- Tramcars of the National Tramway Museum
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The National Tramway Museum in Crich, Derbyshire, has a large and diverse fleet of heritage tramcars, and aims to illustrate the complete development of the traditional British Tramcar. Where it is not possible to show this, tramcars from places as far away as Berlin, the Hague, Douglas, Halle, Howth, Johannesburg, New York, Oporto, Prague and Sydney have been acquired to show this. The majority of the trams at Crich are double-deck trams built between 1900 and 1930,[1] and several have open tops. There are a few trams in the collection that were built after WWII, and these give an idea of how the British Tram Industry may have developed if services had not declined.
Contents
About seventeen [2] vehicles are currently in operational condition, with more on display or being restored.
Every operating day, the museum selects between two and four trams and operates them over its line to Glory Mine, via Wakebridge. In addition, there is a 1969 Berlin Tram that has been converted into an "Access Tram", which allows the less able to travel over the line.
Southampton 45 was the very first tramcar to be preserved by the Tramway Museum Society, purchased for just £10 in 1949, after the closing ceremony of the Southampton Corporation.[3][4]
- The steam tram engine John Bull has an intriguing past - it is rumoured to have fallen into the sea on its way from New South Wales to Manchester; it disappeared in Sydney; and re-surfaced in 1980.[5]
- Sheffield Tram No. 510, entered service in 1950 and was withdrawn, still almost brand-new, when the city's tram system closed in 1960. This tram has in fact now done more years at the museum than it did in Sheffield.[5]
- When made redundant, Blackpool Tram No. 166 was commandeered by the BBC, along with its sister No. 165, as an outside broadcast unit. Many seats were removed, and cameras and recording gear were mounted, to allow the illuminations to be filmed - the already congested promenade could not take any more traffic, ruling out conventional outside broadcast units.[5]
- Prague No. 180 had more press coverage than the rest of the fleet put together.[5] This is because when it was transported to Crich, it was running just ahead of the "Iron curtain" of communist occupation. It became a symbol of the plight of the country. It was restored by its original manufacturers, Tatra, who later made 902.
- The 1904 Chesterfield tramcar No.7 has had many adventures, and some great escapes! First, it survived a depot fire which destroyed many other trams. Then, it was used as a house by Mr. Eric Cocking - who had actually travelled to school in it. Finally, the museum found the tram, and now, after restoration, it lives happily amongst the operating fleet.[5]
- Similarly, recently restored Leeds 345 was withdrawn early due to rotten bodywork and used as a carpenters' tea shed at a Leeds depot. It was rescued by K. Terry, and for years sat at Crich. It was moved to an outside store, where later on a fire was started. When restored, parts of the lower deck ceiling were found to be singed.
- Sheffield 74 is in fact made of 3 trams. The top and bottom decks are from different Sheffield trams, and the truck from Leeds.
- London County Council 1622 was originally an open ended unrefurbished car, but was restored as an enclosed "rehab" car. Its bogies are ex Feltham.[6]
Southampton 45
Southampton 45 was built 1903 by Hurst Nelson as an open-top double-deck tram with a 3 windowed lower saloon. At some stage it was rebuilt with canopies and 4 saloon windows by the Southampton Corporation Tramways, however the exact date is unknown.[4]
This tram was the one that started the whole preservation movement, being bought by enthusiasts for just £10 in 1949.[3][4] However, there was no National Tramway Museum in 1949, and so the tram travelled the country staying at many locations, including Marton Depot in Blackpool, and the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire. Whilst it was at Beaulieu, Newcastle 102 was also there, and together they formed an open air display, before heading to Crich in 1960.
