Richard's Tram Blog

ANONYMOUS BLOG POSTS

2012-01-08T14:16:00.000Z

To Anonymous and Albert Mealer

I have spent 25 minutes of my valuable time deleting your offensive and sick comments, when I could b e spending quality time with my seriously ill husband. It's a pity you don't start your own blog so you can send them to yourself! Wishing you all the best that Severe Acute Pancreatitis has to offer......................... Kath Lomas

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO MY BLOG READERS

2012-01-08T14:05:00.000Z

Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2012.

I am still in hospital but slowly improving.

Bah Humbug!

2011-12-24T15:31:00.002Z

Best wishes for 2012 to all my readers.

I really do expect to be home in January and to shake the cobwebs from my camera.

Best wishes again - Ricard Lomas

Nottingham - go ahead for new consortium

2011-12-17T09:32:00.001Z

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Green-light-start-work-new-Nottingham-tram-lines/story-14154951-detail/story.html
I still find it difficult to imagine trent barton as a tram operator although their head office is still on the site of the Notts & Derby depot at Langley Mill.

Hiroshima

2011-12-15T10:09:00.001Z

Kyoto

2011-12-15T09:57:00.002Z

My sister in law took this picture in Kyoto, Japan.

My first e-Chrstmas card

2011-12-12T12:30:00.000Z

Crich 1989

2011-12-11T10:46:00.004Z

Dear Mr. Lomas,
although we havent met (as far as I have seen on my enclosed pictures) and I was till some weeks ago an anonymous reader of your blog, I like to send my best wishes for your recovery.I have shot this series of slides (rotting in my archive) at the end of the eighties on my short visit in Crich - some of them on my walk up from Whatstandwell station. I hope, those photos will appear cheery in your situation.best regards and good recovery
Martin Schoenherr

Kath Lomas (and other friends)

2011-12-10T10:11:00.000Z

I am still in hospital. Pancriatitis is nasty disease and I have been kept alive by machines but am beginning to feel stronger.
Older TMS members will remember my wife Kath - perhaps driving 812 wearing a tin hat one Extravaganza.
I would like to publically thank her for coming to see me every day for 6 weeks and all her help and support.
I would also like thank all the friends who have sent me cards and emails

Whenever I feel strong enough I will try to update this blog more often.

Best wishes to
Richard

Still in hospital

2011-11-27T10:44:00.001Z

I have taken two steps forward and one step backwards but am feeling better again today. Thanks for all the good wishes I have received.
I will try to update the blog from time to time until I get home when a normal service will be resumed.

Centenary car update

2011-11-23T15:17:00.000Z

The total sum pledged by the end of yesterday afternoon is GBP 4985. We are very close but not close enough yet. We have 8 days left to reach the target. Please support the appeal now!
Wim Beukenkamp

London (x2) and Glasgow

2011-11-23T09:51:00.004Z

Geoff and Hazel Quarmby sent me these two Pictures. Thankyou.

Graham Feakins reports:
Dear Richard,
This is a link to some views of the mockup tram now arrived at Crich:
http://paulbigland.pikfu.net/set1141952/
It is a scheme that is not defunct (Mayor Boris Johnson shamefully took it off his “to do” list) but just ‘resting’.

Big Blue

2011-11-22T10:03:00.001Z

These pictures were taken towards the end of Oct. They show a mock up of the end of a Citadis tram which, I think, was intened for the now forgotten north to south London cross river tramway.

Nice picture

2011-11-20T09:31:00.000Z

Tony Stevenson sent me this picture of Blackpool 40 and Glasgow 812.

Message to Peter Levy

2011-11-19T09:30:00.001Z

Hello Peter
Thanks for your comments.
Yes I do remember you from the early days at Crich. Please send me an email to RichardandKath@gmail.com and I will reply.
Best wishes
Richard

New and old in Blackpool

2011-11-18T09:53:00.000Z

The Fylde Tramways Society has a feature - the fleet in pictures
http://www.freewebs.com/fyldetramwaysociety-blackpool/thefleetinpictures.htm

Of particular interest are a picture of 001 at Cabin and of 004 being delivered
http://www.freewebs.com/fyldetramwaysociety-blackpool/001.JPG
http://www.freewebs.com/fyldetramwaysociety-blackpool/004.jpg

The most interesting of all is this picture of Cardiff 131 at Pleasure Beach
http://www.freewebs.com/fyldetramwaysociety-blackpool/Cardiff%20131.JPG

Blackpool Centenary car

2011-11-17T11:24:00.002Z

I was disappointed that a Centenary car has not been chosen for Crich. Whilst I did not particularly like them they were a response to a desperate situation when the OMO cars were worn out. The bodies were built by the local bus manufacturer East Lancashire Coachbuilders using common parts such as seats and window frames. The bogies and control systems were 'different' from other trams in the fleet.
However all is not lost. Wim Beukenkamp is trying to raise the money to save one of these trams. So far the response has been good and one may be saved in the nick of time. Wim is looking for pledges of money and I have asked him for further details so that readers of this blog can help.

