Heaton Park Tramway

16/09/2021

#ThrowbackThursday We dont have too many steam tram and trailer images in the collection but this one is a cracker. Its from a bit further afield too as its from Huddersfield. It shows a Kitson built engine no 14 and its trailer probably at the terminus of the route at Berry Brow.

#ThrowbackThursday We dont have too many steam tram and trailer images in the collection but this one is a cracker. Its from a bit further afield too as its from Huddersfield. It shows a Kitson built engine no 14 and its trailer probably at the terminus of the route at Berry Brow.

15/09/2021

A few more pictures for you from our weekend in the Isle of Wight.

Our first day on site saw us pushing tram 27 out of storage for one last (manually propelled) trip along the line as far as it would go before removing the rails.

And of course who can resist a team photo especially with such a great hostess as Pauline Burford.

14/09/2021

That's right folks, some of you got very close others guessed it.

We are pleased to announce we are now the proud owners of the Wootton Tramways 7 1/4 gauge trams and we have safely transported them all the way from the Isle of Wight to Manchester.

We will bring your more pictures throughout the week but for now we would like to say Thank you to the late Howard Burford for agreeing to donate these to us, Pauline Burford for her hospitably and the rest of their family. Not forgetting the hard work of our volunteers in making this happen.

That's right folks, some of you got very close others guessed it.

We are pleased to announce we are now the proud owners of the Wootton Tramways 7 1/4 gauge trams and we have safely transported them all the way from the Isle of Wight to Manchester.

We will bring your more pictures throughout the week but for now we would like to say Thank you to the late Howard Burford for agreeing to donate these to us, Pauline Burford for her hospitably and the rest of their family. Not forgetting the hard work of our volunteers in making this happen.

13/09/2021

Park life has meant we couldn't operate our own tramway this weekend.

The teams still been busy though (that's us looking lonely in the van), but where and why?

Let's hear your best suggestions and watch this space to find out later this week.

Park life has meant we couldn't operate our own tramway this weekend.

The teams still been busy though (that's us looking lonely in the van), but where and why?

Let's hear your best suggestions and watch this space to find out later this week.

06/09/2021

After our trams have been serviced and received any work and adjustments required, its usually starting to get a bit darker at this time of year.

This however gives us a chance to see our trams in the dark. Here's Hull 96 at Lakeside after a service and brake adjustment.

After our trams have been serviced and received any work and adjustments required, its usually starting to get a bit darker at this time of year.

This however gives us a chance to see our trams in the dark. Here's Hull 96 at Lakeside after a service and brake adjustment.

03/09/2021

Its not always about operating or maintaining the trams, being in a lovely green park there's also a lot of tree cutting and trimming to do as well.

02/09/2021

Congratulations!

Its been a busy year for our training team with 4 new Volunteer Guards recently being passed out as qualified guards.

We've still another 3 guard trainees to get passed out and we're working on adding more drivers to our pool as well.

So Congratulations to those that have passed and good luck to those still training.

31/08/2021

Abosultley fantastic piece of artwork near Prestwich Metrolink Station that we're delighted to see our trams and other areas of Heaton Park & Hall featuring in.

kELzO.com and Entise, Manchester history mural for Prestwich Arts festival, opposite Prestwich metrolink station, Manchester, Aug 31st 2021.

30/08/2021

Good morning it looks like another good day. Stockport 5 should once again be running our service today on the weekend that sees it celebrate its 120th birthday and marks the 70th anniversary of the closing of the towns trams. Catch a ride from the boating lake today from 12 till 5 and step back in time.

26/08/2021

#throwbackthursday 120 years ago today Stockport's tramways were opened and 70 years ago last night they were closed so there's nothing more fitting to show today than these

25/08/2021

A lovely treat for our volunteers arriving for an evening workshop session today 😊

A young Banksy in the making 😁

19/08/2021

#ThrowbackThursday We're off to the seaside today, but not to Blackpool. No we're in Morecambe one of the last places to run horse trams until 1926 much later than almost any other town or city. And there's a connection with Manchester too, in that they bought Morecambe horse tram No1 after it was withdrawn to run in the 1926 Civic week procession. It was there to remind the citizens what they'd been used to using up to 25 years before when they'd switched to electric trams.

12/08/2021

As we mentioned a few months ago, Heaton Park Tramway has taken custodianship of Wootton Tramway, a 7 1/4 gauge Tramway hand built by the late Howard Burford.
Currently we are planning its collection from the Isle of Wight in September while our tramway is closed due to ParkLife taking place in the park.
Parts of the 7 1/4 Tramway are stored in a specially converted caravan which we need to bring back to Manchester for storage.
The caravan hasn’t moved for many years and is in a bit of a tired state, so we are now looking at options including using a caravan trailer to transport caravan to Manchester.
So we are now looking for help.
Do any of our fantastic followers have any suggestions on trailer hire, or would be willing to donate some time to help us with this project?
Maybe has a low loader and driver available for a weekend in September?

