For most of the operating season (except in local school holidays) the National Tramway Museum is closed on Fridays – or is it! It may be closed to normal visitors but the site is still a hive of activity with plenty going on. One very busy Friday was on 11th September when three trams were being used on an Ultimate Driving Experience whilst Blackpool 645 was undergoing some of its final tests before its launch the next day. Keith Chadbourne captured these images.
Two of the UDE trams are seen here at Glory Mine. Leeds 399 is closest to the camera whilst it is joined by Blackpool 167.
The third tram being used on a UDE was Blackpool 236. In this view the tram is seen just approaching Victoria Park.
At Wakebridge where 236 departs on its way back down to the main museum site.
Blackpool 645 was out on testing and mileage accumulation. This busy view at Wakebridge shows its arriving with 399 and 167 waiting for the single-line token.
Another look at 645 as it heads past Victoria Park.
645 is seen again in this view as its as the blue staff post. (All Photographs by Keith Chadbourne, 11th September 2026)
- Details of how you too can drive a tram at the National Tramway Museum can be found on their website at https://tramway.co.uk/visit/tram-driving-experience/