Urgent Blackpool Centenary Class tram appeal
In order to preserve a fair selection of more recent Blackpool trams, last year Crich launched the Blackpool Fund. Sadly not enough money was donated to the fubnd to obtain every tram as originally planned. Reluctantly the Board of the TMS had to decline offers to preserve amongst others the last build British double deck tram 762 and the last Blackpool designed and build Centenary class tram 648. Understandable though the Board decision was, many tram enthusiasts and friends of Crich were very unhappy about this. Could Crich claim to be the National Tramway Museum and not preserve these two type of trams? Initiatives to try to reverse these decisions and create funds to support these schemes were started through internet and other social media. As a result, 762 has now been preserved at Crich after all. At present a last minute fund raising scheme has been set up through the TMS Yahoo group. The initiative is directed by Dutch TMS member Wim Beukenkamp and works as follows. Friends of Blackpool trams interested in preserving a Centenary Class tram for Crich are requested to contact Wim by email and state what amount of contribtion they are willing to pledge. Wim is collecting all the pledges and will offer them by the end of this month to the Board of the TMS. The pledges are for one purpose only, which is to preserve a Centenary class tram for Crich. If the Board declines the offer, no money will actually be donated (no win no pay). Only after the Board has formally accepted the offer Wim will contact the contribuants and ask them to make their formal donation to the TMS Blackpool Fund.The target is to raise GBP 6400 by the end of November, which equates to GBP 8000 including gift aid, and as much as possible afterwards. Time is running out because Blackpool Transport has announced that all preserved cars must leave Blackpool by the end of this month. Those not taken away can be sold for scrap. Crich can really use a Centenary class tram, because such a tram will relieve the pressure on the sometimes overworked existing fleet, on the traffic department (because it’s an OMO) and on the overloaded Workshop. Those of you interested, please contact Wim Beukenkamp: wim.beukenkamp@hetnet.nl.After only a couple of days already more than GBP 3000 has been pledged, which is encouraging. But it’s still a couple of thousand pounds short of the target. Every pound counts, every pledge is welcome. Help save a Centenary tram for Crich and the national collection. Give the Centenary Appeal its final push!

Not good news

2011-11-16T10:30:00.000Z

My diagnosis has been changed to Severe Acute Pancriatitis so I will be in hospital for many more days for tests and observations.
The longer term prognosis is still quite good and I expect to be able to take pictures at Crich and of the construction work in Nottingham which should start next year. I don't think I will be able to work as a tram conductor again.
At the moment I have limited access to the internet and it is too flaky to handle pictures but I can publish text.

I remain very concerned at the lack of a Treasurer at the Tramway Museum Society. Strong financial control has been the cornerstone of the Museum's success. Geoff Hyde ensured that money was spent wisely in the early days. Winstan Bond introduced more formal budgetary controls. (I overspent my Journal Editor's budget once and was quickly taken to task and never did it again.) Peter Moore continued Winstan's good work. A strong and independent Treasurer is vital to the future of the Museum.
TMS members should not stand idly by and let the present dysfunctional Board stitch something up. The Treasurer is elected by the members and not appointed by the Board. Is there anybody there?

Still in hospital

2011-11-14T09:37:00.000Z

I spent my 70th birthday in hospital and am still in hospital because of an infection which is proving very difficult to clear.
Thank you to all my readers who have continued to look at the blog for news. As soon as I am allowed home I will resume blogging.
The news from Crich is that Blackpool 762 has arrived and Cardiff 131 is on loan to Blackpool for possible use as a track cleaner during the winter. It is now stored in the new depot. How wonderful! Will it perhaps run to Fleetwood? Berlin 3006's repaint into the former DDR cream livery has started.

Best wishes to all
Richard

Wot no Treasurer?

2011-11-10T08:38:00.000Z

The good ship Tramway Museum Society is now sailing towards the rocks called Financial Disaster. Peter Moore finally resigned as Treasurer on 31st October having given at least 6 months notice.
It is now down to all TMS members to demand action perhaps by collecting enough signatures to call an EGM.
Richard Lomas

Hospital update

2011-11-09T10:43:00.000Z

I am now recovering well in hospital.
All being well I will be able to go home on Friday 11th.
If this happens, I will restart this blog on Saturday.
Best wishes
Richard

Still in hospital

2011-11-01T14:45:00.000Z

I will be in hospital for several more days so this blog won't be updated until I get home as it is just too much hassle here.
Thanks agian for all your good wishes.
Richard

Congratulations Your Majesty

2011-10-29T15:00:00.000+01:00

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/royals/3895063/Queen-takes-a-ride-on-Royal-Tram.html

Hello World

2011-10-28T14:32:00.000+01:00

I am still in hospital and will be for a few more days.
Thanks to all who have sent me messages of sympathy. Blog posts will return soon including a few recent pictures from Japan

Richard

RICHARD UPDATE

2011-10-21T19:23:00.000+01:00

Friday 1900 hours update.
Richard has spent the day and tonight in the ICU due to very low oxygen levels. He has been diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and will be in hospital for a few days while they stabilise him and try to find out the underlying cause. You will know when his is back home as the blog will suddenly spring to life. Maybe I've got to go out with my camera as substitute, between hospital visits!!

RICHARD IN HOSPITAL

2011-10-21T02:50:00.000+01:00

Hello blog fans.

Unfortunately there won't be any new blog posts for a while as Richard was taken into hospital last night with severe stomach pains and sickness. I left him at the hospital at 0200 about to have an XRay. Not sure what the problem is yet, but hope to find out in the morning (it's 0300 as I write this).
Richard says he hopes whatever it is, it will be mended as quickly as the overhead at Heaton Park! Kath

Horse tram Sunday

2011-10-20T07:29:00.004+01:00

From Wim Beukenkamp
"Perhaps you can down load this picture for your blog.
The event was quite unique, because it shows a working horse tram running through The Hague last Sunday in the midst of normal tram traffic (look at the articulated car in the background).
This is the first time a horse tram operated in The Haguesince 1905. And apparently it is possible to run such antiques on a modern tram systems."