People often comment that the tram looks out of proportion: this is because it had to pass under the Mediaeval Bargate Arch in Southampton, and a normal tram wouldn't have fit under it without colliding. It also has knifeboard seating on the top deck for this reason.[4][5]
Southampton 45 still runs to this day, and is a popular fine-weather service car.[1]
London 106
LCCT 106 was built in April 1903, as one of 100 'B' Class Tramcars by the Electric Railway and Tramway Carriage Works, Preston, on behalf of Dick, Kerr and Company.[7]
106 was originally an open-topped tram with reversed stairs. There were 22 seats downstairs and a further 34 upstairs. The body is of a timber construction with steel strengthening. By 1906, the reversed stairs had been altered to direct ones, and in 1911 it was rebuilt with a fully enclosed top deck. It used the conduit style of pickup, with the skate underneath the centre of the truck, in its original state, before being converted to trolley pole when it became a snow broom.[7]
It was withdrawn from passenger service in 1925, and was converted into snowbroom No. 022 in 1927, by removing the top deck, fitting brushes under the platforms and increasing the power of the motors. It last saw active service in this state in April 1952.[7]
After escaping the scrapyard, 106 spent many years in storage,[7] and the London County Council Tramways Trust began its restoration in 1970,[7] at their Bonwell Street workshop in East London.[7] It took 13 years to return it to service, when it was launched at Crich Tramway Village on 15 May 1983, 80 years to the day after the opening of the London County Council electric tramway to Tooting.[3][7] The tram has since covered in excess of 10,000 miles (16,000 km) in passenger service.It has been restored to represent one of 8 B/4 class cars with an open top and trolley mast.[7] It is currently out of service awaiting overhaul.[1]
Leeds 180
Leeds 180 was built in 1931 by Brush, and is often referred to as either a Horsfield or Showboat tramcar (the latter due to the extraordinary amount of lighting on the tram).[3]
It is currently in a Red and White Livery, with various advertisements, and it is currently in operational condition after an overhaul in 2009.
Leeds 399
Leeds 399 was built at Leeds Kirkstall Works, and entered service in 1925.[3]
Leeds 399 was the second passenger tram to arrive at Crich (being superseded only by Cardiff 131 a works car, and Leeds 345), however it faced a lengthy restoration, returning only to service in 1991.[5] It is fitted with a trolley pole, without a rope, meaning that it can use trolley reversers at the termini. It is currently in the operational pool,[1] after undergoing remedial work to the exterior paintwork.[8]
Leeds 602
Leeds 602 is one of three experimental tramcars built for Leeds City Tramways, the others being Leeds 600, and Leeds 601. The tramcar is the only vehicle at Crich to use VAMBAC (Variable Automatic Multinotch Braking and Acceleration Control),[3] and one of only 4 in the country - 2 of which are at Blackpool, and the other being at the East Anglian Transport Museum.
It entered service on 1 June 1953,[3] and was built by Bus Manufacturer Charles H. Roe. Leeds 602 was withdrawn at the last ever "close of play" in 1957. The design of 602 owes a lot to the Glasgow Cunarders and Coronations, because the General Manager of Leeds at the time was A.B.Findlay, who did at one stage produce drawings of a single-decker Cunarder. Findlay used these ideas to build two identical prototypes (601 and 602), and Leeds 602 was fitted with VAMBAC equipment under the Bow Collector. In addition, all its fittings are electrical, making it a very complicated tram.[9][10]
602's service life was spent working the Hunslet Route around leeds - the blind for which can be seen in the picture - and it was here until the end of its working life, when it was acquired for preservation at the National Tramway Museum.[9][10] Leeds 601 was also preserved, but was destroyed soon after in an arson attack.
