Tramcars of the National Tramway Museum

The National Tramway Museum in Crich, Derbyshire, has a very large and diverse fleet of heritage tramcars, and aims to illustrate the complete development of the traditional British Tramcar. Where it isn't possible to show this, tramcars from places as far away as Berlin, Den Haag, Douglas, Halle, Howth, Johannesburg, New York, Oporto, Prague and Sydney have been acquired to show this. The majority of the trams at Crich are double-deck trams built between 1900 and 1930, and several have open tops. There are a few trams in the collection that were built after WWII, and these give an idea of how the British Tram Industry may have developed if services had not declined.
Unfortunately, only about of these beautiful vehicles are currently in operational condition, and there are many more on display and being restored.
Every operating day, the museum selects between two and four trams and operates them over its line to Glory Mine, via Wakebridge. In addition, there is a 1969 Berlin Tram that has been converted into an "Access Tram", which allows the less able to travel over the line.
Southampton 45 was the very first tramcar to be preserved by the Tramway Museum Society, purchased for just £10 in 1949, after the closing ceremony of the Southampton Corporation.
*The steam tram engine John Bull has an intriguing past - it is rumoured to have fallen into the sea on its way from New South Wales to Manchester; it disappeared in Sydney; and re-surfaced in 1980.
*Sheffield Tram No. 510, entered service in 1950 and was withdrawn, still almost brand-new, when the city's tram system closed in 1960. This tram has in fact now done more years at the museum than it did in Sheffield.
*When made redundant, Blackpool Tram No. 166 was commandeered by the BBC, along with its sister No. 165, as an outside broadcast unit. Many seats were removed, and cameras and recording gear were mounted, to allow the illuminations to be filmed - the already congested promenade could not take any more traffic, ruling out conventional outside broadcast units.
*Prague No. 180 had more press coverage than the rest of the fleet put together. This is because when it was transported to Crich, it was running just ahead of the "Iron curtain" of communist occupation. It became a symbol of the plight of the country. It was restored by its original manufacturers, Tatra, who later made 902.
*The 1904 Chesterfield tramcar No.7 has had many adventures, and some great escapes! First, it survived a depot fire which destroyed many other trams. Then, it was used as a house by Mr. Eric Cocking - who had actually travelled to school in it. Finally, the museum found the tram, and now, after restoration, it lives happily amongst the operating fleet.
*Similarly, recently restored Leeds 345 was withdrawn early due to rotten bodywork and used as a carpenters' tea shed at a Leeds depot. It was rescued by K. Terry, and for years sat at Crich. It was moved to an outside store, where later on a fire was started. When restored, parts of the lower deck ceiling were found to be singed.
*Sheffield 74 is in fact made of 3 trams. The top and bottom decks are from different Sheffield trams, and the truck from Leeds.
*London County Council 1622 was originally an open ended unrefurbished car, but was restored as an enclosed "rehab" car. Its bogies are ex Feltham.
==Southampton 45==
Southampton 45 was built 1903 by Hurst Nelson as an open-top double-deck tram with a 3 windowed lower saloon. At some stage it was rebuilt with canopies and 4 saloon windows by the Southampton Corporation Tramways, however the exact date is unknown. 
This tram was the one that started the whole preservation movement, being bought by enthusiasts for just £10 in 1949. However, there was no National Tramway Museum in 1949, and so the tram travelled the country staying at many locations, including Marton Depot in Blackpool, and the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire. Whilst it was at Beaulieu, Newcastle 102 was also there, and together they formed an open air display, before heading to Crich in 1960.
People often comment that the tram looks out of proportion: this is due to the fact that it had to pass under the Mediaeval Bargate Arch in Southampton, and a normal tram wouldn't have fit under it without colliding. It also has knifeboard seating on the top deck for this reason.
Southampton 45 still runs to this day, and is a popular fine-weather service car.
==London 106==
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LCCT 106 was built in April 1903, as one of 100 'B' Class Tramcars by the Electric Railway and Tramway Carriage Works, Preston, on behalf of Dick, Kerr and Company. 
