Thursday, September 09, 2010
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Sheffield 264 project
Yesterday Laura Waters and I interviewed Carl Jones, a retired painter. Carl told us how much he had enjoyed working at the Museum and went on to describe his techniques for painting trams.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Monday, September 06, 2010
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Best wishes to Christchurch
I'm sure all readers of this blog will join me in sending our best wishes to the people of Christchurch following the earthquake.
I hope that neither the tramway nor the museum at Ferrymead were seriously damaged.
I hope that neither the tramway nor the museum at Ferrymead were seriously damaged.
Chris Irwin has sent me the following good news:
Hi - you'll be pleased to hear that the Christchurch Tramway reopened on Friday in spite of their still being some small areas of the CBD (Central Business District) being fenced off. So did the Gondola which goes from the edge of the city to the Port Hills.
No news yet about Ferrymead.
There has been a lot more damage than at first thought, partly because of the second quake which was barely reported here. Although smaller then the first it was much quicker and nearer the surface, with its epicentre nearer the city. A lot of buildings have been damaged by liquifaction where the ground turns to a soft mud like quicksand and buildings sink in, while garage petrol tanks and the like float to the surface.
Hi - you'll be pleased to hear that the Christchurch Tramway reopened on Friday in spite of their still being some small areas of the CBD (Central Business District) being fenced off. So did the Gondola which goes from the edge of the city to the Port Hills.
No news yet about Ferrymead.
There has been a lot more damage than at first thought, partly because of the second quake which was barely reported here. Although smaller then the first it was much quicker and nearer the surface, with its epicentre nearer the city. A lot of buildings have been damaged by liquifaction where the ground turns to a soft mud like quicksand and buildings sink in, while garage petrol tanks and the like float to the surface.
Mixed fortunes
Yesterday the weather was fine and we had 4 drivers, 3 conductors and 1 inspector so that a 3 car service could be maintained all day. Things were looking good until 14:30 when Blackpool 40 disgraced itself
. Fortunately Berlin 3006 was out and it did three trips.
I can confirm that Rack 2 and 167 left Crich on Thursday and are now in Blackpool.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Extravaganza - models
The central area of the big shed had number transport model makers' stands.
Tucked away in a rather warm corner was the small world of Dr Mop with a fine selection of Blackpool trams.
Tucked away in a rather warm corner was the small world of Dr Mop with a fine selection of Blackpool trams.
In answer to the comment I was made very welcome as were other visitors. It was a pleasure to visit this stand.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Musical tram drivers again
Yesterday 1 inspector, 2 drivers, 3 conductors and 3 trams struggled all day to cater for about 900 visitors.
First the good news, Jo'burg 60 is back in service. The broken windows have been repaired with glass that matches old.
The lattice platform gates haven't been put back yet.
Now the not so good news. It is the last week of the school holidays and the weather was set fine. The Museum simply did not have enough traffic staff to cater for the crowds.
First the good news, Jo'burg 60 is back in service. The broken windows have been repaired with glass that matches old.
The lattice platform gates haven't been put back yet.
Now the not so good news. It is the last week of the school holidays and the weather was set fine. The Museum simply did not have enough traffic staff to cater for the crowds.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Happy 90th Birthday
Marjorie Salt, John Shawcross's mother in law, celebrated her 90th birthday in the Red Lion with a very nice buffet.
Morjorie's friend Dortothy, Christine and the birthday girl on Chester- field 7.
Morjorie's friend Dortothy, Christine and the birthday girl on Chester- field 7.
Another friend, Betty, from Paisley standing Paisley 68.
Extravaganza - vehicles
Rack 2 is 16 years older than the charabanc and I expect you could have travelled to Fleetwood and back for less than 1/6d.
This steam traction engine was built in 1928
the same year as Blackpool 167.
Blackpool 40 dates from 1926.
This bus was built in 1971 but was re-bodied in 1975. The Extrav had a Blackpool theme but it looks as if 50 or so people prefer Morecambe.
This steam traction engine was built in 1928
the same year as Blackpool 167.Blackpool 40 dates from 1926.
This bus was built in 1971 but was re-bodied in 1975. The Extrav had a Blackpool theme but it looks as if 50 or so people prefer Morecambe.
Finally I saw eight trams in service on Monday afternoon: Berlin 3006, Blackpool 2, 40, 167, Chesterfield 7, Leeds 180, Liverpool 869 and Southampton 45.
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