Saturday 31st August saw a Model Tram exhibition at the Heaton Park Tramway with displays available for the public to view inside the museum building (Middleton Road tram depot). And of course it wasn’t just about small scale trams as outside the full sized versions were in operation – and it was a rare three tram service for visitors to enjoy!
The three trams in service saw Blackpool represented twice with Replica Vanguard 619 and Brush Car 623 in operation with the trio of operational trams being completed by Hull 96. It was a busy day on the tramway as not only were the crowds heading to look at the model trams but there was also an event taking place in the park.
Please note the previously advertised Tramtastic! event on Sunday 8th September has been cancelled with all operations at the tramway now cancelled until 2025.
- A video from this day at the Heaton Park Tramway is available from Steven Hughes on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZaqeHyDE4iw
It looks like a full load of passengers on board Hull 96 as it heads along the tramway.
Blackpool 619 heads away from us.
The last of the trams in service was Blackpool 623. Note the destination display of “MIDDLETON ROAD”.
Some of the stunning models on display in the museum, including one based on a Hull vehicle.
Sunderland and Blackpool tram models also on display. (All Photographs by Steven Hughes, 31st August 2024)
Alas. It appears that Tramtastic! has been cancelled, and trams will not run again in Heaton Park this year. Desperately disappointing.
In my view the news is far from disappointing. In fact it is a massive boost to the tramway. The investment in the substation should be seen as a future proofing event.
But a fully understandable situation after reading the MTMS statement 🙂
Seriously? There is massive investment in a Heritage Tramway and people are whinging about the timing. Perhaps Tramtastic should run, kill off the sub for good, damage the cabling, cause potential damage to the trams and infrastructure by it failing and the Tramway close forever.
Lets celebrate the future proofing and put up with a minor inconvenience!
Sorry if I have caused offence. I was not criticising the decision, nor the timing, nor the reasons behind it. I simply meant that it was a personal disappointment, as I had intended to be there for Tramtastic, which would have been my 6th visit this year.
Perhaps my original post lacked sufficient clarity?
I don’t think that, as a member (338) of MTMS, and a frequent visitor to Heaton Park for many years, the accusation of ‘whinging’ directed at me was entirely justified, still less the sarcastic comments of the second sentence.