{"id":59517,"date":"2025-08-02T22:00:59","date_gmt":"2025-08-02T21:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/?p=59517"},"modified":"2025-08-02T18:55:54","modified_gmt":"2025-08-02T17:55:54","slug":"in-pictures-crich-launch-crowdfunder-to-support-access-tram-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/?p=59517","title":{"rendered":"In Pictures: Crich launch Crowdfunder to support Access Tram 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

If all goes according to plan, Crich Tramway Village could be the proud owners of a fully functional new Access Tram by March 2026 with the project to convert Blackpool Centenary 645<\/strong> moving up a gear as a Crowdfunder is launched to help fund the work.<\/p>\n

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1987 built 645<\/strong> has been resident at Crich for two years now having arrived on site in July 2023. It was acquired with the specific objective of converting it to become a new Access Tram and over the past couple of years investigations have taken place and a plan has been formulated to complete the work. It is now hoped that it will be possible to complete all the work to allow it to be launched in March 2026, although as always that is subject to various factors, with funding still required to complete it.<\/p>\n

\u00a3150,000 is needed to convert 645<\/strong>. This includes a full overhaul of the tram \u2013 which hasn\u2019t run since 2011 and has spent some time stored outside in this time \u2013 as well as the installation of a wheelchair lift and associated equipment.<\/p>\n

Some panelling has already been removed to allow for an assessment of the bodywork and underframe. The 24 volt system is also been checked. As part of the work a wheelchair lift will be installed in the centre northeast platform, with a trial \u201ccassette\u201d having been temporarily fitted to check suitability. It is planned that a removable step will be fitted over the lift when not needed.<\/p>\n

Crich used to have Berlin 223 006-4<\/strong> in use as an Access Tram which gave a major benefit to the museum as visitors in wheelchairs were able to easily have a tram ride. However, the tram has been out of action since 2022 and needs a full overhaul which is likely to cost more than converting 645<\/strong>. The Blackpool car also has the added benefit of having a larger capacity and will be able to be used by all visitors to the museum.<\/p>\n

It is also planned that 645<\/strong> will be able to allow a wheelchair user to drive it \u2013 a first for the UK. This will add another advantage to the conversion of the tram.<\/p>\n