Tuesday 23rd March

Sunday was a lovely busy day with 765 back in service and 6 on training duties. The 2 cars are seen here passing at Depot. This scene will only be possible twice more (27th and 28th) before 6 goes to Beamish and when it returns, 765 will be gone. Who knows what will happen after the 2010 season yet so this could very well be the end of an era. 765 and 6 have been the sole passenger cars since 600 went demic in 1997. 13 years!!! (L53 doesn't count, by the way).

Depot Dalek - Martin in refurbished condition on patrol outside the shop today while heavy cleaning took place inside the depot. It is planned to have a Depot Dalek this year for that extra bit of lunatic PR.

And finally . . .what we've all been waiting for. 752 has the last of its bulbs tested as it is being prepared to be Heaton Park's first illuminated Tram and the first in the Manchester area since ??? Interestingly one of the team behind 752's new role was responsible in part for 752's sister car, grinder 2 being illuminated at Crich way back in the 1960s. Hmmm.

Looking forward to this weekend already.

Check www.heatonparktramway.org.uk for latest info and possible running order.

John

14th March

A nice but relatively quiet day due to various events in Manchester. We did however end up with all Trams outside at one point which was nice but sorry no photos!

6 was in service but also managed a training run as did 752. L53 and 765 emerged into daylight for a shunt and yours truly ended up driving the whole fleet in the space of 45 minutes (if propelling L53 manually counts as driving).

Now, onto the 30th birthday. Me not being known for my sanity has decided that we need something a little different.

Behold:

Yes, that is a Dalek in a state of some disrepair. Below is the Dalek (whose name is Martin, by the way) a few years ago. You can tell where we're going with this can't you?

Incidentally, Martin has visited Crich. How many Daleks can claim to have visited two Tramways?

I have no idea why Martin, but he was originally named Tarquin (I kid you not).

If he proves popular, expect him to take up residence for a while. Some Tramways had a depot cat, Heaton Park will have a depot Dalek. Why? Because we can (and he doesn't need feeding).

John