The tramway at Beamish may be about to close for an extended period of time, but as we reported earlier this month that will have a positive with a number of maintenance jobs taking place. Not only will that be on the infrastructure but the trams themselves will also enjoy some welcome maintenance. This includes the continued major overhaul of Gateshead 10 as well as jobs on other members of the fleet.
Gateshead 10 last ran in 2016 when it was withdrawn to allow this overhaul to take place and now some eight years later it is in the final straight of the work, although that doesn’t mean you can expect it to be on the rails anytime soon as there is still plenty to do. For a long period of time it has been covered by heavy sheeting which has meant that it hasn’t been visible to those peering in from outside the depot but newer lighter sheets have now been placed over it which means the stunning work on the paintwork completed so far can now be seen.
Also, currently “off the road” in the depot are Newcastle 114 (controller repairs and overhaul plus paintwork attention) and Sheffield 264 (which is scheduled to be the next tram for a mechanical overhaul and re-tyre).
10 remains off its trucks – which are being overhauled separately – and the tram also awaits the construction of its roof advert boards before they are affixed, side window adverts to be applied and completion of its lining – which should take place in March 2025. This view shows it at the rear of road 2 with Blackpool 31 to the right and Newcastle 114 in front.
As can be seen in this photo, work has started on the rubbing down of the panels on Newcastle 114 in preparation for paintwork attention this winter.
Sheffield 264 is out of service and remains stabled in the depot. Blackpool 31 is alongside again. (All Photographs by Trevor Hall, 19th December 2024)