106 was originally an open-topped tram with reversed stairs. There were 22 seats downstairs and a further 34 upstairs. The body is of a timber construction with steel strengthening. By 1906, the reversed stairs had been altered to direct ones, and in 1911 it was rebuilt with a fully-enclosed top deck. It used the conduit style of pickup, with the skate underneath the centre of the truck, in its original state, before being converted to trolley pole when it became a snow broom. 
It was withdrawn from passenger service in 1925, and was converted into snowbroom No. 022 in 1927, by removing the top deck, fitting brushes under the platforms and increasing the power of the motors. It last saw active service in this state in April 1952.
After escaping the scrapyard, 106 spent many years in storage, and the London County Council Tramways Trust began its restoration in 1970, at their Bonwell Street workshop in East London. It took 13 years to return it to service, when it was launched at Crich Tramway Village on the 15th May 1983, 80 years to the day after the opening of the London County Council electric tramway to Tooting. The tram has since covered in excess of in passenger service.It has been restored to represent one of 8 B/4 class cars with an open top and trolley mast. It is currently out of service following "wheel-rail interface" problems..
==Leeds 180== 
Leeds 180 was built in 1931 by BRUSH, and is often referred to as either Horsfield or Showboat.
It is currently in a Red and White Livery, with various advertisements.
On Tuesday, the 11th of February, Leeds 180 was withdrawn from service with electrical problems. It was revealed on February 19th that a complete rebuild of the resistance box is necessary. As of February 23rd, the tramcar is back in service, in series only.
 
==Leeds 399== 
Leeds 399 was built at Leeds Kirkstall Works, and entered service in 1925.
Leeds 399 was the second passenger tram to arrive at Crich (being superseded only by Cardiff 131 a works car, and Leeds 345), however it faced a lengthy restoration, returning only to service in 1991. It is fitted with a trolley pole, without a rope, meaning that it can use trolley reversers at the terminii. It is currently in the operational pool,, after undergoing remedial work to the exterior paintwork.
==Leeds 602==
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Leeds 602 is one of three experimental tramcars built for Leeds City Tramways, the others being Leeds 600, and Leeds 601. The tramcar is the only vehicle at Crich to use VAMBAC (Variable Automatic Multinotch Braking and Acceleration Control), and one of only 4 in the country - 2 of which are at Blackpool, and the other being at the East Anglian Transport Museum.
It entered service on the 1st June 1953, and was built by Bus Manufacturer Charles H. Roe. Leeds 602 was withdrawn at the last ever "close of play" in 1957. The design of 602 owes a lot to the Glasgow Cunarders and Coronations, due to the fact that the General Manager of Leeds at the time was A.B.Findlay, who did at one stage produce drawings of a single-decker Cunarder. Findlay used these ideas to build two identical prototypes (601 and 602), and Leeds 602 was fitted with VAMBAC equipment under the Bow Collector. In addition, all its fittings are electrical, making it a very complicated tram.
602's service life was spent working the Hunslet Route around leeds - the blind for which can be seen in the picture - and it was here until the end of its working life, when it was acquired for preservation at the National Tramway Museum. Leeds 601 was also preserved, but was destroyed soon after in an arson attack.
Once at Crich it was used in service between 1967 and 1972, before its first workshop attention in 1973. It saw further used in 1974-5, and returned to the workshop in 1977. It was back in the fleet for the 1979-80 seasons, before having a third bout of workshop attention in 1986. Following this it had a longer operational life in 1987-1995, but it was finally withdrawn due to the discovery of a leaking roof. It was resurrected on a limited-use basis for the Tramathon in 2003 , and then it was withdrawn to have attention to its leaky roof. This was finally fixed, and a long-needed repaint was undertaken. It returned for the Tramathon and Enthusiast's Day in 2005, and was used for 6 days in 2006. One of which was the enthusiast's day, which allowed the oppurtunity to ride both a bus and tram built by Charles H. Roe. The tram has not been used since, and now languishes in the depot next to Halle 902.
