{"id":2097,"date":"2012-10-20T21:50:51","date_gmt":"2012-10-20T20:50:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/?p=2097"},"modified":"2012-10-20T21:50:51","modified_gmt":"2012-10-20T20:50:51","slug":"glasgow-1282-the-cost-of-restoration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/?p=2097","title":{"rendered":"Glasgow 1282: the cost of restoration?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The recent inclusion of Glasgow ‘Coronation’ 1282<\/strong> during the celebration of 50 years since the last tram operated in\u00a0 Glasgow has been a very memorable occasion, when it was possible to experience this wonderful tram by taking a ride along the Crich Tramway. The occasion has raised hope that it will not be too long before the tramcar is once again part of the operational fleet, on a more long-term basis. The following report is provided by John Henderson, with our\u00a0grateful thanks,\u00a0to highlight the likely extent of such a project.<\/p>\n

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This prospect has been highlighted by the book that Wim\u00a0Beukenkamp\u00a0published recording a brief history of the Coronations, and specifically 1282<\/strong>. His initiative was a personal mission, and it has raised much renewed interest in this special tramcar. It appears however, that\u00a0the extent of\u00a0work required to return the tram to full operation has been overestimated. The record of the seventies’ Crich restoration has now been clarified by John Henderson who throughout the restoration, was a key person responsible for the actual work undertaken. He has put the record straight regarding each area of work undertaken, and puts a different perspective on what is required. A major amount of work should only require maintenance level restoration, whilst it is accepted that mechanical and electric systems will certainly need significant work after its years of Crich useage.<\/p>\n

It is acknowledged that the work\u00a0required will still be expensive, but\u00a0should be nowhere near the implied costs recorded within the booklet. Removing any tramcar emotion, the previous restoration was extremely thorough costing the museum a great deal of money, and the work was completed through government grant subsidies to cover skilled wage costs. The past investment, just like any other thoroughly restored tram, should justify further expenditure to maintain prior restoration. In the present day for this to occur, it\u00a0will need support through substantial donations; Wim’s book, it is hoped, will have started this campaign.<\/p>\n

A summary of the work undertaken on Glasgow 1282<\/strong> at Crich during the 1970s, in response to the tasks listed in Wim’s book,\u00a0is republished below with his permission:<\/p>\n