We now turn our attention to 2015 and pass it over to the readers of this website for nominations as we form the shortlist before voting starts next weekend. To nominate you can either leave a comment below, email gareth@britishtramsonline.co.uk<\/a> or leave a comment on Facebook<\/a>. When nominating please give a reason for the nomination \u2013 the fact it is your favourite is not a reason! Our \u201cexpert panel\u201d will then meet to decide which trams, events and tramways will make the final shortlists, with a maximum of five in each category.<\/p>\n So what are we looking for nominations in?<\/p>\n \u201cTramcar of the Year\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n As well as Blackpool Pantograph 167<\/strong> other winners in the past have included Blackpool Boat 227<\/strong>, Blackpool Brush 623<\/strong> (twice!), Blackpool Marton VAMBAC 11<\/strong>, Liverpool 762<\/strong>, Blackpool Western Train 733+734<\/strong>, Blackpool Balloon 717<\/strong>, Leeds 345<\/strong>, the Trampower Tram<\/strong>, Blackpool Illuminated Frigate 736<\/strong>, Nottingham Express Transit 203<\/strong> and Leeds 602<\/strong>. What do all these trams have in common? They all did something special in the previous 12 months!<\/p>\n Something special is of course incredibly subjective with the previous winners including trams which have spent a period on loan away from their home tramway, a new livery being applied and entry into service after restoration. Basically anything out of the ordinary qualifies and the choice is yours!<\/p>\n Please note this category includes all trams whether traditional tramcars or modern light rail vehicles. Last years \u201cLight Rail Vehicle of the Year\u201d category was a one off due to the exciting year we had in 2014 with tramway openings and the start of preservation for modern vehicles.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cTramway of the Year\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n First starting in 2012 this category has seen three previous winners: Crich, Heaton Park and Blackpool \u2013 all of which had a great year in the preceding 12 months and that is exactly what we are looking for with this years nominations!<\/p>\n Nominations are open to both operating tramway systems and museum lines and it is up to you to decide which tramways should be within a chance of walking away with this award in 2015.<\/p>\n \u201cEvent of the Year\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Again first voted for in 2012 the three years have seen Crich\u2019s Glasgow 50 event, the rejuvenation of Blackpool\u2019s Heritage Service in 2013 and Crich\u2019s Electric 50 event last year all voted as the best by readers of British Trams Online<\/em>.<\/p>\n You know the drill by now you can nominate any tram event which has taken place over the 12 months whether that is an event at a heritage tramway or an opening of a line on an operating tramway. It\u2019s up to you! Just let us know what you would like to see on the shortlist.<\/p>\n For full details of last year\u2019s contest and an outline of the history please visit the dedicated Tram of the Year page at http:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/tramofyear.html<\/a> (this page will be fully updated ahead of voting).<\/p>\n Nominations are open until Saturday\u00a028th November 2015 after which a decision will be made on the shortlist with voting open from Sunday 29th November until Saturday 9th January 2016.<\/p>\n And please remember the British Trams Online Tram of the Year contest is just for fun so don\u2019t get too worked up if your favourite doesn\u2019t make the shortlist!<\/p>\n Last year's winner of "Tramcar of the Year" Blackpool Pantograph 167 is seen here at its home tramway Crich Tramway Village on 19th September 2015 in the Depot Yard. (Photograph by Gareth Prior)<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It\u2019s that time of the year again as we turn our attention towards the British Trams Online Tram of the Year contest and start the task of finding the winners for 2015. We have three categories for you this year: … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/167-gp-550x366.jpg\" "\\"167-gp\\"")
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