Things have been fairly static in Beamish’s tram depot for much of this year with Gateshead 10 in its position at the rear or road 2 undergoing its major overhaul whilst Lisbon 730 had been on road 1, with out of service Newcastle 114 on road 3. But during the middle of November there had been a little bit of a move round for a couple of trams.
Those moves obviously don’t include Gateshead 10 which is still raised off the tracks with its bogies undergoing overhaul, but the moves have actually meant that its been possible to get a better view of the tram when peering in from the outside.
But Lisbon 730 has been on the move with it having coming out of the side building (road 1) into the main depot – and is currently sitting on road 4. There is evidence that some work has been undertaken on the paintwork (its now planned that it when it returns to service it will retain its sunshine yellow Lisbon colours rather than immediately be painted into a local northeast livery) with a little bit of a touch-up following work on the body. Its planned to remove at least one of its motors for attention as well.
With 730 now in the main depot, Newcastle 114 has been moved onto road 1. This tram will see further attention over the winter with a hope that it will be back in service in 2026.
Currently the service is being maintained by Sunderland 16, Blackpool 31, Oporto 196 and Sheffield 264 ahead of the busy build up to Christmas.
A look at the back of road 2 where Gateshead 10 is looking stunning as its overhaul continues.
Lisbon 730 sitting on road 4 with sheeting whilst it undergoes a touch-up to its paintwork following body repairs. Sunderland 16 is behind it.
Blackpool 31 was being used for driver training on this date and is seen here in front of the depot having a rest between trips around the tramway. The sign behind the front entrance tells visitors that the tram is “NOT IN SERVICE DRIVER UNDER INSTRUCTION”. (All Photographs by Trevor Hall, 23rd November 2025)