Restored Leeds Tram Wins Award for Crich Tramway Village
Staff and volunteers at Crich Tramway Village, Home of The National Tramway Museum are celebrating after winning the award for Best Self-Propelled Vehicle in the Heritage Railway Association Carriage & Wagon Awards.
The award was granted for the outstanding restoration of tramcar Leeds 345 which entered service at the Museum in 2004 after 3 year’s in the Museum’s workshop.
The award was presented by Dame Margaret Weston, President of the Heritage Railway Association at their meeting in Leeds on Saturday 2nd June. Judges commented that the tram demonstrated ‘a wealth of period detail which had been painstakingly recreated.’
Collecting the award was Tramway Museum Society President Keith Terry.
“It is a real honour to receive this award.” said Mr Terry “It is a testament to the skill and dedication of the Workshop team of staff and volunteers and to the generosity of the sponsors who raised the necessary funds to make it all possible; the restoration costs were met through the fundraising work of supporting bodies”
Commenting on the award Peter Bird, Rolling Stock Engineer at the Village said, “Leeds 345 was rescued from the scrap-heap by enthusiasts back in the ‘50s, but had a long wait until funds were in place restore it. The workshop team and I are thrilled to receive this award on behalf of everyone who worked on the project.”
Visitors to Crich Tramway Village can admire the incredible workmanship on Leeds 345 and may even get a chance to ride on the tram during the season.
