View from above

The flat wagon could be said to be the first tram to Wakebridge other than the test runs before the concrete was completed.
The major outstanding task now is to re-align the overhead wire particularly over the curve shown in the top picture. I suspect a new pole will needed to replace a long term temporary pull off.

Wakebridge 16th February

Balfour Beatty formally handed over the responsibility for Wakebriadge to the Society on Friday. As will be seen from these pictures the trackwork is complete but there is still a lot of detailed landscaping and tidying up to do.

Snow causes delayed opening

Details of the postponed opening of the Museum are set out below. There is still snow on the ground this morning but the forecast is for milder weather.

"As we celebrate our 50th year at Crich I have to inform you that snow has delayed the start of the new season. The museum took the opportunity to replace old track at Wakebridge over the winter period but the work which was on schedule, has been interrupted by the recent heavy snow falls and freezing conditions.

As you will be aware, Crich is located over 1,000 ft above sea level. So, while rest of the county is thawing, the museum is still sitting under a blanket of deep snow. With freezing temperatures for the next few days, it looks unlikely that it will clear in time to enable the completion of the trackwork etc., to facilitate our opening to the public over half term week. The museum was due to open from the 14th - 22nd of February. It will now be decided in the middle of next week, whether to open for the weekend on Saturday 21st. February.

I attach a link to the local TV news, where you can see Glynn Wilton, our Curator and Laura Greaves from our Assistant Marketing Manager explaining the position along with ‘guest’ appearances from other members of staff.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/england/7888731.stm "

Snow on high ground

1 & 2. Although the snow has gone from low lying ground there is still plenty at the Museum.

3. This rack in the workshop now contains a kit of 'sticks' for LUT 159's top deck seats.
4. MET 331 has had its doors removed for painting.

Wakebridge - 9th February

Opening Day minus Five

The Museum is scheduled to be open on Saturday but the recent artic weather may prevent this as rain, wind and snow are forecast.
1. This delivery van bringing more shelving units made it from Wigan.
2. Interviews are being carried out for Gate Attendants.
3. New staff posts have been made in the workshop.
4. Looking northwards from Wakebridge.

Library Update

1. Another milestone in the Library project. Val Culverhouse placing the last of the Reading Room books on the new shelving.
2. This is the next room to be upgraded. It will contain maps and drawings.

These pictures were taken on Wednesday when the new shelving project was just over half complete and is looking good. Three rooms have their new shelves; one is ready for installation; two are being used for temporary storage of maps and drawings that need to be moved into their new home before they can be cleared.

However when the shelving is complete there will still be a mountain of work and lots of challenges.

Challenge number one will be to develop systems to ensure that when new acquisitions are received they are processed quickly.

Challenge number two will be to re-open for research as quickly as possible.

The big challenge is the back-log of cataloguing. This needs professional knowledge and bringing the new computer system into use. It can be done but it won't be easy and it will take time and resources.

Wakebridge 3rd February

Wakebridge 29th January

1 & 2. The last major concrete pouring at the north end of the line.

3. General view looking south.
4. Looking northwards.

5. The outside works team were working on one of the final pole bonds. The wire has to be fastened to the pole itself, not the pole base.

Leeds 180 & Glasgow 22

1 & 2.Leeds 180 was lifted from its truck over the weekend and the truck is now being dismantled.

3 & 4. Glasgow 22 is being prepared for service (snow permitting) and the opportunity is being taken to paint the platform and lower saloon floors. It is surprising how much this improves the appearance of a tram.

Snow

Wakebridge - 26th January

1 & 2. North end points. Balfour Beatty preparing shuttering etc and Museum staff completing bonding to poles etc.


3. Progress meeting.

4. The approach curve to the south end points has been eased and the levels changed. The shuttering is being extended to include the last three sleepers.