Earlier this year came the news that the North East Land Sea Air Museum (NELSAM) in Sunderland were the new owners of all the trams on their site following the transfer of ownership from the North Eastern Electrical Transport Trust (NEETT). At the same time it was confirmed that they were intending to only retain two of the five trams on site in the long-term. This pictorial article takes a look at the trams in their current positions as well as an intriguing section of track which has recently been put in place. Trevor Hall provides the images.
In the long-term NELSAM are only planning to retain Blackpool 721 and Graz 210 which means that Blackpool 647 and Blackpool 674+684 plus Krefeld 412 have been available to other groups. At the time of the initial announcement it was said that discussions were underway on the future of the Blackpool trams and it is hoped that they will survive with a continued life in preservation. As for the Krefeld tram, nothing has been revealed as to what may happen to that vehicle.
Regardless it is not expected that any trams will leave the site for at least the remainder of 2026.
Meanwhile, as well as the recent arrival of a RAF Sea King helicopter they have also taken delivery of sections of track. This is being installed outside and it has yet to be confirmed officially as to what will be situated on the track all is set to be revealed in the future. According to their social media, the track will not be used for storage (temporary or otherwise) of any of the trams currently in the collection.
The building which houses the trams has seen various other exhibits added over the years. That now includes a replica Hawker Hurricane which is currently being built. Blackpool Twin Car 674+684 are behind.
The interior of Twin Trailer Car 684.
The cab of 684.
With the Twin Car in front here we see Centenary 647.
Graz 210 is also located in the building. This is one of the trams set to be retained at the museum.
Balloon 721 – another tram to be kept at the museum – is located in the corner. It has company from a Nissan Qashqai.
The newly installed track outside. A Jet Provost, Vulcan, F-100 Super Sabre and a Canberra make-up the background.
Another shot of the track. The plane in the background here is Trident 1C G-ARPO which was once used by British Airways and is now in a fictitious Northeast livery. The plane’s tail and wings are stored behind the hangar. (All Photographs by Trevor Hall, 11th April 2026)