The tram in is not from The Hague but from the interurban horse tramway that operated between Utrecht and Zeist.
It is owned by the Railway Museumin in Utrecht and was restored in The Hague by a small team including Wim and his wife Josina.
http://www.htmfoto.nl/algemeen/tonen2.php?pagina=1318876622

Heaton Park Tramway Update

2011-10-19T07:29:00.002+01:00

"All overhead has now been replaced and now just awaits final testing on Sunday.
Thank you for all the messages of support and offers of help that have been received.
Also a major thank you to Peter Price our overhead line engineer and the rest of our volunteers that got stuck in."
Martin Bryan

Pictures by Joe Savage.

Sevilla (2)

2011-10-19T07:13:00.001+01:00

Leaving AdI

Turn back at SB

Depot access between SB and PdSS

A little bit of history. Remnant of metre gauge system in Sevilla with one track in situ and a rosette above.

Metre guage track outside Granada station which is due to be swept away in the next couple of years for a new high speed establishment.

Sevilla (1)

2011-10-18T07:16:00.000+01:00

Martin Miller has been to Seville recently:
"Sevilla has a fairly short system running from Plazza Nueva through Archivo de Indias, Puerta de Jezez, Prado de San Sebastian to San Bernardo. The section from San Sebastion to San Bernardo opened a few months ago and provides a useful link to the RENFE station there. The section from Plazza Nueva to Archivo de Indias is unwired and battery operated and incorporates interlaced tracks past the cathedral."

Plazza Nueva

Between PN and AdI

Leaving interlaced

On interlaced approaching AdI

To be continued...

Bad News from Heaton Park

2011-10-17T12:45:00.001+01:00

From Martin Bryan:
"Heaton Park Tramway is currently closed until further notice due to a theft of the overhead that happened some time between staff leaving yesterday evening and this morning. At the moment no further information is available but will be publicised once it is."

A quick update
"Approximately 40-50 metres of overhead cable has been stolen from the two reserved sections of the tramway.
An overhead specialist has been called in and a cherry picker hired in order for the damage to be thoroughly checked.
The tramway is not expected to reopen anytime soon."

Birmingham

2011-10-17T07:16:00.000+01:00

"Hi Richard
Oxford Diecast have bought out their second N gauge tram - this one is in Birmingham livery - tram 61 going to Lodge Street.
And ironically today was the last open day at Aston Manor Transport Museum - The former Witton Tram Shed
best wishes
Ken Jones"

Accident in Belgium

2011-10-16T07:31:00.001+01:00

I have been sent this link about an accident on the Belgian coastal tramway on Friday. http://www.focus-wtv.be/nieuws/algemeen/verschillende-gewonden-na-ongeval-met-kusttram-in-nieuwpoort/article-1195117704053.htm

Here is a Google translation of the text:

Several injured after tram accident in Newport
Friday, October 14, 2011 at 10:03

Newport - UPDATE + VIDEO - In Newport is around 9:30 am Friday morning tram derailed. While two were seriously injured and 29 slightly injured. No one is in danger.
The accident happened at the height of the King Albert I monument at the locks. The tram, which ran from Ostend towards De Panne, derailed in a curve and came with his nose pressed to find a pole. There were about 100 passengers in the vehicle, especially older people who were on their way to market.

victims

Two seriously injured and dozens of minor injuries were taken to hospitals in Ostend and Furnes charged. A number of other minor injuries could be provided on site. The passengers were unharmed, buses were brought to a shelter. There were 15 ambulances on site, and the MUG helicopter was deployed. The contingency plan was as effective, but that was quickly canceled.

tram Traffic

By the accident, there was no tram traffic between Nieuwpoort-Bad-Calculus and Westende. The Line is the damage to the tracks and the overhead and repaired as quickly as possible since Saturday afternoon around 15.30 hours, there was another tram traffic at the scene of the accident. That was usually the weekend after the case.

cause

About the cause of the accident, there is no clarity. The tram is at the entrance of Newport flown off the road. According to witnesses the tram drove very fast, but that does not confirm the line. The public prosecutor has appointed an expert.

Leeds 345 update

2011-10-16T07:16:00.001+01:00

Leeds 345 is still in the workshop.

Recently the white lower saloon ceiling panels have been replaced and also some of the ornate wooden ventilator strips highlighted in the middle picture.

159 on Wednesday

2011-10-15T07:37:00.001+01:00

Thankyou Romania

2011-10-14T11:39:00.002+01:00

Andreea Dogar has published the Romanian language version of our visit to Romania in June and July this year. Thanks Andreea and thanks also to the many Romanians who have looked at my blogs recently. I will find some more pictures of Romania during the coming winter.
This blog is devoted to trams but I have also published some pictures of trains and buses seen on our 2011 journey on focustransport2011.blogspot.com I have added a label 'Romania' to this blog so click on the link, scroll down and click on the label 'Romania'. Yes I know that Moldova is not part of Romania but it was in the past and perhaps it will be one day.

New Blackpool

2011-10-14T07:18:00.002+01:00

Tony Stevenson has sent me these pictures taken on 5th October of the new depot and workshop in Blackpool.