The caravan is 21ft long, see some of the images below.

#OperationEdSizedTrams!

12/08/2021

#ThrowbackThursday Despite being a city known for its big red traditional looking bogie cars, Manchester did have some more modern looking 4 wheel cars built in 1930-32 and know as the Pilchers after the then general manager. 263 one of the last to be built in 1932 is seen, probably in Princess road shed, when still quite new.

#ThrowbackThursday Despite being a city known for its big red traditional looking bogie cars, Manchester did have some more modern looking 4 wheel cars built in 1930-32 and know as the Pilchers after the then general manager. 263 one of the last to be built in 1932 is seen, probably in Princess road shed, when still quite new.

10/08/2021

Help Restore our Blackpool Works Tram, organized by Martin Bryan

We've hit our first milestone!

Our appeal is now over the £1000 mark in online donations alone but we've still a long way to go.

If you can donate even £1 to help us please do. The works car is vital to the maintenance of our tramway and protecting our restored trams from damage with work equipment.

As one of the trustees of the organisation I'm raising money in aid of Manchester … Martin Bryan needs your support for Help Restore our Blackpool Works Tram

09/08/2021

Nice to see some of our corporate volunteers making it back to help us out again. I know they really appreciated the chance to meet up again together for the first time in nearly 2 years and have a good natter while they did a bit of work for us. Great to see you back folks and thanks a lot for all you do for us.

05/08/2021

#ThrowbackThursday We're back in Manchester again this week with 4 wheeled balcony car 240. Built as an open topper by Brush in 1903 within a few year it had this balcony top deck fitted. However its seen here much later in its life and still looking pretty smart. Certainly this was taken after 1929 as it shows R Stuart Pilcher was the General Manager by this time, as his name is on the solebar. As there was no replacement bogie car or 4 wheeled Pilcher built reusing this number, it seems 240 soldiered on until withdrawal sometime in the mid 1930s.

#ThrowbackThursday We're back in Manchester again this week with 4 wheeled balcony car 240. Built as an open topper by Brush in 1903 within a few year it had this balcony top deck fitted. However its seen here much later in its life and still looking pretty smart. Certainly this was taken after 1929 as it shows R Stuart Pilcher was the General Manager by this time, as his name is on the solebar. As there was no replacement bogie car or 4 wheeled Pilcher built reusing this number, it seems 240 soldiered on until withdrawal sometime in the mid 1930s.

29/07/2021

#ThrowbackThursday and we're in Salford Today at the loading point of the 71 Docks Circular outside the Ocean Iron works between Ordsall Lane and Trafford Road. Todays Metrolink trams cross this scene at right angles just about on this spot on their way to Media city and Eccles

#ThrowbackThursday and we're in Salford Today at the loading point of the 71 Docks Circular outside the Ocean Iron works between Ordsall Lane and Trafford Road. Todays Metrolink trams cross this scene at right angles just about on this spot on their way to Media city and Eccles

28/07/2021

We have been asked a lot why our museum buildings are still closed?

Well to be quite honest there's two reasons one were still busy with our upgrade work (such as the workshop tidy pictured) and the second is the availability of volunteers.

Some of them are (quite rightly) not ready or unable to return, others are enjoying being able to travel and visit other places again and others are busy on other areas of the tramway.

So whilst we apologise for our buildings remaining close we do please ask that you bear with us, were doing the best we can and please remember we all give our time for free.

We have been asked a lot why our museum buildings are still closed?

Well to be quite honest there's two reasons one were still busy with our upgrade work (such as the workshop tidy pictured) and the second is the availability of volunteers.

Some of them are (quite rightly) not ready or unable to return, others are enjoying being able to travel and visit other places again and others are busy on other areas of the tramway.

So whilst we apologise for our buildings remaining close we do please ask that you bear with us, were doing the best we can and please remember we all give our time for free.

27/07/2021

Help Restore our Blackpool Works Tram, organized by Martin Bryan

Help Restore our Blackpool Works Tram, organized by Martin Bryan

As one of the trustees of the organisation I'm raising money in aid of Manchester … Martin Bryan needs your support for Help Restore our Blackpool Works Tram

27/07/2021

Since a bit of attention to a grumpy air compressor a few weeks ago Stockport 5 is now settling back into operation nicely and has been very much earning its keep carrying good socially distanced loads in the recent good weather

26/07/2021

This weekend gave us our first chance to see Hull 96 in daylight since Heritage Painting finished their work on the waist panels and it sure was a beautiful sight.

25/07/2021

We have today had a Santander card handed to us that was lost at the lake, it is safely stored. If you believe this to be yours please get in touch but we will need to confirm the details on it.

22/07/2021

#throwbackthursday takes us to Bolton today and route E to Westhoughton. Bogie car 51 is seen outside the Wheatsheaf Hotel. Built by Brush in 1900 with Brill 22E bogies as an open topper, it was later fitted with an enclosed top deck cover.