Once at Crich it was used in service between 1967 and 1972, before its first workshop attention in 1973. It saw further used in 1974-5, and returned to the workshop in 1977. It was back in the fleet for the 1979-80 seasons, before having a third bout of workshop attention in 1986. Following this it had a longer operational life in 1987-1995, but it was finally withdrawn due to the discovery of a leaking roof. It was resurrected on a limited-use basis for the Tramathon in 2003,[11] and then it was withdrawn to have attention to its leaky roof.[9] This was finally fixed, and a long-needed repaint was undertaken.[12] It returned for the Tramathon and Enthusiast's Day in 2005, and was used for 6 days in 2006.[10] One of which was the enthusiast's day, which allowed the opportunity to ride both a bus and tram built by Charles H. Roe.[13] The tram has not been used since,[1] and now languishes in the depot next to Halle 902.[10]
Complete list
Original System Car Number Status Livery Year Built Seats Notes Derby Corporation Tramways 1 On Display Green and Cream 1896 45 This tram has never run at Crich as it is to a non-standard (4 feet (1,219 mm)) gauge. It was used for crew training prior to the opening of the electrified system in Derby where it ran for 30 years. When Derby 1 was originally restored, it was done so on the standard gauge truck from the Blackpool "Gondola" illuminated car. When it was seen in Osmaston Road Depot in Derby, its wheels were in only one of the tram tracks. Douglas Head Marine Drive 1 On Display Crimson and Cream 1896 75 Originates from the Isle of Man and is the oldest tram at the museum equipped with a trolley pole. This tram is on long term loan from the Science Museum. Leamington and Warwick 1 Unrestored - 1881 ? This car is on display in the Exhibition Hall and is unrestored. London County Council Tramways 1 On Display Red and Cream 1932 66 Currently in a red livery, it gained the name Bluebird from its attractive and distinctive livery of royal blue and white. This livery can still be seen today after numerous repaints under the red. The LCCTT has set up a fund to restore this car. Blackpool and Fleetwood 2 Operational Brown and Cream 1898 56 This tram is often referred to "Rack 2" on account of its seating style. It is very similar to Blackpool 166, which was built several years later. It is also one of the ten original trams supplied to the Blackpool & Fleetwood coastal tramroad. It is the oldest operational electric tramcar at the Museum, and returned to Blackpool in 2010 for the 125th Anniversary of the tramway. Blackpool Electric Tramway Company 4 On Display Orange, Green and White 1885 32 This is the oldest electric tram at Crich and used the conduit method of current collection. It was converted to a works car with a trolley pole, and restored in the 1960s. To simulate conduit running, it was fitted with a new, home-built truck powered by lead acid batteries. It ran for the 50th anniversary of the TMS, though not carrying passengers. Blackpool 5 In Store Green and Cream 1972 ? Gateshead and District Tramways 5 On Display Crimson and Cream 1927 48 Built in 1927 for Gateshead and District Tramways, it was transferred to British Rail ownership in 1951 when the Gateshead Line closed and they were transferred to the Grimsby & Immingham Electric Railway, the same tramway that 14 originates from. Chesterfield Corporation Tramways 7 Operational Crimson and Yellow 1904 ? This Tramcar is one of twelve built by Brush for use in Chesterfield, originally an open-topper. It is a tram with many great escapes, being found as a cottage. Restored in the 1990s. Chesterfield Corporation Tramways 8 On Display Cream and Blue 1904 16 Tramcar No. 8 was one of the last horse trams built for normal passenger service. It is on long term loan from the Science Museum. Oporto 9 On Display Yellow, White and Red 1873 20 This trailer car from Portugal is the only vehicle in the collection which has been hauled by three different forms of traction: mules, steam and electricity. It is also the oldest tram in the collection. Hill of Howth 10 On Display Brown 1902 73 This tram operated on a short but scenic route north of Dublin and is the only Irish car in the collection at Crich. Grimsby and Immingham Light Railway 14 On Display Green 1915 72 When the Great Central Railway laid the Grimsby and Immingham Line, they needed some traction. This was the result. Sheffield Corporation