Back of an envelope calculations

2011-10-13T07:09:00.003+01:00

Last week my driver on Leeds 180 commented that he had done 60 traffic duties at Crich this year and still had a few to do in October. We then speculated that the national minimum wage would be about £50 per day so that, had he been an employee, he would have earned at least £3,000. The cost to the Museum would be in the region of £4,500 to account for NI, holiday pay, pension contributions etc.
The Museum is open for over 200 days a year and the minimum staffing requirement is an inspector, 2 drivers and 2 conductors. Multiplying this up we arrived at a wage bill of £250 per day x 200 = £50,000 + additional costs = £75,000 per year for a minimum two car tram service.
I have only done 16 conductor duties but these have saved the Museum £1,200.

Glasgow 22 and Leeds 180 were the service trams again yesterday. An ideal combination for the time of year.

Blackpool by night

2011-10-12T07:49:00.001+01:00

"Hi richard we had a lovely weekend and got some great photos it seems such a shame to think most of the fleet will be withdrawn from service when the new fleet come into use,trams are still not running any further than pleasure beach which is so annoying how long they been on it , anyway hope u enjoy my photos kind regards nigel ."

Lisbon / Portugal Trams, Buses and Trains

2011-10-11T07:44:00.002+01:00

"Dear Sir
The accidental discovery of your fabulous blog, gave me great joy.
My congratulations for the high quality and diversity of images that I had the honor of enjoying.
I am an enthusiast of British CCFL buses, particularly AEC.
Unfortunatelly, avalilable photos are quiet rare and often with poor quality and lots of models and buses keep almost unknown.
Thank you for your contribution.
Having gone, I'm left with the trams, a fabulous treausure still alive.
Whenever it´s possible, I´m going to Baixa and other old places in Lisbon, where trams still live.
Humbly, I am pleased to send you some pictures taken on the morning of last Sunday.
I hope you enjoy.
With kindest regards,
Luis Filipe Vieira"

Great News

2011-10-10T07:36:00.001+01:00

"We finally managed to launch our website and today I published your story about your trip in Romania in 1982. On Thursday we will publish the second part, about your 2011 journey.
Here is a link to the article:
http://www.greatnews.ro/index.php/reportaj/aventurile-unui-englez-intr-o-romanie-jerpelit-a-condus-mii-de-kilometri-ca-s-prind-tramvaiul.html
And here are some links to other articles about Romanians that like public transport:
http://www.greatnews.ro/index.php/reportaj/bieii-care-se-dau-cu-autobuzul-vor-s-i-scoat-pe-oreni-din-main.html
http://www.greatnews.ro/index.php/omul-cu-schimbarea/omul-care-vrea-sa-alunge-maxi-taxi-urile-din-ora-qsunt-pentru-crat-marfq.html
Thank you very much.
Your sincerely,
Andreea Dogar"

Thanks very much Andreea. I look forward to seeing the next part. http://tramways.blogspot.com/2011/07/remembering-1982.html

When?

2011-10-09T07:17:00.001+01:00

I have invested in some equipment to convert old analogue video tapes into digital files and this is my first test. Many readers will recognise the trams and the location, some will recognise the tram conductress but when was it filmed?
Congratulations Alan, it was filmed the following Easter.

Leeds 180

2011-10-08T07:12:00.002+01:00

Yesterday I was Leeds 180's conductor.

The other tram in service was Glasgow 22.

Leeds 180 is a very nice tram these days and is a credit to the Museum. As can be seen from the pictures the bodywork is immaculate and the ride quality is superb in the hands of a skilled driver.

Gdansk Strzyza Depot

2011-10-07T07:27:00.001+01:00

Martin Miller has sent me these pictures taken in 2008

Crich yesterday

2011-10-06T07:04:00.001+01:00

Nottingham 112

2011-10-05T07:19:00.004+01:00

I have received these recent pictures of the bottom deck of Nottingham 112 which belongs to a relation of my correspondent and looks to be in remarkably good condition.

He writes:
"Number 112 built in 1907 G.C Milnes Voss & Co, Birkenhead. Seats 34 up 22 down. Mountain and Gibson 21E truck ,2 Dick Kerr 3a4 35 hp motors. Re-built in 1919-1922 with new English Electric lower deck, withdrawn from service 1935."

Galati

2011-10-04T07:02:00.006+01:00

A few weeks ago I published a few pictures of our 1993 visit to Romania. The remainder of these pictures are published below.
On Saturday I received an email from Ovidiu Anghel in Galati with a link to this video on youtube which I filmed in 1993. I had forgotten just how run down and shabby Romanian trams were in 1993 before the arrival of second hand German trams.

Ovidiu also asked if I have any more pictures and video of Galati. The answer is not a lot. We visited Romania in 1982, 1993, 1994, 2007, 2009 and 2011. Pictures of our 1982, 2007, 2009 and 2011 trips have been published on this blog. Dave Spencer of PMP transport films has a DVD of our 1993 and 1994 trips and has published extracts on youtube.
During this coming winter I will check through our old photos and videos of all our visits to Romania and publish the results on this blog.

Future arrivals from Blackpool?

2011-10-03T07:15:00.001+01:00

Andrew Waddington has sent me these pictures. He writes:
"Last month I spent a weekend in Blackpool which gave me the chance to photograph and ride on some of the trams which could be heading for Crich following their withdrawal from service at the end of the year. Enclosed are pictures of the trams concerned: modernised Brush Railcoach 630, Centenary car 648, Twin Set 672+682 and Jubilee car 762, all of which were provisionally reserved for the National collection last year."

"There has been some debate recently about which trams will actually make it to Derbyshire, however. A while ago the TMS released a statement announcing that Jubilee car 762 had been rejected due to a lack of available storage space, although it has since been claimed that this decision may be reversed. Whilst in Blackpool I have also heard rumours that one of the other trams may be turned down for similar reasons. The truth is out there!"

