Leeds trams

peterg · Post by **peterg** » Fri 05 Jun, 2009 7:41 pm

Been a long time since anybody has had a say on this thread but, on reviewing it, I see comments made about other cities and countries than Leeds. Barcelona had trams and like Leeds bought second hand Feltham trams, Barcelona bought second hand Washington trams (thus called because they came from Washington, USA). The trams were done away with but recently they have been reintroduced and are highly successful. There are talks about connecting the two lines and building more.

BLAKEY · Post by **BLAKEY** » Fri 05 Jun, 2009 9:41 pm

The National Tramway Museum at Crich is a glorious place, celebrating its fiftieth year of existence. Starting off as a humble derelict quarry, the phenomenal work carried out by a large number of dedicated volunteers, many highly skilled and specialised, has produced the incredible and immaculate but "natural" museum we have today.There are no less than SIX Leeds trams magnificently preserved there.180 The red "Horsfiled" in the picture above.301 The unique ex London "Blue car."345 A former open ended later updated double decker399 One of the famous "self explanatory "Beeston Air Brakes.600 The ex Sunderland single decker in the final form after extensive rebuilding at Kirkstall Works.602 One of the TWO (not three) purple Coronation cars whose bodies were built not at Roberts of Horbury but at the famous Charles H.Roe at Crossgates. The bodies were identical but the cars were considerably different mechanically/electrically for experimental purposes.But don't listen to be prattling on folks, "come on down" and enjoy a wonderful day of nostalgia for everyone, whatever their interests.

Phill_dvsn · Post by **Phill_dvsn** » Fri 05 Jun, 2009 10:40 pm

I agree with you Blakey.We had a great day out down there.Very scenic it is too :-)P.s I'm hoping to make another visit down there Blakey. I'd like some atmospheric night time tram shots once the nights get shorter again.I hope you can advise the best times for me later if poss.Cheers

BLAKEY · Post by **BLAKEY** » Fri 05 Jun, 2009 11:56 pm

I'm not sure just offhand Phill of the Autumn running hours but I think there will be an opportunity for dusk pictures. The enthusiast socities usually have a day with Leeds emphasis at the very beginning of November and I've done bits of very "atmospheric" video there in the past. We'll look into it as the season progresses and I'll ask around - I may see someone who knows next Monday at the LTHS monthly meeting.

Phill_dvsn · Post by **Phill_dvsn** » Sat 06 Jun, 2009 12:34 am

Thanks for that Blakey.The Leeds theme day sounds one not to miss By the way i don't know if you've seen this Leeds transport event at Elland road soon?http://www.flickr.com/groups/leedscityt ... 912876/I'm sure it will interest many Secret Leeds guys

BLAKEY · Post by **BLAKEY** » Sat 06 Jun, 2009 12:39 am

Phill_dvsn wrote: Thanks for that Blakey.The Leeds theme day sounds one not to miss By the way i don't know if you've seen this Leeds transport event at Elland road soon?http://www.flickr.com/groups/leedscityt ... 912876/I'm sure it will interest many Secret Leeds guys Yes I have indeed seen this event advertised - the publicity has been quite extensive so it should be well supported. Unforunately though it clashes with the annual Fleetwood Transport Day so it'll be a case of "spin a coin."

Post by **chameleon** » Thu 17 Sep, 2009 8:20 pm

The latest East Leeds History & Archeology magazine is out with a small feature about the last trams - 50 years ago.Very nostalgic (and familar) pictures. Nice to see them published Mr D.

Chrism · Post by **Chrism** » Thu 17 Sep, 2009 9:55 pm

There's quite a few new pix of trams on Leodis http://www.leodis.net/searchResults.asp ... CURRPAGE=1

stutterdog · Post by **stutterdog** » Fri 09 Oct, 2009 3:04 pm

I know this thread has not had any posts for some time but I have a question. While looking at a photo on Leodis of trams on Briggate about 1901 I could not help but notice that they appeared to be being towed by a short ,black tramlike vehicle.Was this how trams were moved before electrification?( I also noticed there were no overhead cables). How were these vehicles powered?

drapesy · Post by **drapesy** » Fri 09 Oct, 2009 9:01 pm

stutterdog wrote: I know this thread has not had any posts for some time but I have a question. While looking at a photo on Leodis of trams on Briggate about 1901 I could not help but notice that they appeared to be being towed by a short ,black tramlike vehicle.Was this how trams were moved before electrification?( I also noticed there were no overhead cables). How were these vehicles powered? In a word -'Steam'The original trams were horsedrawn - this then gave way(on some routes) to steam - a separate engine pulled the tramcars.(originally the London Underground used this method.) this method had obvious drawbacks of noise and pollution in a busy city and was a relatively short lived era [1880-1902] as electricity then took over. I believe steam was only used on the Wortley Route - whilst horses were still used elsewhere - but I stand to be corrected