STANDARD 143 RESTORATION PROGRESS
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 25th April 2010
Assembly of the upper deck of Blackpool Standard 143 has now started with Gilletts having now fitted the internal partitions whilst a team of volunteers have started to assemble the upper deck swingover seats. The tram now also has a pair of matching headlamps (donated by the National Tramway Museum) which will be refurbished for use on the tram although some discreet halogen headlamps will also be fitted (as requested by Blackpool Transport). The 2 x 12v batteries have now been fitted and wired up for the low voltage equipment whilst the bells and lower deck interior lighting have also been wired up. Photo of the latest progress can be found on the 143 blog, details below.
Source: Standard 143 Blog
MORE TRAM WORKS FOR PRINCES STREET
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 25th April 2010
Tram construction work on The Mound in Edinburgh city centre is to take place for five weeks from 1st May it has been announced, entailing the closure of the road for the duration – a move which will apparently caused more misery and chaos for the area.
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TRAMLINK SUFFERS 25 ACCIDENTS IN 2009
London Tramlink – Sunday 25th April 2010
A report in the Croydon Advertiser shows that in 2009 there were 25 accidents involving trams on the Tramlink network, with the information coming from TfL following a Freedom of Information request. Of these incidents there were no serious injuries although four people did suffer from minor injuries.
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BIRKENHEAD 20 RECEIVES MTPS 50TH ANNIVERSARY BANNERS
Wirral Tramway – Sunday 25th April 2010
Birkenhead 20 has been fitted with banners on each side to commemorate 50 years of the Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society. The banners have been printed by Elite Industrial Supplies of St Helens and will remain affixed to 20 for the rest of the year. Photos of the banners on 20 can be found at the link below.
Source: MTPS
METROLINK NEWS UPDATE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 25th April 2010
The latest M5000 LRV to enter service has been 3011 - noted in service for the first time back on 1st April. 1009 and 2006 have now been fitted with the Orange LED destination displays whilst 1010 and 1015 have been fitted with the newer smaller coupler guards (both of these LRVs previously had the larger versions as fitted on the Series 2 vehicles). Meanwhile, all stops on the Bury line now have operational new ticket machines.
Source: Gordon Ferguson
EDINBURGH TRAM CONSTRUCTION TO BE SHOWN IN EXHIBITION & BOOK
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 25th April 2010
It has been revealed that an exhibition and book are to be prepared showing the progress of the construction of the Edinburgh tram network, a move which has predictably received criticism from some quarters. Over the past few months staff have been busy taking photos and talking to the construction workers for the exhibition and book which will be entitled “The People Who Built the Trams”. The book will have a small print run and be kept in the city’s libraries with release due for this summer whilst discussions are currently underway for a location for the exhibition (which is not expected to take place until 2012, after the trams are running).
Source: The Scotsman
TRAM LINES DISCOVERED IN BLACKBURN
Blackburn – Sunday 25th April 2010
Tram lines have been discovered in Blackburn, causing delays to major drainage works. The track has been found under the road surface in Bolton Road, Blackburn and they are causing problems with state of the art sonar equipment which was due to be used to find pipes and electricity cables. The works are expected to be delayed for around three weeks.
Source: Bury Times
STAGECOACH SEEK TO CUT EMISSIONS
Manchester Metrolink/South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 25th April 2010
Stagecoach Group have announced that they are planning to cut emissions across their bus, train and tram divisions, including the Manchester Metrolink and South Yorkshire Supertram systems. A new sustainability drive was launched which aims to cut carbon output by 150,000 tonnes a year by 2014 with £11m being invested in the scheme. Drivers will also be trained in eco driving techniques.
Source: Manchester Evening News
TRAMLINK DELAYS AFTER CAR HITS WALL
London Tramlink – Sunday 25th April 2010
Tramlink services were suspended for two hours in central Croydon after a car hit a wall on Wellesley Road at approximately 0630 on Sunday 11th April. Delays remained on tram services until around 1000.