Underneath 3006

2011-10-02T07:34:00.002+01:00

In the workshop the yellow support beam is positioned in the hornway and the leaf springs are resting on it.

Motors and axles. The axle boxes have a channel either side for the hornway and a circular area on the top for the springs to rest on. There are no wheel brake as service braking is rheostatic and the hand (parking) brake operates on the end of the armature.

The track brake support frame which is bolted on the the body and also slots under the axle boxes.

Track brake assembly.

223 006 - 4

2011-10-01T07:13:00.003+01:00

Berlin 3006 entered service at Crich in 1997 and has been very successful in its role as Access Tram. However it must be remembered that vehicles from the former DDR were not well known for their build quality so 3006 was withdrawn last Saturday for a major overhaul. It should return to service next spring in its earlier predominantly cream livery.

3006 at Town End on 12th September.

In the workshop on 28th September.

3006 doesn't have a removable truck or bogies. Each axle hornway is fastened directly to the body next to an independently mounted leaf spring, again attached directly to the body.The axle boxes then sit under the leaf springs.

Now that the pantograph has been removed the roof mounted resistances can be seen.

An easily seen example of rusting body panels.

Indian summer

2011-09-30T07:15:00.001+01:00

Southampton 45 and Rack 2 were ideal service trams on Wednesday.

159 on wheels

2011-09-29T07:39:00.004+01:00

On Saturday London United 159 was mounted on its bogies. These pictures were taken on Wednesday morning when the controllers were being fitted.

Wine to Champagne; a tramway odyssey

2011-09-28T08:34:00.000+01:00

was the title of a 10 day coach tour from 16th to 25th September. Friday was taken up with journey from Manchester to Den Haag in the Netherlands. The picture shows our coach at Dover waiting to board the 12:40 sailing of the new P&O ferry, Spirit of Britain.

Saturday and Sunday were free days in Den Haag timed to coincide the AGM of the LRTA and celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the closure of the interurban tramways between Den Haag and Leiden. It had been hoped to operate three former interurban cars on service 10 to Voorburg but was not possible and three PCCs and an NZH motor and trailer set from the former Leiden town service was substituted. The LRTA annual dinner took place at the museum premises on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning there was a tour using two coupled PCCs and then on Sunday afternoon we travelled on a few service trams.

The Netherlands now has a nationwide smart card ticketing system which is fine for locals but difficult for visitors. Smart cards cost a minimum of 21 Euros if purchased at a railway station but we were told that cheaper smart cards and paper day tickets were available at the HTM office. The problem was that it was closed on Saturday morning and we were then advised to go to the Tourist Information Office, some distance away and ironically nearer our hotel, where we were able to buy paper days tickets covering the central zone and adjacent zones but not including the outer termini of longer routes. At 6.80 Euros these seemed expensive and as the ticket cancellers have been removed from the trams they have to be stamped by the drivers.

The long coach journey to Strasbourg began at 08:00 sharp and after some some traffic delays we were on our way to Duesseldorf for a lunch break. Duesseldorf has in effect two tram networks: low floor cars operating surface routes and high floor stadtbahn cars on services which are underground in the city centre. There are also major construction works which suggest that more routes will be buried. We were lucky and found a brew pub in a side street. It was established in 1835 and is typically German selling just two beers: alt and hell. The coach then continued to Mainz for another short break near a suburban terminus for a few more pictures.

The next two days were free in Strasbourg with suggested outings to Karlsruhe or Friburg over the border in Germany but we stayed in Strasbourg which is a very pleasant city with an excellent tram service. Day tickets costing 4 Euros can be bought from machines at all tram stops and they are also valid on a cross border bus to Kehl in Germany. There are also validators which stamp the date and time on tickets at each stop.

It is less than two hours drive to the Swiss frontier at Basel and the coach deposited us on the French side of the border from where it was a few minutes walk to the terminus of tram route 3. Day tickets for 8.50 Swiss Francs could be bought from a Kiosk or a machine which would also accept Euros. There were no border checks at all with the control posts completely unmanned. Switzerland seemed very expensive with present high value of the Franc. In the early evening we walked back into France, spent our last Francs on a beer and drove to Mulhouse.

Friday was a free day in Mulhouse where day tickets for the urban system cost 4 Euros and were available from machines at stops which didn't accept notes so I tried a debit card which to my surprise was accepted. Goodness only knows what the bank charges will be for an 8 Euro transaction. Tickets for the tram train are based on zones A thru D.

Saturday morning was taken up with the drive to Reims where we were dropped at the suburban TGV station. There were some misgivings about the smart card based ticketing system but it proved to be very easy. The vending machines at the stops simply charged an extra 30 cents if you hadn't got a blank card. I couldn't persuade the machine to issue 4 Euro days tickets but it did sell a group day ticket for 5 Euros which even at 5.30 Euros was a bargain as it was valid for up to 5 people.
Sunday was taken up by the journey home with a 7:30 start but we arrived in Birmingham before 17:00 despite some delays on the M25. A similar trip to new French tramways is being considered for next autumn.

Colourful Reims

2011-09-27T07:45:00.004+01:00

The Reims tramway opened earlier this year with a cross town route and a short spur to the suburban TGV station.

For 5 stops through the city centre the APS surface contact system is used.

APS equipped track and points.
In response to David Holt's comment, the camera is not exagerating and you can feel the kink if you ride round the 'curve'.

The trams traverse one of the main shopping streets.

