National Tramway Museum marks 50 years since closure of Glasgow Tramways...

National Tramway Museum marks 50 years since closure of Glasgow Tramways…

/ September 16, 2012 / 2 Comments / News
The National Tramway Museum at Crich held a weekend special event to mark 50 years since the closure of the enormous tramway system in Glasgow in 1962.  This was the last of the traditional systems to close (with the exception of Blackpool, though the resort also closed what might be termed the ‘traditional’ inland routes) but its late survival ensured that the embryonic Tramway Museum Society was in a position to save numerous examples from the extensive fleet, as well as those preserved by the Corporation itself and which now form the tramway collection in the Riverside Museum, Glasgow.
Stars of the show this weekend were Coronation car No.1282, which was recommissioned into service for two days only (it is on the waiting list for an extensive rebuild) and ex Paisley car No.68, which had been restored into its Glasgow Corporation livery and blue route decoration.  Glasgow had absorbed the Paisley fleet, so this is an accurate livery.
As well as the active fleet, a number of static cars were lined up for display during the day, an intensive service operated, which gave the bystander the opportunity to stand in one place and be passed by regular processions of Glasgow, Blackpool and ‘miscellaneous’ sets of trams.  Depot yard line ups were also arranged, a book sale held and works cars used on limited passenger service.
All in all it was an excellent event and one which seemed to be well attended.  Seeing a fleet-based theme was certainly impressive, and gives me some ideas for our own events at Beamish…
Below: One of the stars, Glasgow 1068, with Glasgow 22 behind.

Below: The other star, Glasgow Coronation 1282.  This car rides beautifully – and this is before the overhaul!  Many enthusiasts were very grateful for the opportunity to ride this particular tram and it was popular all day!

Below: Another boat!  No.236 is seen heading under the Bowes-Lyon bridge.  Note the bunting – a very attractive feature and a reminder that 233 at Beamish was mooted for refitting of its lighting strings at some point in the future.

Below: The absolutely stunning LUT No.159 – recently restored and a superb project completed.

Below: A Glasgow line up – 1115, 812, 22 and 1068.  Note the coloured decency panels – a means of determining different routes for those in Glasgow who could not read, but a also a useful ‘at a glance’ way of spotting the right tram.

Below: Southampton 45 featured as one of the ‘misc’ trams in operation.

Below: Blackpool 167 was in service following repairs to one of its bearings.

Below: London 1822 appeared…

Below: … and led this impressive queue waiting to turn at Stephenson Place.  Nearest the camera is works car Cardiff 131.

Below: A tram I have never seen in daylight before – New York 674 – this is a big tram!

Below: The Blackpool electric locomotive was kept very busy arranging line ups as well as venturing up the line at  the end of the day.

Below: Berlin 3006 has been outshopped in an alternative livery and continues to act as the accessible tram for visitors.

Below: Met 331, or perhaps we should refer to it as Sunderland 100 (for it operated in Wearside) outside the Red Lion pub.

Below: Further scenes from the afternoon…

Below: And finally… A reminder that G&I 26 is not the only tram in BR green – here is No.14 inside the depot with the Leeds tower wagon beyond.

So all in all a very good weekend, and an good opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.  The autumn is looking good for tram enthusiasts – hopefully 304 will settle in for its brief stay at Beamish and then there are always the heritage tours in Blackpool if you feel in need of a longer blast at the seaside!