Our recent articles from Beamish have all been concentrating on the trackworks which have been taking place over the past few months with the trams not getting much of a look in, hardly surprising when they’ve not been able to run since the start of January. But early March has seen some trams make an appearance outside of the depot ahead of electricians coming to install new wiring and lighting. Not only has this seen complete trams outside but also the rare move of Gateshead 52 into the main depot. Trevor Hall captured the following images.
Road 1 of the depot – which is the small separate building to the left of main depot – has been housing Gateshead 52 and Lisbon 730 for a while but both of these trams needed to be moved for the forthcoming work. This saw 52 moved into the main depot whilst Lisbon 730 is temporarily stabled out of the depot, where Oporto Coal Car 65 can still be found.
Sunderland 16 becomes is sandwiched by two Portuguese trams outside the depot! Under the tarpaulin is Oporto 65 with the bright yellow Lisbon 730 the other side. Road 1 is seen just behind the pile of rubble.
16 and 730 seen from a different angle.
Gateshead 52 in the main tram depot. The fire damage sustained when it was at Clay Cross store is clear to see. This is very mention a long-term aspiration to get the tram running again with no current plans to start the work.
Another look at 52 with Sheffield 264 behind. (All Photographs by Trevor Hall, 9th March 2025)