Beamish Museum trams back in business
First passengers in 18 months for County Durham museum’s tramway.
A LIMITED tram service resumed at Beamish Museum on September 4, with the system carrying its first passengers since March 2020.
As reported in last month’s RM, following the prolonged period out of use, the trams required examination and electrical testing and drivers needed refresher training. Infrastructure was also in need of repairs.
Initially, only one tram will be in use, working between Foulbridge and the eastern end of the town.
During the autumn, the museum hopes to start running once again into High Street, but says this will be dependent on resolving issues including queues of visitors waiting to enter the Sun Inn and sweet shop on the north side of the road.
Overhauls
In addition to driver and vehicle assessments, some permanent way work has now been completed. The refitting of motors to Newcastle 114, a task postponed since March last year, is due to take place and work on the overhaul of Gateshead 10 is also proceeding at the depot. Work on its trucks is expected to be completed without the need for much input from external contractors. Its bogies have been temporarily reassembled in order to determine measurements for the hornguide faces.
It is planned to return No. 10 to service in Gateshead & District Tramways livery, initially without advertisements. The aim is for No. 10 to be back in service in time for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Beamish tramway in 2023.