Source: This is Croydon Today
SNP TO LAUNCH LEGAL BID TO FIND OUT TRAM COSTS?
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 11th April 2010
Cllr Steve Cardownie – SNP Councillor and well know tram critic – has threatened to launch a legal challenge to force Council and tie bosses to reveal the exact costs of the tram project, after an update from Council Leader Cllr Jenny Dawe was described as a “whitewash”. However, Cllr Cardownie has been accused of electioneering by his political opponents.
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BLACKPOOL RAILGRINDER 752 ILLUMINATED!
Heaton Park Tramway – Sunday 11th April 2010
You may remember in last week’s Photo Gallery from the Heaton Park Tramway 30th Anniversary celebrations we featured Blackpool Railgrinder 752 with its illuminations, although in the light so their effect was not really seen. If you click below you will be taken to a photo of 752 in the dark with the lights on!
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BRUSH 634 RESTORATION UPDATE
Brush Car 634 – Sunday 11th April 2010
One of the first Blackpool trams to be preserved was Brush 634 which was bought by Andy Ashton and transferred to the Rushden Historical Transport Society site in Northamptonshire back in November 2009. Work has been continuing throughout the winter in restoring the tram and there is a fotopic site which outlines the progress made so far. The latest progress of the restoration has seen the ceiling light fittings now having been fitted and screw holes drilled whilst the trim round the cab door has been refitted and the window framework and beading has also been attended to. To find out more about the restoration – including photos – visit the Fotopic site here.
Source: Brush Car 634 Fotopic
BEAMISH TRAMWAY UPDATE
Beamish Tramway – Sunday 11th April 2010
Leeds 6 entered passenger service on Thursday 8th April after a short period of commissioning followed by some minor adjustments including taking up some slack in the brakes. Meanwhile, work is continuing on the repaint of Blackpool Marton Box 31 into Works Green with the gloss coats due to have gone on at the end of last week – this tram will remain in this green until the end of the Power from the Past event only, after that it will return for a repaint into its 1924 livery.
Source: Beamish Transport Blog
TRAMS ON TV! A PASSIONATE WOMAN ON BBC1 TONIGHT
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 11th April 2010
You may remember back in November filming took place at the Crich Tramway Village for a new BBC1 production of A Passionate Woman starring Billie Piper. This is a two part series with part 1 showing tonight on BBC1. The drama take place in 1950s and 1980s Leeds are scenes were filmed at the Museum during a visit by the Queen to the city in the former decade. Trams involved in the filming were Leeds 180 and MET 331.
Source: Crich Tramway Village
EDINBURGH TRAM TAX SHORTFALL?
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 11th April 2010
The Edinburgh Evening News are reporting that the so-called “tram tax” – where developers along the route of the tramway pay a sum to build their developments – has raised only half of the amount needed. The Council had been hoping for £25 million but 108 developers have only committed a total of £12.5 million.
Source: The Scotsman
METROLINK ENGINEERING WORKS
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 11th April 2010
There are no services on the Altrincham line of Manchester Metrolink today (Sunday 11th April) until 1600 because of engineering works for the expansion of the system – presumably in the Trafford Bar/Old Trafford area. A replacement bus service is operating between Altrincham and Piccadilly calling at all stops to GMex then non-stop to Piccadilly. Normal services will resume after 1600. On Sunday 18th April no services will run on the Eccles line all day, again because of engineering works. Passengers are advised to travel as far as Trafford Bar by tram where they can swap to the replacement bus service.
Source: Manchester Metrolink
BALLOON 712 MOVES TO CRICH
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 5th April 2010
Friday 26th March 2010 will go down as a watershed date in the history of the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway as Balloon 712 became the first of the once 27 strong class of trams to leave the resort permanently (with the exception of the scrapping of 705 which I guess has theoretically also left Blackpool!) since the first was delivered in 1933. The tram was of course on the way to the Crich Tramway Village where it is to become a static exhibit in the newly refurbished Exhibition Hall.
