LUT 159

LUT 159 suffered a minor failure towards the end of today's launch. Unfortunately, as a result of this it is unlikely that the car will be operating in passenger service for the London 60 event. Although - weather permitting - the car should be on display subject to some early morning tinkering. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

60 Years since the Last London Tram

Today marks 60 years to the day that the last tram ran in London.

Join us to commemorate this anniversary on  Saturday 7th July for the launch of LUT 159 and Sunday 8th July for our London 60 event.

We are also holding a book sale in the Exhibition Hall on Sunday 8th July where surplus books will be on sale from the library. See if you can complete your collection!

Photographs of London Trams taken in 1929.

Finishing touches to LUT 159

The final coats of varnish going on to LUT 159 ready for its official launch on Saturday 7th July

Leeds 345

Here is a photograph taken in the Workshop of Chris and Dave working on Leeds 345 motor suspension bearings.

Paisley 68/ Glasgow 1068

As part of the celebration to mark 50 Years since Glasgow tramways closed, the Museum is pleased to acknowledge sponsorship from Scottish Tramway and Transport Society to enable us to show the car as Glasgow 1068.

London 159 Launch

Here are some photographs of London 159 on a test run on Saturday 9th June. The official launch date for London 159 will be on Saturday 7th July. Please see website for further details.

Photographs supplied by Peter Whiteley

Launch of Blackpool 'Luxury Toastrack' 236 on Sunday 3rd June 2012

On Sunday 3rd June 2012 Blackpool 'luxury Toastrack' 236 was launched into public service. The event took place in heavy rain with all participants getting thoroughly soaked.

The day started with an impressive line up of Blackpool tramcars in front of the depot.

Blackpool 236 followed by Blackpool 630 making its way past a Blackpool motor bus on its way to the launch ceremony.

 

Miss Daphne Luff (daughter of Walter Luff, the Blackpool General Manager who introduced the 'Luxury Toastrack' cars in 1934), together with TMS President Chris Thornburn breaking a stick of Blackpool rock across the coupler of the car to ceremonially inaugurate the car in to public service.

Blackpool 236 pauses at Wakebridge during a very wet inaugural run to Glory Mine.

In the 'dry' of the Workshop, TMS Chairman Colin Heaton presents Daphne Luff with a photo of Blackpool 236 in service at Starr Gate during the 1950's, with TMS President Chris Thornburn looking on.

 

All images courtesy Mike Crabtree

Flashback to 1985

A flashback to the first ever test run of Blackpool 'Boat' 607 on the car's first visit to the Museum in 1985. Pictured here on a very cold but sunny March evening.

This coming Sunday 3rd June 2012, some 27 years later than it's first ever test run at the Museum, the car now restored as Blackpool 'Luxury Toastrack' 236 will be launched into public service following a ceremony at 11.30 am at Stephenson Place.

Photos courtesy of Mike Crabtree

Luxury Toastrack 236

On Sunday 3rd June 2012 the Blackpool 'Luxury Toastrack' 236 will be launched in to public service

In support of what promises to be a memorable occasion there will be a photo line up of Blackpool trams on the depot fan from 9.00 am onwards and at 10.30 am there will be a cavalcade of Blackpool trams in the Museum street.

The last photo line up and cavalcade of Blackpool trams took place in September 2008 so here a couple views of that event to whet your appetite for the this coming Sunday's event.

Photos courtesy: Mike Crabtree

Ready to Launch

The Blackpool Boat Car has been decorated ready for its launch on Sunday 3rd June and the Queens Diamond Jubilee celebration this Bank Holiday Weekend.