Tramways 15 Operational Red and Cream 1874 16 Number 15 holds quite a special place in the Museum's Collection - it was the first tram to operate in 1963, before the overhead wires were functional. It is also the museum's sole operable horse tram, and operates only on the Edwardian Weekend once a year, with appropriate motive power. Cardiff Tramways 21 On Display Yellow ? ? This is a double deck horse car. It is on temporary loan to the Museum. Dundee and District Tramways 21 On Display Green and White 1894 66 This is a steam tram trailer, being towed instead of powered. Glasgow 22 Operational Orange, Crimson and Cream 1922 62 Built in 1922 and withdrawn from active service at the end of 1960. Operated nearly four thousand miles at the Glasgow Garden Festival in 1988. City and Royal Burgh of Edinburgh 35 On Display Madder and Cream 1948 62 This tram has operated in Edinburgh, Blackpool and Glasgow Garden Festival before being displayed at Crich. This tramcar was transferred to TMS ownership in June 2008. Blackpool and Fleetwood 40 On Loan to Blackpool tramway Teak and Cream 1914 44 This tram is currently on loan to Blackpool Transport, where it occasionally operates on the promenade. Blackpool Corporation Transport 40 Operational Red, White and Teak 1926 78 This was the last open balcony tram to operate in Great Britain, and sees regular service on the short Museum line. Southampton Corporation Tramways 45 Operational Red and White 1903 56 This tram was the very first tram to be acquired for the museum, and was bought for the very expensive (in those days) sum of £10. Sheffield Corporation Tramways 46 In Store Blue and Cream 1899 22 No. 46 was one of twelve single decker trams purchased for the opening of the electric tramways, before later being converted to a works car. It was moved into to store in 2003, along with Leeds 600 and Glasgow 1100. New South Wales Government (47) On Display Brown 1885 N/A Steam Tram "John Bull" was loaned to the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry in 2009 for an event celebrating the Anniversary of the first Beyer, Peacock steam locomotive. Blackpool Corporation Transport 49 On Display Green and Cream 1926 78 An enclosed Standard tramcar, in green and cream livery. Similar to 40. Gateshead and District Tramways 52 In Store ? 1920 32 This tramcar was one of the first cars acquired by the TMS. It is, however, fire damaged and its future at the museum is now not known. Blackpool Corporation Transport 59 In Store Red, White and Teak 1902 93 Called a "Dreadnought" car - last of its kind. Johannesburg 60 Operational Red and Cream 1905 62 This tram has bi-lingual signs in both Afrikaans and English, and was one of many built in the UK for export to all corners of the British Empire. It has also starred in many TV and Film productions. Paisley and District Tramways 68 On Display Red and Cream 1919 63 When the Glasgow Corporation took over Paisley's Tramway, this car gained an enclosed top and the number 1068 - but the Scottish Tramway Museum Society saved it and returned it to its former glory. When rebuilt at Glasgow it was given larger motors, which it retains. Withdrawn from Crich service in 2009. Sheffield Corporation Tramways 74 Operational Blue and Cream 1900 52 After being sold to Gateshead, where it ran in much modified form until that system closed, Sheffield 74's lower deck survived as a suburban garden shed in the town. During its restoration at Crich it was fitted with an Edwardian Sheffield top deck. Leicester City Tramways 76 On Display Brown and Cream 1904 56 This Tramcar was originally built as an open top car, but was fitted with a roof shortly after the First World War. A second rebuilding resulted in the car gaining a totally enclosed saloon on the top deck and vestibules on each platform. It was discovered on a farm near Snaith in Yorkshire, and has been restored to its 1920s condition. It was the first tram to be restored on site. Manchester, Bury, Rochdale and Oldham Steam Tramway 84 In Store ? 