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LEEDS 6 MOVES TO BEAMISH...OPORTO 196 HEADS IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION!
Heaton Park Tramway/Beamish Tramway – Monday 5th April 2010
No sooner had the dust settled on the hugely enjoyable 30th anniversary celebrations at the Heaton Park Tramway then Leeds 6 was on its way to the north east for a little holiday at the North of England Open Air Museum in Beamish, County Durham primarily for the Power from the Past event. This was followed a couple of days later by Oporto 196 heading in the opposite direction.
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CARDIFF 131 FOR BEAMISH’S POWER FROM THE PAST!
Beamish Tramway/Crich Tramway Village – Monday 5th April 2010
It has been announced that Cardiff 131 - the water car restored last year – is to make the trip to the North of England Open Air Museum in Beamish, County Durham to take part in their Power from the Past event, which runs between 15th and 18th April. The tram, of course, resides at the Crich Tramway Village.
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THEY’RE BACK! TRAMS RETURN TO SERVICE AT BLACKPOOL
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Monday 5th April 2010
After nigh on five months a tram service has returned to part of the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway but because of ongoing trackwork south of Pleasure Beach and the mass theft of overhead wire north of Thornton Gate they are restricted to Pleasure Beach to Cleveleys until at least the end of May. Services resumed on Good Friday 2nd April.
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BRUSH 632 TO RETURN TO SERVICE
Lancastrian Transport Trust/Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Monday 5th April 2010
Brush 632 is to make a surprising return to service for the 2010 and 2011 seasons after a joint agreement between the trams owner the Lancastrian Transport Trust, Blackpool Transport and Trams Magazine. The tram is to be painted in a late 1970s Half Green and Half Cream livery with roof advert boxes, advertising the new Blackpool Tram Shop at the front of North Pier. It has now entered the Paint Shop for a start to be made on its repaint. The tram will be restricted to the Pleasure Beach-Bispham section as it will not be possible to fit it with transponders. 632 last saw service in October 2004 and last carried an all over advert for The Sealife Centre.
Source: Lancastrian Transport Trust Blog
CENTURY OF TRAMS EXHIBITION OPENS AT CRICH
Crich Tramway Village – Monday 5th April 2010
The new Century of Trams Exhibition opened on Friday 2nd April at the Crich Tramway Village. The exhibition takes visitors on a fascinating journey through a hundred years of tramway development and coincides with the 150th anniversary of trams in Britain.
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CRICH GET LOTTERY GRANT FOR STONE WORKSHOP
Crich Tramway Village – Monday 5th April 2010
The Crich Tramway Village are celebrating after the award of funding for a £1 million project to create an Exhibition and Learning Centre in the historic Stone Workshop at the Museum. £900,000 will come from the Heritage Lottery Fund with the balance coming from the Museum’s own resources.
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MEADOWHALL TRACKWORK OVER EASTER
South Yorkshire Supertram – Monday 5th April 2010
On Easter Sunday 4th April, Stagecoach replaced the single track curve leading to Meadowhall Interchange with new improved rail from Corus. Yellow and Purple route trams terminated at Tinsley/Meadowhall South and then ran forward onto the approach of the single line and then back to Meadowhall South to await departure back towards the City. Stagecoach Sheffield provided a shuttle bus between the tram stops. Click below for photos.
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STALEMATE CONTINUES AS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES TO BE REMOVED
Edinburgh Trams – Monday 5th April 2010
The stalemate between tie and Bilfinger Berger and the ongoing dispute is continuing with no end apparently in sight. As a result Edinburgh Trams have decided to start removing some of the traffic management measures until work resumes on certain areas of the route – a decision they say has not been taken “lightly”.
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CENTENARY 645 LOSES ALL OVER ADVERT
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Monday 5th April 2010
Centenary 645 has had its advertising vinyls for Jet2.com removed, with the livery lasting just one year. The tram is now in all over red although has received white “Vs” at each end – similar to those to be applied to Balloon 703 in its Sunderland livery! Click below for a photo.