Change pits.
Frank Bagshaw has suggested that younger readers wouldn't know about change pits which were a feature of London Tramways. So here is a link to a description. The APS change over is much simpler: the tram stops and the pantograph is raised or lowered.

The red tram is at the changeover point with its pantograph partially lowered.

The suburban sections are similar to other new French tramways.

Colourful Reims.

Mulhouse (3) - train

2011-09-26T14:50:00.001+01:00

Diesel railcars share tracks with the tram train on the SNCF section of route from Lutterbach to Thann and then continue beyond the electrified section to Kruth. Low platforms are used throughout this section and the railcars have a low floor drop centre between their bogies.

Mulhouse (2) tram train

2011-09-26T14:14:00.002+01:00


The tram train is operated jointly by SNCF and the city transport operator Solea. The route shares tracks with city service 3 from the main station to Lutterbach. At Lutterbach, a connection is made to the existing railway line to Thann and Kruth. This line has been electrified at 25 kV AC as far as Thann St Jacques, and is single track with passing loops. It carries both the tram-train service and an SNCF diesel railcar service to Kruth, which uses the main railway line between Lutterback and Gare Central. The terminus outside Mulhouse Station.

Outer terminus of the tram train at Thann.

Shared tracks with SNCF.

Shared tracks with the trams in the city centre.

Mulhouse (1) - tram

2011-09-26T13:51:00.001+01:00

Mulhouse is a French city just north of Basel. The tramway opened in 2006 with two crossing each other in the city centre. A third route opened in December 2010. All the trams are Alstom Citadis.

All the stops on route 2 have these distinctive arches.

All three services pass through a four track layout in the city centre.

Through the looking glass

2011-09-24T05:53:00.001+01:00

Basel (3) - BLT

2011-09-23T16:55:00.002+01:00

BLT operates the long suburban routes 10 and 11. This is a new low floor car.

The only Duwags we saw in service were second cars on the BLT.

Typical BLT coupled articulated cars.

Most if not all have low floor centre sections.

E11 is a peak hours only route worked by single cars.

A final glimpse of a new artic.

Basel (2)

2011-09-23T08:07:00.001+01:00

Routes 15 and 16 are combined to form a circular service partly through the woods.

Many of the trams are traditional bogie cars which, although immaculate, seem dated. They run as motor and trailer, motor and two trailers and motor, trailer, motor.

Basel (1)

2011-09-22T20:33:00.002+01:00

On of the new low flooor cars at the terminus of route 6 near the German border.

The majority of Basel trams have step entrances but some have a low floor centre section and some of the trailers have low centre doors.

Strasbourg (3)

2011-09-22T05:38:00.001+01:00

Strasbourg (2) -Tuesday evening

2011-09-21T19:35:00.001+01:00

Strasbourg (1)

2011-09-21T06:32:00.001+01:00

The classic Strasbourg tram picture. A long Eurotram and grass covered track.

This is one of the newer Citadis trams.

The system now has 6 services and several junctions.

Approach to Republic tram stop in the city centre - looks more like a country estate.

Mainz

2011-09-20T20:06:00.001+01:00

We stopped for an hour or so in the outskirts of Mainz. I took a few pictures then had a coffee in McDonalds.

Duesseldorf

2011-09-20T06:27:00.002+01:00

We called briefly at Duesseldorf on our way to Strasbourg.

We saw two types of low floor cars - some in coupled sets. This is the oler type.

In addition to these low floor cars on the surface, there are underground routes served by older high floor stadtbahn cars which run on the surface in the suburbs. We also found a brew pub established in 1838.

Den Haag (4)

2011-09-19T05:27:00.002+01:00

HTM mseum trams.

Den Haag (3)

2011-09-18T14:36:00.001+01:00

There is a short tram subway in the city centre.

Preserved NZH trams (not in service).

Den Haag (2)

2011-09-17T21:49:00.002+01:00

Today 4 museum cars were running to Voorburg. HTM PCC 1304.

HTM PCC 1210 in the earlier livery.

NZH 327 and trailer.

NZH 327 and HTN 1165.

Interior of 1165. The driver sits in the saloon of the tram in stark contrast to the enclosed cab on Tatra T3SUs.

Den Haag (1)

2011-09-17T16:37:00.001+01:00

The Netherlands is introducing a national smart card system which is not visitor friendly. We walked a long way to buy a paper day ticket from this office which was closed at 9:45 despite the notice saying that it opened at 9:00. We then had to walk all the way back to the Tourist Information office which was open and did have day tickets.

There are two types of tram in Den Haag. These step entrance cars operates most of the services.

These low floor cars are wider and are confined to two routes.

The fares seem very high. A single ride costs 2.40 Euros and a day ticket costs £6.80 Euros but is restricted to the central and adjacent zones. Many tram routes are quite long and it is very easy to overide into outer zones which would doubtless incur a stiff fine.

We are in Den Haag

2011-09-16T21:44:00.001+01:00

Grumpy old men

2011-09-16T21:37:00.000+01:00

Hi Richard
I joined up with Frank and David for a visit to Manchester yesterday to sample Media City and St Werburg's Road. It's amazing how the enthusiasm has sustained from our attendance at the last rights in Sheffield and Glasgow to the present day. Growing old disgracefully and reminiscing about our special love, 1297! As a Railway nut it was also fascinating to travel down the Midland Main line where my last journey was behind Jubilee Class 45705 Seahorse on the 1705 Manchester Central to Buxton and repeat the progress for a little way on a Metrolink light rail vehicle - wonderful.

