As was revealed on the Beamish Transport and Industry Blog in their first update of 2026, a significant investment is again going into the tramway infrastructure at the museum over the quieter winter period (the museum is only open Friday-Sunday up until the February school half-term holidays). This includes some work alongside the bus garage and that has led to a temporary change in the tram service with the complete circuit not running as trams instead run on a horseshoe. Trevor Hall with these photos.
The work on the tracks started during early January and is in connection with providing more hard standing in the vicinity to allow buses heading to and from the colliery a better turning circle (and avoiding them having to mount the pavement to do so). This will see a length of track now being paved instead of being paved.
To allow these works to take place the tramway is closed between Foulbridge/Home Farm/Colliery and the 1900s Town as the service currently forms a horseshoe instead of a nice circle. This necessitates trams to turn at both ends.
Sunderland 16 has arrived at Foulbridge and now gets ready for its return to the Entrance, Pockerley and the 1900s Town. The trolley is being turned in this shot.
Oporto 196 has already had its trolley turned and now gets ready for the return journey at Foulbridge. Passengers board on the opposite side than they usually would for an anti-clockwise trip on the tramway.
And this is the reason why that special arrangement is in place. The ongoing trackworks alongside the bus garage. But what’s that we see in the tram depot in the background?
Its Lisbon 730 where work is underway on its repaint which will see it carry Newcastle Corporation colours. The initial coat of maroon has been applied with the yellow (of Lisbon but to be retained as part of its new look) is also seeing attention. Behind 730 is Gateshead 10 and then alongside that is Sheffield 264. (All Photographs by Trevor Hall. 17th January 2025)