 
==Complete list==
Original System 	Car Number 	Status 	Livery 	Year Built	Seats 	Notes
Derby Corporation Tramways 	1 	On Display 	Green with Cream on the side of the Upper Deck and just above the wheels 	1896 	45 	This tram has never run at Crich as it is to a non-standard () gauge. It was used for crew training prior to the opening of the electrified system in Derby where it ran for 30 years. When Derby 1 was originally restored, it was done so on the standard gauge truck from the Blackpool "Gondola" illuminated car. When it was seen in Osmaston Road Depot in Derby, it's wheels were in only one of the tram tracks.
Douglas Head Marine Drive 	1 	On Display 	Crimson and Cream 	1896 	75 	Originates from the Isle of Man and is the oldest tram at the museum equipped with a trolley pole. This tram is on loan from the Science Museum. Enthusiasts often refer to it as DHMD 1, to save the mouthful that would otherwise be said!
Leamington and Warwick 	1 	Unrestored 	- 	1881 	? 	This car is on display in the Exhibition Hall and is unrestored.
London County Council Tramways 	1 	On Display 	Red with Cream bands around the window. Paintwork flaking in places showing original Blueg livery.	1932 	66 	Currently in a red livery, it gained the name Bluebird from its attractive and distinctive livery of royal blue and white. This livery can still be seen today after numerous repaints under the red. The LCCTT has set up a fund to restore this car.
Blackpool and Fleetwood 	2 	Out of Service 	Brown and Cream 	1898 	56 	This tram is often referred to "Rack 2" on account of its seating style. It is very similar to Blackpool 166, which was built several years later. It is also one of the ten original trams supplied to the Blackpool & Fleetwood coastal tramroad
Blackpool Electric Tramway Company 	4 	On Display 	Orange, Green and White 	1885 	32 	This is the oldest electric tram at Crich and used the conduit method of current collection. It was converted to a works car with a trolley pole, and restored in the 1960's. To simulate conduit running, it was fitted with a new, home-built truck powered by lead acid batteries. It ran for the 50th anniversary, though not carrying passengers. It is often referred to as "Conduit 4"
Blackpool 	5 	In Store 	Green and Cream 	1972 	? 	This tram is one of the possible candidates to be turned into AccessTram 2
Gateshead and District Tramways 	5 	Out of Service 	Crimson and Cream 	1927 	48 	Built in 1927 for Gateshead and District Tramways, it was transferred to British Rail]] ownership in 1951 when the Gateshead Line closed and they were transferred to the Grimsby & Immingham Electric Railway, the same tramway that 14 originates from.
Chesterfield Corporation Tramways 	7 	Operational 	Crimson and Yellow 	1904 	? 	This Tramcar is one of twelve built by BRUSH for use in Chesterfield. It is a tram with many great escapes, being found as a cottage.
Chesterfield Corporation Tramways 	8 	On Display 	Cream and Blue 	1904 	16 	Tramcar No. 8 was one of the last horse trams built for normal passenger service. It is on loan from the Science Museum
Oporto 	9 	On Display 	Yellow, White and Red 	1873 	20 	This trailer car from Portugal is the only vehicle in the collection which has been hauled by three different forms of traction: mules, steam and electricity. It is also the oldest tram in the collection.
Hill of Howth 	10 	On Display 	Brown 	1902 	73 	This tram operated on a short but scenic route north of Dublin and is the only Irish car in the collection at Crich. This tram was also one of the stars of the 2006 Enthusiast's Day, and also the first time it had been outside in 15 years. Hopefully it will be less than that until the next time it appears!
Grimsby and Immingham Light Railway 	14 	On Display 	Green 	1915 	72 	When the Great Central Railway laid the Grimsby and Immingham Line, they needed some traction. This was the result. This tram is one of three trams being considered to be AccessTram 2.
Sheffield Corporation Tramways 	15 	Out of Service 	Red and Cream 	1874 	16 	Number 15 holds quite a special place in the Museum's Collection - it was the first tram to operate in 1963, before the overhead wires were functional. It is also the museum's sole operable horse tram.
Dundee and District Tramways 	21 	On Display 	Green and White 	1894 	66 	This is a Steam Tram Trailer, being towed instead of powered.