Regards
Martin Miller

Black Country Living Museum

2011-09-15T20:14:00.001+01:00

On Wednesday I visited the BCLM with Kostj. Wolverhampton & District 34 was running but it is in nothing like as pristine condition as the Wolverhamton car which was in the workshop for attention to its brakes.

This horse car is at the back of the running depot.

The museum was quite busy with several parties of young people and school children.

This is Friday's post as I have to make an early start in the morning.

An early warning

2011-09-15T07:20:00.001+01:00

Charlotte Lomas spotted this road sign in Edinburgh on Monday.

LUT 159's bogies

2011-09-14T06:41:00.001+01:00

Visitors at Crich

2011-09-13T07:26:00.002+01:00

Yesterday Kostj Koslov from Kiev and David Jordan from Lowestoft visited Crich. The trams were only running as far as Wakebridge because of high winds but they had rides on Glasgow 22, Leeds 399 and Berlin 3006.

Kostj had not seen a trolley reverser in use before. There weren't any in the USSR.

Waltersdorfer Strassenbahn

2011-09-12T07:05:00.001+01:00

From Martin Miller:
"A further three pics for the collection from the very pleasant Woltersdofer Strassenbahn in Berlin. Great pride in their local tramway shows through and a studiously neglected war memorial to the Russian victims of the second World War. There was obviously no love lost on the previous leaders of this part of Germany."

Blackpool 607

2011-09-12T07:01:00.000+01:00

It is now confirmed that Blackpool 607 will be overhauled in Blackpool this winter. Tramsways Monthly has the details.

People

2011-09-11T06:58:00.005+01:00

Having watched Rich skillfully 'turn' 331's trolleys, this lady was demonstrating how the local trolleybuses used to dewire when she was a girl.

The coach driver.

This gentleman from Glasgow was lucky to see and ride on both 22 and 812. He told me that he was a former member of the STTS and had contributed financially to the purchase of a tram for Crich fifty years ago.

Geoff Lomas tram cleaner.

Testing times
All tram conductors at Crich are required to pass both practical and written tests every year once they reach the age of 70. This is very thorough and also very good because it ensures that older conductors are aware of their responsibilities for the safety of their customers which are much greater now than when I started in 1964. I was re-tested on Friday and passed. After the test there was the opportunity to discuss the questions that I wasn't sure about so that now I understand the thinking behind them. My only comment was that I would have expected a few questions on customer care which again is more important now than 50 years ago.
Next I have to arrange a medical check and all being well I will continue as a conductor next year.

However I am told the re-testing of drivers is less rigerous. This sounds daft to me. As a reasonably regular conductor this year I have seen a wide a variation in driving styles.

School holidays are over

2011-09-10T08:11:00.001+01:00

MET 331 and Glasgow 22 were the service cars yesterday. The Museum was a lot quieter except when a large coach party arrived. Last week I issued sixty something child tickets, this week I issued one.

Glasgow 812 was out for an Ultimate Driving Experiance.

I was 22's conductor and Geoff (no relation) Lomas was the driver.

22 is dwarfed by the tri-axle coach from Swindon.

Contrasting views

2011-09-09T07:06:00.004+01:00

Tramway Museum Society
Richard Lomas has ceased to be Assistant Journal Editor.

Manchester Transport Museum Society

How wonderful it is to see the Tramway so well represented on the blog - thank you Richard. We are all avid readers (I was so busy I didn't get chance to say hello but I shall make sure I do next time you visit)and on such a busy day with our Trams doing what they were meant to do. It is a pleasure for all the staff to see so many people clearly enjoying themselves - it makes everything worthwhile!
John (event leader and co-organiser)

Blackpool's future (and a Standard Car)

2011-09-08T20:51:00.002+01:00

Many thanks to Tony Stevenson for these pictures of Blackpool's new trams and also of the dancing girls.

Graham Feakins writes:
"I thought that you may be interested to view these two You Tube links from 8th September.
The tram looks pretty smart and has a ‘friendly’ gong."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7zQQNFjvtM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOkrudSFZUU

2011-09-08T20:03:00.002+01:00

Be patient - all will be revealed

2011-09-08T18:56:00.001+01:00

LUAS

2011-09-08T07:25:00.000+01:00

Frank Bagshaw was in Dublin last week.
"Last week I rode on the recently opened City West extension of the Red Line. Trams to new the terminus known as Saggart run to Belgard where they join trams from Tallaght and run past Red Cow Depot, St James hospital, Heuston station, O'Connell St and the bus station to Connolly station. Meanwhile trams from Tallaght miss Connolly and run through Dublin Docklands to Point."

Approaching Belgard.

Approaching Saggart.

Connelly

Saggart terminus.

A fellow tram conductor

2011-09-07T11:31:00.002+01:00

We rode on Stockport 5 and the conductor, Martin, introduced himself as a reader of this blog. I was flattered. We enjoyed our day at Heaton Park and look forward to visiting again when it is less busy one day next year. In the meantime please send me some pictures during the winter. Thanks.

Manchester (or Blackpool) 7 at Heaton Park

2011-09-07T06:48:00.002+01:00

Three trams were in service on Sunday. One loading/unloading at each end and one on the single track section of the line.

I'm not sure if this tram is now regarded as Manchester 7 or Blackpool 7 or even Blackpool 619. Click here for history.

Approaching the old terminus. The lefthand track was not in use.

Crossing the road to the new terminus.

Prague 352 for Manchester?

