 637. The other trucks of each respective pair (i.e. one each from 298 and 637) are destined to be used under 298, these being in the best condition.
645’s trucks are rolled out from beneath the Centenary car.
Another look at 645’s trucks, this time out on the depot fan being shunted ready to be stripped for overhaul.
On 31st July, recent arrival Wallasey 78 emerged from the depot and was transferred to the workshop for a condition assessment. The tram is seen on the traverser whilst Leeds duo 180 and 345 are posed on the depot fan. (All Photographs by Peter Whiteley)
I remember saying years ago. Crich should have taken the Centaury tram when they were originally offered.
Nice to have a nearly full set of Blackpool trams at Crich
My only comment would be I wish they had been able to get a better looking one! Or could have restored the front as it looks awful and cannot carry fleet livery if they are going for authenticity.
Other than that its great to see something positive in the tramway preservation world.
It can always be restored, if someone wants to fund the front end change etc. overall, it’s great to see the access tram project gaining traction and for me it would be good to see the “advert era” further represented in the museum, like the Jubilee that carrys the Nickelodeon advert still.
It’s not really a restoration scheme, it’s a simply a practical way to provide an accessible tram. I assume 645 was the only example available to the museum.
Exactly! Considering the way things have been going at Blackpool lately I think they could have released 642, or possibly even 648, to Crich for this project which would have looked a lot more pleasing to many of us – however, they didn’t, so Crich took what they could get. Restoring the ends to original style would clearly push up the costs and mean that the museum would have to wait even longer for an Access Tram to be available to run.
Obviously its great that Crich will have a wheelchair accessible tram for visitors to ride on again, and 645 will be more useful as a general service car than Berlin 3006 as well. I do think its a shame that disabled visitors still won’t be able to ride on a more traditional British tram, however, but overall the project is a positive one. Who knows, maybe one day another Access Tram will join the operating fleet that will enable everyone to enjoy a more old-fashioned tram ride as a contrast to 645, but chances are that would involve a costly major restoration, and lots of arguing about whether historic vehicles should be modified for wheelchair access!
I’ve seen the comments here, and elsewhere, about it being the ‘wrong’ Centenary car and also unable to carry fleet livery. It is being modified as an access tram; how authentic is that? Many, many preserved trams are far from’ authentic! The important thing is that they are preserved and, in this instance, fulfil a much needed role. Personally, if some commercial organisation would fund the full retoration, I would be happy to see this car in an unauthentic promotional livery. (Jet2, for instance? That would be partially authentic).
BigG regards authenticity, the Berlin car retained its authentic appearance when converted.
There are a couple of issues with advert Trams in preservation.
– People often don’t want to travel on them (it depends on the advert as Nickelodeon is popular with families/children)
– The original sponsors don’t always want their adverts reappearing if expired and there are rights issues. Whilst old adverts for expired companies etc on the upper deck panels aren’t an issue, all over adverts people assume to be current.
– It would look ridiculous and out of place. 762 looks ridiculous in the street scene.
– 645 didn’t carry any distinctive or particularly popular adverts in its time.
Regards sponsoring a restoration to original end a few people asked and were told no, Crich wouldn’t consider it despite there being a mould they could borrow (the one used for 642 a few years ago).
Personally I’d like to see it in 90s livery. Unless the lift company wanted to sponsor it.
I suspect the reason for no restoration to origjnal condition now is due to the time constraints and the need for an access tram. However, once 645 is operational, attention can turn to getting the other access tram done. This may the allow a future full restoration if someone wanted to pay for it. Either way, getting an accessible tram back running to enable those who can’t climb stairs to ride again is nothing but a good thing, no matter what colour adorns the outside of it.
Bearing in mind 762 is the only one to run – how do you know “people often don’t want to travel on them”
Indeed, 762 is the only advert tram and as stated is hugely popular. I suspect it’s not popular with enthusiast purists, but a pleasing advert will be more than good enough for the general public.
645 is certainly going to be a popular tram once restored and will be a huge asset to the museum. I for one can’t wait to see lots of less able passengers being able to enjoy a ride in the tramway once again, no matter what colour the outside is painted.
Positive news indeed, look forward to seeing the finished result. The livery is certainly a challenge to decide on however…
643 I think received some variation of green & Cream (after withdrawal) which looked very smart I thought, but whether the same would work on 645 I’m not sure…
Out of interest, and not that I want to divert from the main topic, but does anybody know what became of sister car 643?