Tram repairs progress at Beamish

THE replacement of resistance grids on Blackpool No. 31 has proved to be less expensive than originally expected.

Its failure, reported in September’s The RM, added to pressures on tram availability at Beamish Museum during the summer school holidays following the temporary withdrawal of Sheffield No. 264 in May after sustaining a damaged motor.

Components from No. 31 were sent away for renewal to a specialist contractor, which can trace its roots back to the original manufacturer of the tram’s resistance box.

Fleet

The museum is considering using a greater variety of vehicles in a typical week, not only to give more visitor interest, but also to help manage wear and tear. It has concluded that ideally another operational tram is needed to provide contingency.

Work on body repairs and repainting is progressing on Gateshead No. 10. The museum has been in touch with contractors regarding the fitting of safety glass to forward-facing windows and the lamination of side windows. The tram’s doors are about to be prepared for fitting, glazing and varnishing. Bogie springs have been deflection tested.

It is intended to return it to service in pre-Second World War livery and the restoration team will experiment first of all with very dark blue paint to try to achieve the correct appearance for the lower side panelling.