#throwbackthursday takes us to Bolton today and route E to Westhoughton. Bogie car 51 is seen outside the Wheatsheaf Hotel. Built by Brush in 1900 with Brill 22E bogies as an open topper, it was later fitted with an enclosed top deck cover.

16/07/2021

There's no doubt that since completion of an overhaul in 2015 Hull 96 has been a very hardworking tram. Whether it be for service or our very popular tram driving experiences.

So 96 is currently under the attention of our friends at Heritage Painting to receive a bit of TLC to the waist panels to keep the tram looking in tip top condition.

There's no doubt that since completion of an overhaul in 2015 Hull 96 has been a very hardworking tram. Whether it be for service or our very popular tram driving experiences.

So 96 is currently under the attention of our friends at Heritage Painting to receive a bit of TLC to the waist panels to keep the tram looking in tip top condition.

15/07/2021

#throwbackthursday

A bit more up to date this week but still very much history.

Leeds 6 and Blackpool 752 sit at Lakeside terminus in September 2009. A scene we cant repeat anymore, why not?

This isn't a terminus anymore
Leeds 6 has now reverted to Hull 96 identity.
Blackpool 752 is out of service requiring expensive repairs.

If you'd like to help with that last one please visit https://buff.ly/3hwYm6J

#throwbackthursday

A bit more up to date this week but still very much history.

Leeds 6 and Blackpool 752 sit at Lakeside terminus in September 2009. A scene we cant repeat anymore, why not?

This isn't a terminus anymore
Leeds 6 has now reverted to Hull 96 identity.
Blackpool 752 is out of service requiring expensive repairs.

If you'd like to help with that last one please visit https://buff.ly/3hwYm6J

14/07/2021

Another pic of 765 in passenger service this Saturday.

Lovely weather part of the day as 765 descends the hill and turns the corner on to the double track.

Another pic of 765 in passenger service this Saturday.

Lovely weather part of the day as 765 descends the hill and turns the corner on to the double track.

11/07/2021

Manchester 765 in service yesterday with appropriate destination blinds for this evening.

A 5-3 scoreline may be a bit ambitious but if its an England win we'll take it.

Manchester 765 in service yesterday with appropriate destination blinds for this evening.

A 5-3 scoreline may be a bit ambitious but if its an England win we'll take it.

10/07/2021

Help Restore our Blackpool Works Tram, organized by Martin Bryan

If you haven supported the appeal for our works car yet and can afford to, then please do.

The tram is vital to the upkeep and maintenance of our tramway.

https://gofund.me/4f54de37

As one of the trustees of the organisation I'm raising money in aid of Manchester … Martin Bryan needs your support for Help Restore our Blackpool Works Tram

09/07/2021

We're mixing it up a bit with our service cars this weekend to give Blackpool 623 and Stockport 5 a rest.

This Saturday sees Manchester 765 operating our tram service from 12-5 for its first service operation of the year.

Then on Sunday it's the turn of Hull 96 to run the service again on service for the first time this season.

All journeys operate as out and back from Lakeside and social distancing and mask wearing is still in place.

We're mixing it up a bit with our service cars this weekend to give Blackpool 623 and Stockport 5 a rest.

This Saturday sees Manchester 765 operating our tram service from 12-5 for its first service operation of the year.

Then on Sunday it's the turn of Hull 96 to run the service again on service for the first time this season.

All journeys operate as out and back from Lakeside and social distancing and mask wearing is still in place.

09/07/2021

Another tram that we haven't featured much recently is Blackpool 702.

Although not part of our operating fleet we have been carrying out some cosmetic work on 702 so that the tram is more presentable when brought out on display.

This has included a thorough internal and external cleaning, re-waterproofing the roof and filling and repainting of the front dome that was damaged before arrival at the tramway.

Another tram that we haven't featured much recently is Blackpool 702.

Although not part of our operating fleet we have been carrying out some cosmetic work on 702 so that the tram is more presentable when brought out on display.

This has included a thorough internal and external cleaning, re-waterproofing the roof and filling and repainting of the front dome that was damaged before arrival at the tramway.

08/07/2021

#ThrowbackThursday
At the opposite end of the scale to the city streets full of large bogie cars was somewhere like the small town of Glossop, with just a handful of 4 wheel open toppers and this 'demi car'. It's seen at the end of the branch line to Whitfield that served the Charlestown Paper mills and it was set up for one man operation, with its driver seen alongside the tram.

#ThrowbackThursday
At the opposite end of the scale to the city streets full of large bogie cars was somewhere like the small town of Glossop, with just a handful of 4 wheel open toppers and this 'demi car'. It's seen at the end of the branch line to Whitfield that served the Charlestown Paper mills and it was set up for one man operation, with its driver seen alongside the tram.