Picture in Time: Manchester Metrolink 1001

Posted on Monday 29 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

29th August marks the 25th Anniversary of the arrival into the UK of the first of a new generation of trams with Manchester Metrolink’s T68 1001 being delivered on this date in 1991. To mark the occasion our latest edition of Picture in Time heads back to Manchester for some images showing the tram during its operation career in Manchester.

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In Pictures: St Peter’s Square reopens after 14 months

Posted on Monday 29 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

After 14 long months a full Manchester Metrolink service is once again running through St Peter’s Square with the transformation works now having progressed sufficiently to allow passengers to board at the all new and expanded stop. The work is by no means complete as yet with finishing works still set to take place over the next few weeks but at least passengers will now be able to board a tram at this key stop on the network once again.

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Metrolink 3098 named Gracie Fields

Posted on Monday 29 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

Throughout their history the original T68 trams on Manchester Metrolink all (eventually) received a name even if this was just as a form of advertising. However since their introduction the M5000s have not been so lucky with only two having previously received names. However that has now changed with 3098 being named Gracie Fields to celebrate the Rochdale born superstar as part of celebrations being planned in September as a new statue is unveiled in her home town.

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Going, going, gone! Six horse trams sold – but what now?

Posted on Monday 29 August 2016 by Andrew Waddington

The much-discussed auction on Saturday 27th August on the Isle of Man, resulted in the sale of six long-withdrawn Douglas horse tramcars. The six raised a combined total of £9,200 – some would say a rather measly sum considering the historic merits of these vehicles, but one that is perhaps understandable bearing in mind the fairly short notice given for the auction. This sum also compares favourably with the selling price of various Blackpool cars offered for sale a few years ago.

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Posted in Douglas Bay Horse Tramway | 10 Comments

Horse tram stables put up for sale

Posted on Friday 26 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

The historic Summer Hill stables, home to the trammers of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway since 1877, have been put up for sale by Douglas Borough Council. Although not an unexpected move it is still disappointing that such an historic building is considered suitable for selling as a development opportunity. Possibly the most shocking aspect of the sale is that the property will be available with vacant possession in early 2017 – hopefully this means that Isle of Man Railways have alternative arrangements already in hand to home the horses for their next two confirmed seasons of operation.

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Posted in Douglas Bay Horse Tramway | 8 Comments

St Peter’s Square to reopen on Sunday 28th August

Posted on Friday 26 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

It has been confirmed – that subject to final testing and commissioning – a full tram service will resume through St Peter’s Square on Sunday 28th August bringing to an end a 14 month closure of the stop. Major rebuilding works have been taking place here with a relocated and enlarged stop having been constructed which will be used by passengers for the first time over the Bank Holiday weekend.

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Find out about destination blinds with Peter Watts

Posted on Friday 26 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

On 1st September destination blind guru Peter Watts will be presenting the monthly Fylde Tramway Society meeting at Wing’s Club, Victoria Road West, Cleveleys. Titled A Blind Approach: Blackpool tram blinds from 1960 Peter will be covering not only historical information on Blackpool tram blinds from 1960 onwards but there will also be a section on the replica Heritage blinds showing the conception, fabrication and end results. All are welcome.

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Oporto C65 and Bournemouth 85 set to change owners

Posted on Thursday 25 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

One of the most elusive trams of the national collection is set to enjoy a rare period in the limelight ahead of a change of ownership. Oporto C65 was acquired by the National Tramway Museum in 2005 but upon transfer from Portugal was immediately stored at Clay Cross and has not actually been seen in public since. However all that is now set to change with news that the tram is set to move to Beamish but not before it is one of the stars of Tram Day on Saturday 10th September.

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Posted in Beamish Tramway, National Tramway Museum | 15 Comments

Picture in Time: Douglas Bay Horse Tramway 21

Posted on Wednesday 24 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

After a summer break Picture in Time is back! Continuing our current Douglas Bay Horse Tramway theme we head to the Isle of Man for this instalment as we feature one of the Toastracks still plying its trade along the Prom today, although it looks different from this photo taken in 1993.

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Posted in Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, Picture in Time | 3 Comments

In Pictures: Chesterfield 7 back in service & Models on display at Crich

Posted on Tuesday 23 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

This latest pictorial update from Crich features two recent events. Over the weekend of 20th and 21st August there was a Models Weekend which saw a number of layouts on display in the Great Exhibition Hall. Meanwhile as we reported last week Chesterfield 7 has now returned to service following attention to its paintwork in the Workshop required after the removal of its Recruiting Tram decorations of last year. Photos from Hazel Quarmby.