1886 N/A It is a Wilkinson Patent Vertical Boiler Steam tram built by Beyer Peacock in 1886, running until 1905 when it went to a foundry in Wigan until 1954. It has recently been given to the NTM from the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry. It is one of two Wilkinson Patent Vertical Steam Boilers, the other being "John Bull". Newcastle Corporation Tramways 102 On Display Black, Yellow and White 1901 84 This Tram has the second largest seating capacity at Crich, being beaten only by Blackpool 59, a very similar tram, and as a result was often seem taking Dockers to work in its home town. This tram was originally a single-decker, as can be seen with the cramped platforms where staircases were squashed in. London County Council Tramways 106 On Display Cream and Crimson 1903 57 The first tram restored by the LCCTT, this made its inaugural run at Crich exactly 80 years after its original line opened. Originally had conduit pickup. Now awaiting overhaul. Cardiff Corporation Tramways 131 Operational Red and White 1905 0 Purpose-built water carrier and rail grinder. The very first tram to arrive at Crich, it was restored to its former glory for the 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2009 and is now in use as a water car and as a driver training vehicle. Kingston-upon-Hull 132 On loan to Hull Museum of Transport ? 1910 62 - London United Tramways 159 Under Restoration Blue and White 1901 69 Restoration for this particular tramcar is being funded by the London County Council Tramways Trust. Blackpool Corporation Transport 166 Operational Red and White 1927 64 Known as a "toastrack" car, this was once used by the BBC as an outside broadcast vehicle. Given a slight repaint and underwent repairs in 2010/11. Nottingham Corporation Tramways 166 In Store ? 1920 ? The third Nottingham tram (others being 121 and 92) to be acquired by the Museum Blackpool Corporation Transport 167 Operational Green and Cream 1928 52 This was the first of 10 single deck cars built to operate the Blackpool and Fleetwood inter-urban tramway. Awaiting repairs to one bogie. Leeds City Transport 180 Operational Red and Cream 1931 60 These trams were known as "Showboats" or "Horsfield" when they first entered service. Returned to Crich service in 2010. Prague City Tramways 180 On Display Red and White 1905 24 Made a dramatic journey from Czechoslovakia just as Soviet Tanks and Warsaw Pact Troops were advancing to seal the border. Sheffield Corporation Tramways 189 On Display Blue and Cream 1934 61 This is the only surviving example of Sheffield's Standard Cars. Sheffield Transport Department 264 On Display Cream and Blue 1937 61 This is the only surviving example of the rebuilt Standard Cars, known as Dome roof cars. Oporto 273 On Display Ochre and White 1927 ? This tram represents the type of design used in countries with hot climates. The side windows can be slid into the roof, making the tram open sided and allowing the passengers greater comfort. The restoration of this tram was done with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and has received an award from the Heritage Railway Association. Blackpool Corporation Transport 298 Unrestored Green and Cream (when restored) 1937 ? Awaiting restoration when funds and workshop space allow. Sheffield Transport Department 330 On Display Blue 1919 N/A Originally a 4 ft (1.2 m) gauge Bradford double decker, bought by Sheffield during WW2 to replace bombed trams. Converted to water carrying car/rail grinder. Metropolitan Electric Tramways 331 Operational Red and White 1930 70 Feltham prototype, with centre entrance doors instead of end doors. This did not suit London's conduit system, so it was sold to Sunderland in 1936 to become No.100. Restored funded by British Steel, and appeared in a BS blue livery at Gateshead garden Festival in 1990. Known by enthusiasts and staff as MET 331, or by its original name of "Cissie". Leeds City Tramways 345 Under Overhaul Blue and White 1921 62 A Leeds enclosed double decker. Withdrawn early due to poor bodywork, was used as a carpenters tea shed at a Leeds depot. One of the first cars at Crich. Undergoing overhaul. Leeds City Tramways 399 Operational Brown, Yellow and White 1926 70 A Leeds "Hamilton Air-brake" car. The second tram to arrive at Crich, it underwent a lengthy restoration, returning to service only in 1990, and then repaired and returned again to service in 2011. Sheffield Transport Department 510 On Display Cream and Blue 1950 62 A Roberts car, believed to have done more mileage at Crich than in service. It carries a special "Last Tram" livery, and, along with its sister 513 at Lowestoft, took part in the farewell celebrations. It is due to enter the workshops for overhaul in 2012. Leeds Corporation Transport 600 In Store Red and White 1930 34 This car became one of three experimental cars in 1954. The others were 601 and 602. Leeds City Transport 602 On Display Purple and White 1953 34 One of three experimental tramcars, the others being 600 and 601. 