Glasgow 	22 	Operational 	Orange, Crimson and Cream 	1922 	62 	Built in 1922 and withdrawn from active service at the end of 1960, No.22 operated nearly four thousand miles at the Glasgow Garden Festival in 1988.
City and Royal Burgh of Edinburgh 	35 	On Display 	Crimson and Cream 	1948 	62 	This tram has operated in Edinburgh, Blackpool and Glasgow Garden Festival before being displayed at Crich. The ownership of this tramcar is under debate: Edinburgh want it to go to the TMS, the TMS want it, but the people want Edinburgh to keep it AND for it to return to Edinburgh.
Blackpool and Fleetwood 	40 	On Loan to Blackpool tramway 	Varnished Woodwork and Cream 	1914 	44 	This tram is currently on loan to Blackpool Transport, where it regularly operates on the promenade. It is hoped that it will return to Crich one day soon, if just for a brief visit. It also often referred to as "Boxcar 40" because of its square, box-like shape.
Blackpool Corporation Transport 	40 	Under Overhaul 	Red, White and Teak 	1926 	78 	This was the last open balcony tram to operate in Great Britain. It is currently in the workshop undergoing attention.
Southampton Corporation Tramways 	45 	Operational 	Red and White 	1903 	56 	This tram was the very first tram to be acquired for the museum, and was bought for the very expensive (in those days) sum of £10. More about the Southampton Corporation can be found here.
Sheffield Corporation Tramways 	46 	In Store 	Blue and Cream 	1899 	22 	No. 46 was one of twelve single decker trams purchased for the opening of the electric tramways, before later being converted to a works car. It was moved into to store in 2003, along with Leeds 600 and Glasgow 1100.
New South Wales Government 	(47) 	On Display 	Brown 	1885 	N/A 	-
Blackpool Corporation Transport 	49 	On Display 	Green and Cream 	1926 	78 	This Tram represents the full development of the Blackpool Trams, now with closed balconies, instead of open balconies only 9 Trams earlier (Number 40).
Gateshead and District Tramways 	52 	In Store 	? 	1920 	32 	This tramcar was one of the first cars acquired by the TMS. It is, however, fire damaged and its future at the museum is now not known.
Blackpool Corporation Transport 	59 	In Store 	Red, White and Teak 	1902 	93 	-
Johannesburg 	60 	Operational 	Red and Cream 	1905 	62 	This tram has bi-lingual signs in both Afrikaans and English, and was one of many built in the UK for export to all corners of the British Empire. It has also starred in many TV and Film productions.
Paisley and District Tramways 	68 	Out of Service 	Red and Cream 	1919 	63 	When the Glasgow Corporation took over Paisley's Tramway, this car gained an enclosed top and the number 1068 - but the Scottish Tramway Museum Society saved it and returned it to its former glory! When rebuilt at Glasgow it was given larger motors, which it retains
Sheffield Corporation Tramways 	74 	Operational 	Blue and Cream 	1900 	52 	After being sold to Gateshead, where it ran in much modified form until that system closed, Sheffield 74's lower deck survived as a suburban garden shed in the town. During its restoration at Crich it was fitted with an Edwardian Sheffield top deck.
Leicester City Tramways 	76 	On Display 	Brown and Cream 	1904 	56 	This Tramcar was originally built as an open top car, but was fitted with a roof shortly after the First World War. A second rebuilding resulted in the car gaining a totally enclosed saloon on the top deck and vestibules on each platform. It was discovered on a farm near Snaith in Yorkshire, and has been restored to its 1920s condition
Manchester, Bury, Rochdale and Oldham Steam Tramway	86 	In Store 	? 	1886 	N/A 	It is a Wilkinson Patent Vertical Boiler Steam tram built by Beyer Peacock in 1886, running until 1905 when it went to a foundry in Wigan until 1954. It has recently been given to the the NTM from the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry. It is one of two Wilkinson Patent Vertical Steam Boilers, the other being "John Bull". It is often referred to as MBRO 86 for ease of speech!
