Its absence from service may only have been brief but Sunderland 16 is now back in use at Beamish following the completion of the first phase of its repaint. The tram is, as always, an integral part of the winter operating fleet at Beamish and will return to the workshops in 2025 for the completion of the repaint.
This first phase of its repaint concentrated on the lower deck and saw an outside contractor brought in to attend to the tram. This saw the panels rubbed down before any degraded timber skin was dealt with ahead of the painting of the tram (using many coats of paint). Once painting had taken place a further contractor completed the lining of the paintwork. One point to mention in the repaint is that the new fleet numbers are slightly different as they are without a black border.
16 will return to the Workshops in the new year when attention will turn to the upper deck. This will include the removal of the long-standing Fred Williamson between deck adverts.
The tram – along with Sheffield 264 – is also to be assessed this winter for tyre profile and thickness. A decision will then be taken as to which of the two will be lifted for a truck overhaul.
If you are planning a visit to Beamish this winter the planned operating fleet will be Sunderland 16, Oporto 196 and Sheffield 264 with Blackpool 31 also available if weather permits.
Meanwhile, Newcastle 114 is now receiving attention with its panels being rubbed down ahead of its own repaint.
16 calls at Pockerley with its newly repainted lower deck. (Photograph by Trevor Hall, 10th October 2024)
Inside the depot and we see 114 with its lower panelling having been rubbed down in preparation for a repaint over the winter.
A look at two of the trams which are available for service this winter: Blackpool 31 and Oporto 196.
Oporto 65 remains stored outside the depot under tarpaulin. (Photographs x3 by Trevor Hall, 21st October 2024)_