Preserving ‘modern’ trams in working condition?

[generalnerd]

Are there any plans to operate ‘modern’ (t69, super trams when they retire, t68’s, etc) trams on preservation tramways? It seems like it would be a shame to not, as it would mean you would loose out on the preservation of an era of tramways in the uk.

I know the heaton park tramway are trying to store a t68 onsite, however with it needing high level platforms will it run in preservation? It would also make sense for somewhere to operate one of the preserved t69’s as they are low floor, but that’s a whole other story since so few are preserved…

 

[EyeKay]

Whilst it would be good for one of each to be preserved in working order, there are several difficulties. As well as being more complex to maintain, they have a higher voltage and power consumption which most heritage tramways may struggle to support. They may also not be able to negotiate the sharp curves found on many heritage lines. Most heritage tramways are also suffering from a lack a storage space. A large modern car will take the same space as several traditional cars.

 

[generalnerd]

Whilst it would be good for one of each to be preserved in working order, there are several difficulties. As well as being more complex to maintain, they have a higher voltage and power consumption which most heritage tramways may struggle to support. They may also not be able to negotiate the sharp curves found on many heritage lines. Most heritage tramways are also suffering from a lack a storage space. A large modern car will take the same space as several traditional cars.

True, but I’m pretty sure they all use 750 vdc.

I am surprised that only one has been preserved by a heritage tramway though

 

[CarltonA]

Presumably heritage trams use collector poles and modern ones a pantograph. The overhead wires would be set up differently. In Lisbon the classic trams have both and changeover at set points. Very happy to be educated about this.

 

[EyeKay]

I think traditional trams tend to be 550-600 volts I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong. Whilst they could share tracks, I suspect the museum power supplies might not be able to cope without costly upgrades.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 May 2025 ==

Presumably heritage trams use collector poles and modern ones a pantograph. The overhead wires would be set up differently. In Lisbon the classic trams have both and changeover at set points. Very happy to be educated about this.

It’s possible to use a mix. Blackpool have done so.

 

[Lemmy282]

Traditional trams use 550-600v DC as mentioned above. Current collection is not an issue, Crich uses fixed and swivel head trolleys along with bow an pantograph collectors at the same time. I would think the major issue would be the current demand. I believe Sheffield Supertrams can draw several hundred amps at 750v DC, that needs a hefty supply source.
As the trams were designed for 750v DC there might be a problem with the onboard electronics when running at a lower voltage, nothing that couldn't be overcome but an additional expense.
I agree we should be preserving the modern trams, but running them may be a difficult. They are longer and wider than traditional ones, so the infrasructure of heritage tramways may not be able to accommodate them, then there are different wheel profiles. Maybe static preservation is the best we can achieve.

 

[bluegoblin7]

The current collector itself is only half the story: just because one type of/tram with a pantograph can operate that doesn’t automatically extend to other trams - different type of pans have different characteristics, and the physical location relative to the vehicle’s centre of gravity can also mean that one pan works fine but another will instantly dewire.

Second gen preservation is alive and well with Heaton Park and their T68. There aren’t, technically, any preserved T69s (and frankly nor should there be: horrible, non-standard rubbish of no relevance to the wider British tramway story): two survive (just about) at Long Marston and a third is now with the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Dudley for further productive use.

It isn’t impossible to get a second gen tram operable - particularly one of the earlier examples - but as always it comes down to time and money. As demonstrated by the current fates of most of the UK’s heritage tramways these are very much in demand.

 

[generalnerd]

Yes.

The current collector itself is only half the story: just because one type of/tram with a pantograph can operate that doesn’t automatically extend to other trams - different type of pans have different characteristics, and the physical location relative to the vehicle’s centre of gravity can also mean that one pan works fine but another will instantly dewire.

Second gen preservation is alive and well with Heaton Park and their T68. There aren’t, technically, any preserved T69s (and frankly nor should there be: horrible, non-standard rubbish of no relevance to the wider British tramway story): two survive (just about) at Long Marston and a third is now with the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Dudley for further productive use.

It isn’t impossible to get a second gen tram operable - particularly one of the earlier examples - but as always it comes down to time and money. As demonstrated by the current fates of most of the UK’s heritage tramways these are very much in demand.

Yes, very much so. At heaton park they’ve had to shut down the tramway for a year or two to replace life expired equiptment.