Beamish Trams
The Beamish Tramway runs in a circle for over a mile around the museum. Tram rides are included in the admission price.
31
Tram 31 is open topped and open fronted. It has red and white livery and was originally used in Blackpool.
264
264 is a double decker, most of the top deck is enclosed. It was built in 1907 for Sheffield Corporation Tramways and was used by them until 1956.
10
Tram 10 is a single decker in original livery it was used in the Gateshead and Newcastle area.
It has an interesting interior with authentic adverts in coloured glass.
Roof signs advertise 'Shop At Binns' and 'Newcastle Brown Ale'.
196
Tram number 196 is painted in Gateshead colours, the roof sign advertises Ringtons Tea.
This single decker was built in 1935 to a pre World War One American design. It was used in
Oporto, Portugal, following a tram depot fire it was then offered to Beamish for spares... The
interior still has some Portuguese signwriting! It is a favourite in the cooler months as it is
fully enclosed!
114
Tram 114 has open stairs, controls and upper deck.
16
Tram 16 was one of Sunderland's first trams, built as an open top tramcar by Dick,
Kerr and Company of Preston in 1900. Around 1920 it was given a face lift and was
transformed into a totally enclosed vehicle. Other changes were made over the years, It was
withdrawn from service in March 1953.
In October 1989 the lower saloon body was collected from Westwood Farm near Hexham.
It had been used as a workshop and apple store.
Extensive renovation work has followed, a new top deck was been constructed.
On completion Tram 16 was officially launched at the museum in 2003 by Kate Adie.
Things To Look And Listen For.
Look out for the tram shelter at Foulbridge. It's lined with inscribed bricks from many
brickworks around the area. On the roof is a tram weather vane. The shelter was opened
in 2001 by Patron John Grundy. The ceremony involved hurling a half brick at a pane of glass!
The driver and conductor communicate with bells.
For example moving away, the conductor gives the signal and the driver replies before moving away.
A tram works by collecting electricity through the boom, from a 550 volt overhead wire.
The current passes through electric motors under the floor, the circuit is completed through
the steel wheels, to the tracks.
The overhead wires are not in a full circle, breaks in the circuit are marked by signs with a
large red dot.
You may hear a buzzer sound when the tram boom passes through a dead spot, or if the boom is disconnected.
Posts marked F or X show overhead 'frogs' or crossovers. That is junctions in the wires.
For safety a token system is in operation on the bank between Pockerley and the main entrance.
The tram driver isn't allowed to use this stretch without the token.
196
This single decker was built in 1935 to a pre World War One American design. It was used in Oporto, Portugal, following a tram depot fire it was then offered to Beamish for spares... The interior still has some Portuguese signwriting! It is a favourite in the cooler months as it is fully enclosed!
114
16
In October 1989 the lower saloon body was collected from Westwood Farm near Hexham. It had been used as a workshop and apple store.
Extensive renovation work has followed, a new top deck was been constructed. On completion Tram 16 was officially launched at the museum in 2003 by Kate Adie.