Ahead of the hugely anticipated ‘Electric 50’ event at the Crich Tramway Village, comes some less welcome news from the home of the National Tramway Museum, with the announcement that Southampton 45 is due to be withdrawn from service immediately after the event. This is not a total shock as the tram had been sidelined during 2013, only to return to use for the 50th anniversary of electric tram operation at the museum earlier this year.
Although 45 is known to be in a generally poor condition, it was used frequently following its welcome reactivation in April, although its use has lessened considerably in recent months. The car is expected to operate on both days of the ‘Electric 50’ event next week, after which it will be retired – meaning that Sunday 14th September is likely to be its last day of service for the foreseeable future. On this day, 45 is scheduled to be in service during the morning until about 1300, and will then feature in the afternoon cavalcade before returning to the depot early in the afternoon. It remains to be seen when, or if, the work required to return this popular tram to full time service will be undertaken, but anyone with a particular fondness for the car is encouraged to ride on it next weekend – just in case!
Southampton 45 may not be the only tram to be removed from the ranks of the operating fleet after this event as Blackpool & Fleetwood 2 was also temporarily recommissioned for this year’s celebrations and is expected to be withdrawn at the end of the year, presumably until it can be accommodated in the workshop programme as it requires a bogie overhaul and attention to worn tyres. It is also rumoured that Glasgow 812 could be on the hit list, as the tram is looking rather tired and has gone for quite some time without any major attention. Despite this potentially negative slant, the museum will still have a very impressive operational fleet, and although 45 will be missed, at least the advance warning of its imminent demise means that its fans will have the chance to enjoy it on its last day out, a move which is very much appreciated.
A shame but entirely understandable. Nice to have had so many opportunities to ride it this summer and no doubt this weekend will have be a good send-off.
On the brightside, at least LCC 106 will provide a suitable replacement for next year.
I can see 812 being sidelined. Could 22 also be possibly sidelined? I’m not sure when it’s last overhaul was.
Glasgow 22’s last overhaul was around 2003 so it is well overdue for its ‘8 year lift’, although my non-expert opinion would be that it is in a better general condition than 812 is.