Article updated 20/8/24
For those of you who have visited the East Anglia Transport Museum you will probably have seen Lowestoft 14 at the back of the main depot where its restoration to operating condition has been happening for many years. It’s a tram which rarely escapes from the confines of the depot but Thursday 15th July saw that change as it was shunted – even making it as far as Chapel Road terminus.
The shunting took place whilst the museum was closed to the public (although Thursdays in the summer are an opening day for the East Anglia Transport Museum this happened before opening time) and saw a large number of the trams which are currently residing in the main/original tram depot moved out of the way. At one stage 14 was to be found out of the depot along with Blackpool trio, Standard 159, Marton VAMBAC 11 and Brush 634. Was this possibly the first time 14 and 634 had both been out of the depot at the same time?
The shunt allowed the top deck of Glasgow 488 – another of the two long-term tram restoration projects ongoing for the EATM – to be moved from the West tram depot (the new building on the extended land) into the main tram depot and it can just be seen being moved in the below images. Its also been said that the move will allow additional work to take place on 14’s exterior.
It may not be a sign that 14 is about to re-enter service – for the first time in preservation! – but it is still pleasing to see the local open topper out in the open to give a tantalising glimpse of what is to come at some point in the future.
Update: Lowestoft 14 has now been moved to the West (new) tram depot. The top deck of Glasgow 488 has taken its place in the main tram depot.
14 stands at Chapel Road terminus alongside Blackpool 159. 11 is just in front of 159 and then further along we see 634. At the front of the depot is London Transport 1858 and those with good eyesight will just see on the right hand side the top deck of Glasgow 488 being transported into the depot.
A side-on view of 14 and 159.
And from the other side its 159 and 14 again. 11 and 634 are still looking on in the distance. (All Photographs by Bryan Grint, 15th August 2024)