MidlandRed.net

Not strictly under the 'train' category, but these wonderful veteran trams run on standard gauge railway track for about 1.4 miles through a quarry site in the rugged Derbyshire Peak District around 1,000 feet above sea level. There are numerous period 'turn of the 20th Century' architectural treasures and wonderful views from the picnic areas when the weather is fine. Preserved Morris 10 car; Transport from Worcester;

This is one I've wanted to tick off for some time Tim.

Superb photos, thanks Tim, -- -- at a strange time, when the normal "chit-chat" on the forum, and most of the normal developments of the bus companies, has been "suspended" due to covid 19 !

Very much appreciated !!

Excellent photos, Tim. Two or three years ago I had a superb day driving Liverpool 869 at Crich. Quite an experience and totally enjoyable.

chason wrote: ↑

22:15 Tuesday 5th May 2020

Excellent photos, Tim. Two or three years ago I had a superb day driving Liverpool 869 at Crich. Quite an experience and totally enjoyable.

And just to prove it...….

chason wrote: ↑

22:15 Tuesday 5th May 2020

Excellent photos, Tim. Two or three years ago I had a superb day driving Liverpool 869 at Crich. Quite an experience and totally enjoyable.

Not many people are lucky enough to drive a tram, even if it means standing up the whole while.

I think it is fair to say that the early turn-of-the-century Edwardian two axle (four wheeled) trams are very much an acquired taste and quite an eye-opener if you've never travelled on one before. The bodywork, with skilled carpentry, coloured glass opening vents ornate lights and fittings give a first impression of opulent luxury. Then you sit on slatted wooden seats with reversible backs and a different message transmits through your posterior. It becomes even more interesting when the tram moves off with clang of a bell, the motor makes a voluble grinding sound which vibrates the frame and the bogie picks up any slight undulation in the track with wheels squealing loudly on the curves and the the whole car rocking and swaying with a snaking motion; quiet they are not - but truly wonderful!

Later double bogie large trams such as the Blackpool Balloon double-deckers have upholstered seats and ride more like a railway carriage albeit with the melody of those electric motors.

If you go to Crich, when the current restrictions are well and truly over, make sure that the weather forecast is fine to make the most of those stunning views from picnic area;

A brilliant description, Tim and I agree with every word except I didn't have to stand to drive Liverpool 869 as It had the luxury of a wooden seat, I'd say quite unusual for a tram built in 1936. After service in Liverpool, it ran for about 5 years in Glasgow, being finally withdrawn in 1950. It was then restored and has been running at Crich since 1993.

It is used on driving experience days as it has air brakes (quite fierce until you get used to them, as I recall). You can then go on to a more advanced experience day on an older hand ratchet braked tram.

If you haven't been, a trip to Crich is well worthwhile and if you get the chance, I'd also thoroughly recommend one of the driving experience courses. It's a whole day and there was just me and another chap who, after an hour or so in the classroom spent the rest of the day driving up and down the mile and a quarter or so of track. We each did 6 round trips which came to an end all too soon. They provide lunch and you can take a friend who can ride on the tram with you but they do book up quickly. From memory, I had to book 12 months in advance.