Newcastle Corporation Tramways 	102 	On Display 	Black, Yellow and White 	1901 	84 	This Tram has the second largest seating capacity at Crich, being beaten only by Blackpool 59, a very similar tram, and as a result was often seem taking Dockers to work in its home town. This tram was originally a single-Decker
London County Council Tramways 	106 	Out of Service 	Cream and Crimson 	1903 	57 	The first tram restored by the LCCTT, this made its inaugural run at Crich exactly 80 years after its original line opened! Originally had conduit pickup.
Cardiff Corporation Tramways 	131 	Under Restoration 	? 	1905 	N/A 	This Tramcar is a works Car that was used as a water-carrier. It is planned to be the next tram that is restored. The last surviving Cardiff tram.
Kingston-upon-Hull 	132 	On loan to Hull Museum of Transport 	? 	1910 	62 	-
London United Tramways 	159 	Under Restoration 	? 	1901 	69 	Restoration for this particular tramcar is being funded by the London County Council Tramways Trust. This trust was originally set up to help restore Number 106, above. It completed this objective, and has since also restored London Tram Number 1622
Blackpool Corporation Transport 	166 	Under Overhaul 	Red and White 	1927 	64 	Known as a "toastrack" car, this was once used by the BBC as an outside broadcast vehicle. It is planned to return it to service on 2008 by finally repairing the wiring. It will be a welcome return as it is always a popular fine weather car!
Nottingham 	166 	In Store 	? 	? 	? 	The third Nottingham tram (others being 121 and 92) to be acquired by the Museum
Blackpool Corporation Transport 	167 	Operational 	Green and Cream 	1928 	52 	This was the first of 10 single deck cars built to operate the Blackpool and Fleetwood inter-urban tramway
Leeds City Transport 	180 	Operational 	Red and Cream 	1931 	60 	These trams were known as "Showboats" or "Horsfield" when they first entered service.
Prague City Tramways 	180 	On Display 	Red and White 	1905 	24 	An early tram, with an amazing history! As well as what is noted in the "Trivia" section, it also made a dramatic escape from Czechoslovakia just as Soviet Tanks and Warsaw Pact Troops were advancing to seal the border...
Sheffield Corporation Tramways 	189 	On Display 	Blue and Cream 	1934 	61 	This is the only surviving example of Sheffield's Standard Cars. It made an unexpected appearance into Daylight at the 2007 Enthusiast's Day, and was expected to move down next to 264 which was on the spare track at Town End for photos. It was decided against however, due to MET 331 being stabled there.
Sheffield Transport Department 	264 	On Display 	Cream and Blue 	1937 	61 	This is the only surviving example of the rebuilt Standard Cars, known as Dome roof cars. It made a surprise appearance at the 2007 Enthusiast's Day, being the star of the show!
Oporto 	273 	Out of Service 	Ochre and White 	1927 	? 	This tram represents the type of design used in countries with hot climates. The side windows can be slid into the roof, making the tram open sided and allowing the passengers greater comfort. The restoration of this tram was done with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and has received an award from the Heritage Railway Association.
Blackpool Corporation Transport 	298 	Unrestored 	? 	1937 	? 	-
Sheffield Transport Department 	330 	Works Car 	? 	1919 	N/A 	Originally a gauge Bradford double decker, bought by Sheffield during WW2 to replace bombed trams. Converted to water carrying car/rail grinder. Currently Out of Service following an incident with #Leeds 180.
Metropolitan Electric Tramways 	331 	Awaiting Overhaul 	Red and White 	1930 	70 	Feltham prototype, with centre entrance doors instead of end doors. This didn't suit London's conduit system, so it was sold to Sunderland to become No.100. Restored funded by British Steel, and appeared in a BS blue livery at Gateshead garden Festival in 1990. Known by enthusiasts and staff as MET 331.
Leeds City Tramways 	345 	Operational 	Blue and White 	1921 	62 	A Leeds enclosed double decker. Withdrawn early due to poor bodywork, was used as a carpenters tea shed at a Leeds depot. One of the first cars at Crich, most recently restored tram. Provides a good alternative to the usual Leeds Colour Schemes - and the other normal schemes at Crich! (Red!)