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BLACKPOOL MARTON BOX 31 REPAINT PROGRESSES
Beamish Tramway – Monday 5th April 2010
The Official Beamish Transport Blog features some photos of the repaint of Blackpool Marton Box 31, which is making good progress. The tram is, of course, being painted in Works Green to enable it to play a role in the Power from the Past event between 15th and 18th April. As well as the tram body being painted, the bogie has also been so treated. To find out more visit the official Beamish Transport Blog – link below.
Source: Beamish Transport Blog
EDINBURGH TRAM LIVERY UNVEILED
Edinburgh Trams – Monday 5th April 2010
It has been announced that Edinburgh’s trams are to be maroon, white and gold with two special ones bearing the image of famous Edinburgh citizens. Two will also be available for all over adverts. The city’s “Inspiring Capital” logo will be on the front of the trams and this is hoped to be as instantly recognisable as the Volkswagen or Mercedes logo.
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STANDARD 143 REUNITED WITH TOP DECK
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Monday 5th April 2010
The restoration of Blackpool Standard 143 continues to make huge leaps forward, following the delivery of a kit of parts making the top deck from Gillett’s of Wesham on Wednesday 24th March. By 31st March the tram had became a double decker once again after the upper deck was trial fitted to the lower to allow the internal partitions to be fabricated before the two decks are separated once more. Once this happens the lower deck will move to Blackpool Transport and work will continue on the upper deck at Brinwell Road. Painting has also taken place on the lower deck with the dash panels having received a coat of red. The ribbed flooring is also being completed on the cab platforms and saloon floor. Photos of the latest progress are on the 143 blog, link below.
Source: Standard 143 Blog
BIRKENHEAD 20 IN THE WORKS
Wirral Tramway – Monday 5th April 2010
With most of the tram services at the Wirral Tramway, Birkenhead in the hands of the Hong Kong built trams 69 and 70 during the winter period the chance is being taken to attend to maintenance on the other trams. One of these is Birkenhead 20 which has had its front fender re-profiled as per the original specifications. The tram is currently lifted off its truck in the preparation for the fitting of its new set of wheels. Photos of this work can be found on the official MTPS website – link below.
Source: MTPS
BRIGHTON 53 RESTORATION PROJECT
Brighton 53 – Monday 5th April 2010
The first meeting of the newly set-up group interested in restoring Brighton 53 took place at the end of last month and they are actively looking for more members. It costs just £10 to become a member and cheques can be sent to G Hall, 14 Malling Down, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2BN. Cheques should be made payable to Tram 53 Society and a receipt will be sent if an SAE is included. In other news it appears that Amberley Museum may be interested in keeping 53 once completed.
Source: Brighton 53 Blog
NO BOAT FOR BEAMISH
Beamish Tramway – Monday 5th April 2010
Following the news at our last update that Blackpool Balloon 703 would be going on a five year loan to the Beamish Open Air Museum, painted in Sunderland livery and numbered 101, it has been confirmed that Blackpool Boat 607 will not now be making the trip. It had originally been planned that in exchange for Marton Box 31 going to Blackpool for the 125th anniversary celebrations a Boat Car (initially 600 then changed to 607) would go in the opposite direction. However, it has now been decided this will not happen and 607 - which is to become part of the national collection – will move directly to Crich from Blackpool “at a mutually agreed date”.
Source: Contact from the Tramway Museum Society & Beamish Transport Blog
BLACKPOOL UPGRADE UPDATE
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Monday 5th April 2010
As reported elsewhere on British Trams Online tram services returned to the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway on Friday 2nd April, but only on the section between Pleasure Beach to Cleveleys. The parts of the line between Pleasure Beach and Starr Gate and between Ash Street and Fleetwood Ferry are likely to remain closed until the upgraded tramway reopens at Easter 2012. Work on the upgrade continues at both of these locations along with the construction of platforms at various locations.
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EDINBURGH TRAM PROJECT UPDATE
Edinburgh Trams – Monday 5th April 2010