On Saturday I was at the East Anglian Transport Museum in Carlton Colville near Lowestoft, home of Blackpool 11 which recently visited us and the current base of our own Sheffield 513 and Newcastle trolleybus 501. The occasion was the trolleybus weekend which saw the launch of their Newcastle 628. The Newcastle system closed in 1966 and the last time two NCT vehicles of this type are believed to have met is 1965, so having 501 and 628 together made for a very exciting occasion! One feature of the event is the operation until 9pm on the Saturday evening, meaning that the vehicles could be seen in the dark (if that isn’t a contradiction in terms!). Here is a selection of photos of the event, starting with a view of Blackpool 11 emerging from the woodland section of tramway and onto the street.

Below: An Armstrong Whitworth steam roller, called Stormer, was in steam and is one of two residents at the EATM. On the right is an ex Lowestoft Council Aveling. To the left is the roadmaking exhibition hall, some interior views of which follow this one.

Below: Resident trolleybuses were on display when not in operation on the circuit.

Below: Here was the moment many were waiting for – 628 leads 501 along the street and past the tram depot.

Below: Blackpool 11 heads up the street after leaving the woods. The buildings to the left house the trolleybuses on the site.

Below: 11 and Blackpool 159, a Standard car. 501 to the right.

Below: 159 seen at the woodland terminus.

Below: On the other side of the depot is a parallel street complete with various items of street furniture, being passed by this ex Derby trolleybus.

Below: In the evening Sheffield 513 was brought into service for the nocturnal shuttles.

Below: 513 and the moon! Also a number of views taken at a rather brutal iso of 1600 showing the various movements and operations around the site.

This is a superb museum and collection and is well worth visiting. There are some exciting plans for events in 2012 so it is worth looking out for these on the EATM website. 501 will remain there until April, 513 for much longer. My thanks to all of the folks at Carlton Colville who made me so welcome and have clearly taken so much delight in having two items from the Beamish collection to operate!