The project to create a new Access Tram for Crich has moved a step forward with the official launch of a fundraising which would allow the tram to be completed and in service by spring 2026. This important project would see Blackpool Centenary 645 used to become Access Tram II, as well as retaining capacity for seated passengers.
Crich has been without a suitable tram for visitors who are less physically able since Berlin 223 006-4 was withdrawn from service during 2022 for technical and safety reasons. Using lessons learnt from the use of the small Berlin tramcar, the plan is that 645 will feature a larger capacity ground-level wheelchair lift, and the museum’s experienced workshop team is even exploring the possibility of adapting controls to allow wheelchair users to drive the tramcar under supervision.
Roger Shelley, Fundraising Manager at Crich, said: “If we can build safe positions for disabled drivers into this vehicle, it will be the first time this experience can be offered on a heritage tramway in this country. It’s an exciting prospect for our charity, and we’re looking for local firms to get on board with sponsoring the project and its wraparound colour scheme.”
Zoe Etheridge, a volunteer at the museum who uses a wheelchair and crutches following an accident in 2017, said: “I am really looking forward to having a tram I can ride with my family and friends that won’t cause me extra pain that I get from trying to get on board one of the historic trams. I’m even more excited at the prospect of being able to drive it.”
Crich need to raise £150,000 to complete the project by spring 2026, and is encouraging members of the public to either donate online at www.tramway.co.uk/contact/make-a-donation or by buying Derby Community Lottery tickets that support the Tramway Museum Society at www.derbycommunitylottery.co.uk/support/crich-tramway-village.
The finished tram will be able to transport both wheelchair users and up to 40 seated passengers. With the tram being built as a one person operated vehicle it would also enable it to be used on quieter days when volunteers are less freely available.
Volunteers and visitors at Crich in front of 645 at the launch of the fundraising appeal.
Volunteer Peter Whiteley inspects the wiring on the tram. (Both Photographs courtesy of Crich Tramway Village)
This is a great initiative and I hope they can get a big sponsor!
What does this mean for Berlin 3006 now?
Whilst I think this is brilliant I can’t help but think its the worst of all the Centenary rebuilds and I really wish they were putting the original style ends back on. To me its not attractive and isn’t an 80s Tram really looking like this.
I wonder if 762 was considered and dismissed?
It will be good to have an access Tram which has multi use having been turned away many times from the Berlin car despite there being room on it.
They might restore the 80s look.
What percentage of the Crich visitors are in wheelchars. And what percentage of them would want to have a drive? I’d venture to suggest not many, so is this project really worth spending all that money on?
It’s great to finally have a Centenary Car in preservation that might have a chance of running (and I actually like the boxy rebuild far more than the original design) but should a museum, which is supposed to preserve it’s artefacts, be chopping chunks out of them to satisfy a tiny minority of the visiting public? Perhaps we should bore a hole into the Egyptian pyramids and install a lift there too?
This tram was purchased with the plan of making it into an access tram – if this plan was not there there would be no chance of it being restored. Even if the number of visitors who may benefit this may be a minority it is still a large enough pool to be concerned that they can enjoy all the museum has to offer. Any heritage organisation that decides not to try and cater for all parts of their possible visitors is one which is probably going to fail, especially in the current climate when people are far more careful with what they spend money on and where they go.
The original mobility tram at Crich was extremely popular and well used; wheelchair users are not the only ones with mobility problems. And, a Blackpool Centenary Car hardly compares with one of the Great Pyramids!
They won’t be having a drive! They will be passengers! I assume you mean have a ride. And the fact that they had the Berlin for decades and now a second one (the tatra having been acquired for this role but found unsuitable) tells you there are enough. A national Museum without an access ride? Behave yourself.
ONE Tram which was acquired for this and has duplicates preserved is hardly causing an issue. perhaps we should reintroduce step entrance buses too and tell them all to stay at home.
Its 2025 not 1925!
Quote from the article “the museum’s experienced workshop team is even exploring the possibility of adapting controls to allow wheelchair users to drive the tramcar under supervision”
You might want to read the statement from Crich (included in this post as well) who comfirm the plan is for a driver experience available to wheelchair users.
I agree with Nick that 645 is a ugly tram. Will the rebuild inside have room for at least four wheelchairs in one half adapted saloon, and restore the original ends and flatter roof.
There are no plans to restore to the original look when I asked.