Lockdown Walks: West Midlands Metro 35

Posted on Wednesday 14 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

Today’s “Lockdown Walks” is off to central England again as we take a look at the West Midlands Metro.

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In Picture: Burton & Ashby 14 in action at the Statfold Barn Railway

Posted on Tuesday 13 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

The Statfold Barn Railway may be more well known for their extensive collection of steam locomotives, but it is also home to one tram – Burton & Ashby 14. Usually operating on special event days at the railway the tram has its own dedicated line and although there is no overhead – it runs on batteries – it is the newest heritage tramway in the UK. The latest period of operation was over the weekend of 10th and 11th July with an Enthusiast Weekend taking place to celebrate the 150th (plus one!) anniversary of the Quarry Hunslet. Unfortunately, limited volunteer availability meant it was only able to run for an hour in the morning of 10th July but David Mee managed to capture some images of the tram nonetheless.

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Another new advert on Metrolink

Posted on Tuesday 13 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

Manchester Metrolink M5000 3075 is the latest tram on the network to receive an advertising livery. The tram was first noted in early July carrying a vinyl wrap for The Trafford Centre with the slogan “Summer Social”.

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In Pictures: More span wires in Blackpool

Posted on Tuesday 13 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

The very slow and steady pace of the overhead installation in Blackpool is continuing for the Blackpool North Railway Station extension. To recap the overhead installation recommenced on Monday 5th July and is taking place overnight to minimise disruption. So far, attention has been concentrated at the Talbot Square end of the extension with span wires being installed ahead of the main overhead going up. In this update we also take another look at the old Wilko’s site where the first sections of track have been laid in preparation for trams to start running.

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Lockdown Walks: Stagecoach Supertram 399 202

Posted on Tuesday 13 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

Another trip off in South Yorkshire for this latest instalment of “Lockdown Walks” with a view taken on the Tram-Train line.

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In Pictures: A day at the East Anglia Transport Museum

Posted on Monday 12 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

One heritage tramway which often seems to go under the radar is the one at the East Anglia Transport Museum so we look to remedy that in this article as we take a look at the trams during a visit by David Maxwell on Thursday 8th July.

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West Midlands Metro lift upgrades

Posted on Monday 12 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

The lifts at Bilston Central and Lodge Road stops on the West Midlands Metro network are being upgraded this summer which will see them out of action until September 2021. While Lodge Road has ramp access to the stop for any passengers who usually use Bilston Central they are being advised to use alternative stops during this work.

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Whatever Happened To? Crich Tramathon 2005 – London Transport 1622

Posted on Monday 12 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

This edition of “Whatever Happened To?” features London Transport 1622, a tram which was operational in Crich in 2005 although today is in the workshops waiting for a chance to shine again.

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Lockdown Walks: West Midlands Metro 21

Posted on Monday 12 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

Another week of “Lockdown Walks” and today we feature the West Midlands Metro.

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Stop by Stop Nottingham Express Transit: Toton Lane line – Eskdale Drive

Posted on Sunday 11 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

In this latest instalment of “Stop by Stop” we reach the stop at Eskdale Drive as we start the final approaches to Toton Lane.

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Reliability and punctuality remains high on NET

Posted on Sunday 11 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

The Greater Nottingham Light Rail Transit Advisory Committee usually meet on a quarterly basis (although the meetings have been fewer during the pandemic) and as part of this updates from Nottingham Express Transit are given. The latest meeting is due to take place on 13th July and included in the meeting papers is an update from the NET Head of Operations, Mike Mabey, which includes performance data.

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Lockdown Walks: Stagecoach Supertram 399 201

Posted on Sunday 11 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

In this edition of “Lockdown Walks” we take a trip out to the terminus of the newest section of the Stagecoach Supertram network at Rotherham Parkgate.

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No change in route for Supertram around main railway station

Posted on Sunday 11 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

Last year we reported on initial proposals to re-route Stagecoach Supertram between Granville Road and the city centre as part of major redevelopment plans of Sheaf Valley. But these plans have now been abandoned with the Council saying the so-called Sheaf Valley Masterplan was never set-in-stone. While the tramway route change won’t happen other aspects of the plan are still going ahead according to the latest statement.

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In Pictures: Blackpool Brush Railcoach 298’s new underframe arrives at Crich

Posted on Saturday 10 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

Friday 9th July 2021 was another momentous day in the restoration of Blackpool Brush Railcoach 298 with its newly constructed underframe arriving at the Crich Tramway Village. The construction of the new underframe was contracted to the Ffestiniog Railway in Wales and they have been working hard on this since the end of 2020 with the original underframe of the tram needing replacement as part of the restoration.

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What’s New on British Trams Online? 10th July 2021

Posted on Saturday 10 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

This week we have a couple of new photo galleries with images from Germany and the UK:

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Around the World in Trams: Milan 1895

Posted on Saturday 10 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

Its another trip to San Francisco today for “Around the World in Trams” as we feature yet another iconic class of tram which is now a long way from home.

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Seaton Tramway want to hear views on Covid restriction removal

Posted on Saturday 10 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

Unless you’ve been deliberately avoiding the news (and we can’t blame you if you are!) you will know that it is currently the intention that in England the majority of COVID restrictions will be removed from Monday 19th July (including most significantly face coverings and social distancing). While it will no longer be law for these to be in place, the Seaton Tramway are looking for views before deciding what restrictions they may keep in place.

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Lockdown Walks: Edinburgh Trams 273

Posted on Saturday 10 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

“Lockdown Walks” time again as we head out to Edinburgh Trams’ Gogar Depot.

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In Pictures: Blackpool 636 at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Posted on Friday 9 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

One of the earlier departures in the great Blackpool tram sell-off with the then impending upgrade of the tramway in mind was Blackpool Brush 636. But unlike many of the other trams which went on to pastures new and a life in preservation the tram was acquired by Stored Energy Technology of Derby who had the aim of using the tram to test an experimental motor and bogie.

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Metrolink passenger numbers almost reach 50% of pre-pandemic levels

Posted on Friday 9 July 2021 by Gareth Prior

In a report being given to the July meeting of the Greater Manchester Transport Committee Metrolink and Rail Networks Sub-committee (catchy title!) it has been confirmed that passenger numbers on Metrolink have now increased to 48% of pre-pandemic levels with a further rise expected after the anticipated removal of restrictions from 19th July.

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