Hull 96 launch preparations underway

At Heaton Park in Manchester, final preparations are well underway for the return to service of Hull 96. As has often been mentioned on this website, the tram has been under overhaul for many months which has become the most extensive work undertaken on this tram since it was preserved, and all this hard work should pay off very soon when the car is launched into public service on Sunday 11th October.

96 is now sufficiently complete to allow some test running to be undertaken and most notably, this included a run to Lakeside on Saturday 3rd October. Notably this was its first as Hull 96: although it has run to the relatively new terminus a few times since returning from an extended loan period at Beamish in 2013, that was when the tram was painted in its later grey livery as Leeds 6. The car now looks much more attractive in a beautifully lined out maroon and white livery, which has been applied with great care by staff from Heritage Painting, who have once again excelled themselves after their superb paint job on Blackpool Ex-Towing car 680. This test run did identify a few minor points to address before the launch day and there are also some finishing touches to be made, however daily work parties in the week preceding the public launch should ensure that 96 will be ready for service on the big day looking immaculate.

On 11th October, it is planned to launch 96 at 1300 followed by a special inaugural trip; tickets for this are priced at £10 (which also includes unlimited tram rides all day) and can be reserved in advance by emailing Heatonparktramway@hotmail.co.uk – however please note that tickets must be paid for by 1200 noon on the day itself. The tram will then join Heaton Park stalwart Manchester 765 to operate a two-car service for the remainder of the afternoon, whilst Blackpool Vanguard 619 will be operating ‘Tram Driving Experience’ trips along the double track section for a bargain price of just £5. Unfortunately, the expected vintage vehicles which would have created some unique photo opportunities featuring Hull vehicles from contrasting eras will now not be attending, taking away one of the most interesting elements of the event – but hopefully the attraction of seeing and riding on the immaculately restored Hull tram will be enough to attract a decent crowd. 

The beautifully restored Hull 96 shows off the latest superb work carried out by Heritage Painting on 3rd October, as it is seen returning to the Middleton Road depot following a test run to Lakeside and back. (Photo courtesy of Heaton Park Tramway Facebook page)