New homes sought for two historic tramcars

Crich Tramway Village, home of The National Tramway Museum in Derbyshire, is seeking new homes for two trams currently in its collection. Following a collections review, the Museum has taken the decision to relinquish ownership of the vehicles, with the aim of giving them the opportunity to be preserved and appreciated elsewhere.

The first vehicle is Halle an der Saale (HAVAG) tramcar No. 902, a single-deck, all-enclosed bogie electric tramcar built in 1969. Imported from Germany in 2005, it was originally intended to be converted into a wheelchair-accessible tram at Crich. However, technical challenges meant this was not possible, and the car last operated in 2006.

With the Museum now progressing plans for accessibility through the conversion of Blackpool Centenary tram No. 645 into ‘Access Tram 2’, the Halle tramcar is surplus to requirements.

The second vehicle offered is Blackpool Corporation Transport Works Dept. 2 ‘Railgrinder’, a single-deck works car built in 1935. After a decade of operation at Crich between 1965 and 1975, it has been in storage for the last 50 years. Incomplete and lacking a truck or electrical equipment, the Railgrinder is being made available for another organisation to potentially restore or display. Andrew Pendleton, Chairman of the Tramway Museum Society, explains:

“Removing trams from our collection is always a difficult decision, but after careful consideration we believe this is the right course of action. It gives these vehicles the chance of a new life and continued appreciation under different ownership.”

Both tramcars are being offered free of charge, with all removal and transport costs to be met by the acquiring organisation. The Museum’s preference is for them to remain in the public sector, and expressions of interest are now being invited.

Further details, including photographs and condition reports, can be found on the Museums Association website or by contacting Kate Watts, Curator, via email at kate.watts@tramway.co.uk or by telephone on 01773 854338.