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Book Review: ‘Bispham to Fleetwood – the Blackpool Tramway since 1960’

Posted on Monday 22 August 2016 by Andrew Waddington

The third and final installment of acclaimed tramway historian Brian Turner’s detailed review of the Blackpool system is finally here, covering the stretch north of Bispham right up to the northern terminus at Fleetwood Ferry. This section of tramway is shown in photographs examining the many changes that have gone on since 1960, in particular chartering the transition from traditional tramroad to modern light rail system.

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Posted in Reviews, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

This week on British Trams Online

Posted on Sunday 21 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

We actually have some updates over on the main site for you this week as we add a couple more Photo Galleries:

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Welcome to 3119 as 3118 enters service on Metrolink

Posted on Sunday 21 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

The end of new tram deliveries to Manchester Metrolink is in sight with M5000 3119 arriving at Queen’s Road Depot on Saturday 20th August – leaving just one further tram of the current order to make the trip. On the same day that 3119 arrived the previous arrival, 3118, was noted in service (believed to be its first day in passenger action) whilst other changes to the fleet have seen a number of trams lose their yellow spots in favour of rainbow spots ahead of the forthcoming Manchester Pride event.

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In Pictures: Metrolink 2CC construction works update

Posted on Friday 19 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

Progress is continuing to be made on the “transformation” works on the Manchester Metrolink Second City Crossing (2CC) as preparations for a return for full services through St Peter’s Square on the original city crossing come to a conclusion. No trams have run through the area since the end of June but from the end of August the distinctive yellow trams will once again be seen in service. In this pictorial update we take a brief look at how things looked on Thursday 18th August. Photos from Keith Chadbourne.

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Posted in Manchester Metrolink | 3 Comments

Man dies after being hit by tram

Posted on Friday 19 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

A man in his 50s has died after being hit by a tram close to the David Lane tramstop on the phase one line to Hucknall. The incident happened shortly after 2300 on Monday 15th August and the Police have said there are no suspicious circumstances involved. Nottinghamshire Police are investigating and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch have been informed.

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Not long to go – Metrolink getting ready for cross city services once again

Posted on Thursday 18 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

For first time in 14 months a full Metrolink service is set to run through St Peter’s Square with the transformation works on the original city crossing coming towards a conclusion. It was the end of June 2015 when the line was closed through this key stop and although for much of the period a single line has been open for services there has been major disruption for passengers, no more so than at the start and end of the works which have seen complete closures. Full services are due to resume at the end of August and once again a revised service pattern will be introduced from this time.

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Posted in Manchester Metrolink | 6 Comments

In Pictures: Yorkshire Day at Crich

Posted on Thursday 18 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

Monday 1st August was Yorkshire Day and to celebrate the occasion a low key special event was held at the Crich Tramway Village. All three trams in service on the day were from Yorkshire with Leeds pair 345 and 399 joined by Sheffield 510 whilst fellow Sheffield car 189 was displayed on the Traverser. There was also a visiting coach from Sheffield which travelled down the street to collect disabled passengers. Photos from the day by Hazel Quarmby.

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In Pictures: Nottingham Classic Tour at Crich

Posted on Thursday 18 August 2016 by Gareth Prior

On Sunday 31st July the latest in the series of car rallies to be held at the Crich Tramway Village took place. This time it was the Nottingham Classic Tour organised by the Carlton and District Motor Club who brought with them a variety of different vehicles which were on display around the Museum site, once again providing unique photographic opportunities alongside the resident trams.

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Chesterfield 7 rides again

Posted on Wednesday 17 August 2016 by Andrew Waddington

Following some remedial attention to its paintwork, Chesterfield 7 made a belated year debut in passenger service at Crich Tramway Village on 17th August. This was the tram’s first outing since having its First World War recruitment posters and decorations removed, which were carried for much of the 2015 operating season.

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Posted in National Tramway Museum | 1 Comment

Douglas horse tram set for Wales?

Posted on Tuesday 16 August 2016 by Andrew Waddington

With the auction of six surplus tramcars from the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway imminent, this development continues to dominate the news as a number of interested parties come forward to inspect the trams and consider potential options for their future. It has come to light that the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway have shown interest in a tram with bulkhead crossbench car 37 believed to be their first choice.

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Posted in Douglas Bay Horse Tramway | 19 Comments