Leeds City Tramways 	399 	Operational 	Brown, Yellow and White 	1926 	70 	A Leeds "Hamilton Air-brake" car. The second Tram to arrive at Crich, it underwent a lengthy restoration, returning to service only in 1990.
Sheffield Transport Department 	510 	Awaiting Overhaul 	Cream and Blue 	1950 	62 	A Roberts car, believed to have done more mileage at Crich than in service. It carries a special "Last Tram" livery, and, along with its sister 513 at Blackpool, took part in the farewell celebrations.
Leeds Corporation Transport 	600 	In Store 	Red and White 	1930 	34 	This car became one of three experimental cars in 1954. The others were 601 and 602.
Leeds City Transport 	602 	On Display 	Purple and White 	1953 	34 	One of three experimental tramcars, the others being 600 and 601. 602 is the only tramcar at the museum to use VAMBAC. It is identical to 601 with the exception of livery and control system, 601 using EP. 601 was preserved, but was destroyed in an Arson attack. 602 was originally withdrawn in 1995 due to a leaky roof, but was resurrected in 2003 for the Tramathon. It then disappeared again, but in 2005 returned once again for the Tramathon, TMS 50th Anniversary and the Enthusiast's Day. It has now however been removed from service again as the leaky roof is persisting.
New York 3rd Avenue Transit 	674 	On Display 	Cream and Red 	1939 	48 	No. 674 is the only American tram in the collection at Crich. It was also sent to Vienna after World War 2.
Manchester 	765 	On Loan to Manchester Transport Museum Society	? 	1914 	62 	-
Glasgow Corporation Tramways 	812 	Operational 	Orange, Yellow and Brown 	1900 	59 	Built in 1900 as an open top tram, 812 acquired a top cover with open balconies ten years later and platform vestibules within a further two years.
Liverpool Corporation Passenger Transport 	869 	Operational 	Green and White 	1936 	78 	869 was sold to Glasgow in 1954, withdrawn in 1960. It is often referred to as the "Green Goddess".
:c:wikia:trams:Halle 	:c:wikia:trams:902	On Display 	Red and Cream 	1969 	26 	This tram is from Halle near Leipzig in East Germany. It wass planned to be converted to AccessTram 2, but its future at Crich is now being reviewed as it needs more work doing than originally thought.
Glasgow Corporation Tramways 	1100 	In Store 	Orange, Green and Cream 	1928 	69 	An attempt at modernising old trams to look like Glasgow's new streamliners (like 1282 and 1297), known as the Horrornation due to extreme ugliness. Unusually, it has EP controller but only 2 motors.
Glasgow Corporation Tramways 	1115 	On Display 	Orange, Cream and Red 	1929 	68 	Kilmarnock Bogie. What 1100 once looked like.
Den Haag 	1147 	On Display 	Cream and Green 	1957 	36 	A European styled example of a USA design classic PCC (Presidents Conference Committee) car built under licence by La Brugeoise, Belgium in 1957. It is single ended, and its control gear was copied by the Tatra T3 type Trams.
Glasgow Corporation Transport 	1282 	On Display 	Orange, Cream and Green 	1940 	64 	A Glasgow "Coronation" streamliner, 1282 ran in the closing procession in 1962.
Glasgow Corporation Transport 	1297 	On Display 	Orange, Cream and Green 	1948 	70 	A Glasgow "Cunarder" streamliner, 1297 also ran in the closing procession in 1962.
London Passenger Transport Board 	1622 	On Test 	Red and White 	1912 	73 	Represents the "rehabilitated" E1 London trams of the 1930s.
Berlin 	3006 	Operational 	Orange and White 	1969 	? + ? Wheelchairs	This is the museum's AccessTram and has been specially adapted to carry wheel chairs. It is known as "Erich" among enthusiasts and staff alike.
London Tramways Co. 	? 	In Store 	- 	c1985 	? 	The Curry Rival Horse Car (aka the London Tramways Co. Unnumbered tram) was transferred to Clay Cross in February 2005.
==References==
Category:Tram transport in the United Kingdom