22nd June 2009

I called in at Taylor Street depot on the Birkenhead Tramway, home of the Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society, yesterday. This is a lovely tramway, running between the depot and Woodside Ferry Terminal, partly on the public highway and partly on reserved track.

A nucleus of local trams has been restored for use on the tramway, supported by a Lisbon tram and two Hong Kong built cars, built specifically for this tramway.

Below: On the left is one of the Hong Kong cars, on the right is the imposing Liverpool 762. Both are parked in the tramway area of the Taylor Street depot.

Below: The current restoration project underway is Warrington 2, the lower deck seen here.

Below: On the left is Wallesey 78, lifted off its wheelsets to enable these to be reprofiled – much akin to our work on Sunderland 16. On the right is Liverpool ‘Baby Grand’ 245, on loan from Liverpool Museums and currently subject to an HLF bid for its restoration to working order.

Below: Liverpool horse tram 43 in the road vehicle display gallery. I have a growing interest in horse trams and particularly with regard to a former Newcastle car which we are considering as a future restoration prospect.

Below: Another view of Liverpool 245.

Below: A recreated garage display inside the depot.