Here are a few more photos of G&I 26.  As mentioned before in the blog, the distinctive headlights are in production and should be fitted next week.  Meanwhile, I’ve turned my thoughts to researching the future repaint where 10 (or is it 26?!) will regain its Gateshead livery.  Study of photographs reveals that a number of possibilities and variations of livery are possible.  I think it is highly likely we will see 10 initially reappear in 1920s condition, sans roof adverts and the very prominent ‘Front Exit’ signs.  The tram in this guise will look quite different and really quite striking.  However, after a while, and probably in time for the 2013 PftP event, roof boards (complete with authentic adverts, Numol being my current favourite) will reappear, along with the Front Exit signs.  Thus we get a chance to see 10 in an additional style, before regaining the familiar 1930s style livery, as previously carried but with adverts based on current research.  These will probably be a little simpler than the Newcastle Brown Ale and Binns signs carried before – there being little evidence for the former and the latter was generally carried on front and rear boards rather than the angled ‘quarter’ boards which were painted a dark blue (almost black) and more often than not left plain.  So, more variation to look forward to even when 10 appears at next April’s tramway anniversary celebrations, titled ‘Our friends – Electric’ and hopefully featuring an exciting collection of visiting tramcars, exhibition and publications – more on this will be revealed in the autumn…

Meanwhile, here are some photos of 26 in ordinary service on what proved to be a very warm day.

Below: With the Y7 985 being away, and with us currently operating a truncated service, AW No.2 has been in operation on the weekend passenger train, coupled to the NER luggage composite, which has drawn much favourable comment.  The coach will be overhauled in 2013, and receive a full repaint as well as regain its correct identity, No.3071.  It is also planned to overhaul and repaint the Duke of Sutherland saloon No.58A, which will provide, I hope, capacity for carrying wheelchairs within the train.  With the imminent completion of the Forcett coach and recent overhaul of the Waggonway train, the railway coaches collection will be greatly enhanced in the next two years – in plenty of time to be used with Dunrobin…