2011-09-06T14:36:00.001+01:00

This picture of Prague 352 was taken in Amsterdam some years ago. It is similar to Prague 180. The most noticeable difference being folding platform doors.

Manchester 765 at Heaton Park now and perhaps Amsterdam soon

2011-09-06T06:56:00.002+01:00

Standing at the new terminus.

Leaving the new terminus and .....

... crossing a road.

A Manchester tram standing on genuine Manchester tram rails at one of the park entrances.

An exciting prospect:
"Since February the MTMS have been inconsultation with the AmsterdamTramway Museum (Electrische Museumtramlijn Amsterdam) towards the possible exchange oftramcars. Although details are still being discussed it is possible that Manchester 765 will go to Amsterdam with Prague 352 visiting the Museum. We understand that it will be the first time a BritishElectric Tramcar has operated in mainland Europe and, there is a possibilitythat it could actually run in the City of Amsterdam.
Stephen M Hemingway MTMS Special Events Committee."

Stockport 5 at Heaton Park

2011-09-05T07:18:00.001+01:00

Chesterfield & Blackpool

2011-09-04T07:24:00.001+01:00

Blackpool 167, Chesterfield 7 and Southampton 45 were kept busy on Friday with Berlin 3006 making one trip. I was conductor on 7 which is seen here at Glory Mine on the morning test run.

A queue built up at lunch time.

Mid-afternoon at Wakebridge.

Our last journey.

Edinburgh Tram Decision Overturned

2011-09-03T08:26:00.002+01:00

http://focustransport2011.blogspot.com/2011/09/edinburgh-tram-decision-overturned.html

Thankyou

2011-09-03T08:03:00.005+01:00

The gentleman in the blue shirt recognised me yesterday and told me that he loves this blog and reads it everyday. Thankyou very much.
I now know that his name is Terry and as I suspected the young lady is his daughter Karin. He has emailed me today:
" We had a lovely day at Crich yesterday, and it made my day to see and speak to you! I sincerely hope you keep up your enthusiasm for trams and your Blog, as I would really miss you if you were not there. And when we go to Crich again, I hope we will bump into each other again. "
Terry we didn't have much time to talk yesterday as the trams were quite busy. I will be more than happy to meet you again at Crich one day and to show you round. I have worked as a tram conductor for quite a lot of Fridays this year and hope to continue next year but it would be better to meet on a day when I am not on duty so we have plenty of time to chat.

Heaton Park in Sept 1983

2011-09-02T06:40:00.002+01:00

Since these pictures were taken Blackpool box 40 has been to Blackpool and Crich and is now back in Blackpool but still belongs to the TMS. Manchester 765 has been to Blackpool twice and Beamish and is now back at Heaton Park. I'm not sure who owns it.

Blackpool

2011-09-01T07:24:00.008+01:00

Mike Conroy-Hargreaves has sent me these pictures from Blackpool.

The new track - seperate from the road at Metropole.

The Western Train doing the FTS 40th anniversary tour on Monday 29th August.

Tram stop at Victoria Street definitely not in use.

Has anyone any pictures of the few trams that are running in Blackpool this year?
Does anyone know which trams are coming to Crich and when?

British Trams Online report that the first of the new Flexity trams has been delivered.

Tramways Monthly has a picture.

Peter Narramore has sent me this picture of unrebuilt balloon 723 at Little Bispham in late June. The trams are still only operating from Pleasure Beach to Little Bispham with no service to Cleveleys or Fleetwood and no trams before 09:00.

Riga now

2011-08-31T09:17:00.002+01:00

Martin has sent me a couple of Riga shots showing the "now" to your "then" .

The lone survivor of the old cars undergoing restoration in Depot 5.

Finally here is a recent picture of 1901. The new tram in the background makes me think that perhaps we should go to Riga next year.

Riga 1990

2011-08-31T06:58:00.002+01:00

We first visited Riga in June 1990 when Latvia was still part of the Soviet Union. It is difficult now to imagine the economic situation 20 years ago. Basically the shops were empty and our big treat every day was to have an ice cream at 3:00 pm.

There was considerable tension between Latvian and Russian speakers. The driver of the Museum tram was an outspoken Latvian nationalist who was taking a party of Russian speaking school children round the city. He insisted we travelled on the front platform with him, closed the bulk head door and ignored the children.

Most of the trams were Tatras running in pairs with both trolleys on the wire. Electrically operated frogs were used with complicated twin wires at junctions.

Route 10 had a handful of these older bogie cars and trailers.

Riga

2011-08-30T07:15:00.001+01:00

Martin Miller visited Riga last September.

Attached are three pics taken in Depot 5, which is also the works, in September last year. Much snowbroom maintenance for the upcoming winter and a delightful water carrier conversion. It was my first experience of "Russian Gauge".

rails i ferradures

2011-08-29T11:50:00.002+01:00

Yesterday railsiferradures posted a comment on this blog inviting readers to look at their web site. This is a fascinating site with pictures of unusual tramways very often horse drawn. The only problem is that it is written in Spanish but it is well worth visiting for the pictures.
http://railsiferradures.blogspot.com/
The two pictures I have published are taken from Dennis Gill's book Tramcar Treasury published in 1963.

Appalling accident in Rio de Janerio

2011-08-28T10:25:00.002+01:00

My thanks to Geoff who sent me this news in the form of a comment to a previous post.

"Sincere sympathy to the families of those killed and injured in the appalling accident on the historic Rio de Janeiro tramway.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-14696927 "

Kath and I visited Rio in the late 1980s and travelled on this amazing tramway. We join Geoff in sending our sympathy.