As most people will be aware, many of the restoration projects at Crich rely on external funding with the Tramcar Sponsorship Organisation (TSO) being a major supporter which has meant that many trams have managed to return to the rails. They are currently funding the major restoration of Blackpool 298 and have now agreed that they will help bring Johannesburg 60 back to the rails.
Johannesburg 60 was built in 1906 by the United Electric Car Company in Preston, Lancashire and was exported to the South African city where final assembly was completed. The tramway was built and managed by a British company which helps to explain why British built trams were ordered and as a result if you were unaware where it ran you would just think that the tram was a tram which could have run in any number of UK trams or cities, until you start to look closer at some of notices which are in both English and Afrikaans.
The tram is in its later condition as an open balcony, open platform double decker tram and is finished in the Johannesburg Municipal Tramways livery of red and cream (introduced in 1936). It was withdrawn in 1960 and was acquired by the TSO for preservation at Crich. It arrived in Derbyshire on 18th December 1964 and would originally enter service in 1966.
After 10 years it received a restoration in 1976 and would remain part of the operational fleet until 2012 when it was withdrawn requiring another overhaul – and that is now set to take place thanks to the TSO!
The TSO membership agreed at their recent half year meeting that they will be contributing to the return of service of the tram, with funding being made available for work to the trucks, controllers and seating. It is hoped that, subject to workshop resources, 60 may return to service towards the end of 2026.
- You can help to support the TSO in this and future restorations by becoming a member. This will also help you have a say in which trams could be subject to funding. For more information on how to join please email tsotrams@gmail.com.
Scenes like this (without a working quarry in the background!) look set to return to Crich in the future with the news that the TSO are helping to fund the return to service of Johannesburg 60. (Photograph courtesy of the Tramcar Sponsorship Organisation)