Whilst 2025 may not have been a classic year for the trams at Beamish when you consider what is out and about in service that doesn’t mean its been a quiet year in the workshops with work continuing on preparing more trams for service. Currently there are just three trams available for service (Sunderland 16, Oporto 196 and Sheffield 264) with Blackpool 31 and Newcastle 114 out of service whilst the long-term work continues on Gateshead 10 and investigations continue to get Lisbon 730 into use for the first time since it became a permanent part of the Beamish tram fleet.
Blackpool 31 is a popular tram when it is operational but unfortunately it was declared a failure during the summer with damage discovered on one of the truck bolster side plates. This has necessitated the removal of the broken plate (which was possible without lifting the tram) and a replacement is now being manufactured. This will then be refitted to then allow the tram to be returned to service in due course.
Whilst 31’s absence from the operating fleet was unexpected, Newcastle 114 has spent much of 2025 out of use as part of a planned maintenance programme. It is enjoying a controller overhaul and the chance is also being taken to give its paintwork a touch-up. A signwriter has been at the museum to continue with the intricate lining of the Newcastle livery. The final work on the paintwork will be completed next spring ahead of the tram returning to service.
The big tram job at the moment remains Gateshead 10, which is undergoing a major and long-term overhaul. Work on the mechanical aspects of the tram – including on the bogies – have been continuing whilst further attention has been taking place on the advert frames within the side window apertures.
Finally, and investigation work on Lisbon 730 continues with a view to the tram being returned to service at some point in the future. The next step for this to take place will see the removal of a motor to allow investigations to take place on the meshing which looks to be too deep and has caused some damage. The work on 730 is being completed by the Beamish Tramway Group.