602 is the only tramcar at the museum to use VAMBAC. It is identical to 601 with the exception of livery and control system, 601 using EP. 601 was preserved, but was destroyed in an Arson attack. New York 3rd Avenue Transit 674 On Display Cream and Red 1939 48 No. 674 is the only American tram in the collection at Crich. It was also sent to Vienna after World War 2. Blackpool Corporation Transport 717 Operational Green 1927 N/A Electric works locomotive. In regular use as a shunting vehicle. Glasgow Corporation Tramways 812 Operational Orange, Yellow and Brown 1900 59 Built in 1900 as an open top tram, 812 acquired a top cover with open balconies ten years later and platform vestibules within a further two years. Liverpool Corporation Passenger Transport 869 Limited Use - Driver Training Green and White 1936 78 869 was sold to Glasgow in 1954, withdrawn in 1960. It is often referred to as the "Green Goddess". Awaiting overhaul, though still used for driver training and the "Ultimate Driving Experience" Halle 902 On Display Red and Cream 1969 26 This tram is from Halle near Leipzig in East Germany. Acquired with the purpose of becoming a second Access Tram, but this proved impossible, so its fate is unknown. Glasgow Corporation Tramways 1100 In Store Orange, Green and Cream 1928 69 An attempt at modernising old trams to look like Glasgow's new streamliners (like 1282 and 1297), known as the Horrornation due to extreme ugliness. Unusually, it has EP controller but only 2 motors. Glasgow Corporation Tramways 1115 On Display Orange, Cream and Red 1929 68 Kilmarnock Bogie. The upgrade to 812. Den Haag 1147 On Display Cream and Green 1957 36 A European styled example of a USA design classic PCC (Presidents Conference Committee) car built under licence by La Brugeoise, Belgium in 1957. It is single ended, and its control gear was copied by the Tatra T3 type Trams. Glasgow Corporation Transport 1282 On Display Orange, Cream and Green 1940 64 A Glasgow "Coronation" streamliner, 1282 ran in the closing procession in 1962. Glasgow Corporation Transport 1297 On Display Orange, Cream and Green 1948 70 A Glasgow "Cunarder" streamliner, 1297 also ran in the closing procession in 1962. London Passenger Transport Board 1622 Operational Red and White 1912 73 Represents the "rehabilitated" E1 London trams of the 1930s. Berlin 3006 Under Overhaul Orange and White (soon to be Cream) 1969 16 + 4 Wheelchairs This is the museum's Access Tram and has been specially adapted to carry wheelchairs. It has been running at Crich most days of the season from 1997 until 2011, so a major overhaul was needed. Withdrawn and taken directly to the workshop in September 2011, it is hoped that it will return to service by Easter 2012 in a more fitting cream livery. London Tramways Co. ? In Store - c1985 ? The Curry Rivel Horse Car was transferred to Clay Cross in February 2005. References
- ^ a b c d e "British Trams Online Fleetlist". http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/crich.html.
- ^ "Transport Centre Fleetlist". http://www.transportcentre.co.uk/preserved_trams/ntm/the-tramcar-fleet.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Official Fleetlist". http://www.tramway.co.uk/smx/cms/tramfleet/.
- ^ a b c d "Southampton 45 Profile". http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/45.html.
- ^ a b c d e f g Crich Tramway Village Guidebook, 2003-2008 Edition. National Tramway Museum. 2003-2008.
- ^ "London 1622 Profile". http://www.lcctt.org.uk/1622.htm.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "London County Council Tramways Trust 106 profile". http://www.lcctt.org.uk/106.htm.
- ^ Bird, Peter; Shawcross, John (April 2008). "The Journal of the Tramway Museum Society". The Tramway Museum Society. pp. 60.
- ^ a b c "British Trams Online 602 Profile". http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/602.html.
- ^ a b c d "TrainSpottingWorld 602 Profile". http://train.spottingworld.com/Leeds_City_Tramways_VAMBAC_No._602.
- ^ "Tramathon 2003". http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/tramathon03.html.
- ^ "TMS Forum". http://tmscrich.iphpbb.com.
- ^ "Enthusiast's Day 2006 Report". http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/enthusiastsday06.html.
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