Re: Stored trams at Newport
Michael Walker (walker@hotkey.net.au)
Mon, 09 Feb 1998 18:51:57 +1100
Bob wrote:
>
> Goodwin Alco wrote:
>
> > Bob wrote:
> > >
> > > I heard a story this week that "something" will soon happen with all the
> > > stored W cars at Newport Workshops. Considering that some of these cars
> > > have been in storage for several years I wonder what is being done
> > > towards their disposal. Is the National Trust still insisting that all
> > > cars are to be kept. In the past the Kennet Government has shown no
> > > mercy towards minority groups so what do the Trust have over them? Also
> > > can anyone confirm the story that a US dealer has made an offer to buy
> > > all the stored cars for export?
> > > Bob
> >
> > I heard recently that a lot of these trams suffered damage while being
> > put into storage at Newport, some being quite bad.
> > Brad
>
> This would not surprise me. I was there one day as a tram was being unloaded
> and they were rather rough with it. What surprised me the most was that they
> put a standard gauge tram onto one rail of the broad gauge track. They then
> pushed the half derailed tram into the shed and let it run into the one in
> front. It seemed to me at the time that these trams were a nusence to the MET
> and they wanted rid of them. I hope we dont see a Paddington Depot repeat.
> Bob
I think it is rather sad that the PTC has such a poor reputation when it
comes to
a) rail fans
b) heritage / preservation
Especially given that such groups are potentially among their greatest
free supporters and publicity agents.