Born in 1956 I lived in a small cottage on Basin Road, very close to the bridge which took the tram over the old canal; there was a depot on the other side of the canal, with a small brick building which had an open fireplace in the single room building. My dad knew the man who worked at that depot and often we would walk across the bridge to see him. I can't remember what his name was (it has been 60 years since the last time I crossed that bridge, as we moved to Walpole St Andrew in 1961) but my mum always called him 'Horace Hotplate' for some reason, and that is what I remember him as. I do recall on one occasion riding on the 'push me, pull me' cart with him and my dad, I would have been about 4 at the time - health and safety today would have crucified them both. That tramway was a big part of my very young life, the recollections of the people and the images they conjure has taken me back to part of my joyous childhood.
What a wonderful group of people and an excellent project. I had no idea about the Thomas the Tank Engine connection. The kids must have enjoyed the rides on the track trolley, I certainly would have done! Good luck with the next phases of your project. I will look out of your efforts when I next drive to Wisbech.
Do you have a website where all this information is kept? It is a shame that a section of track cannot be put back and a section of the tramway run as a preservation society this would be great as a tourist attraction.
Apologies for delay in replying. I referred this enquiry to Bill Smith. He recalls that they were from a wagon and not part of the engine and were purchased from Ray King of Hardingham Norfolk. Ray is very helpful and I think he will be able to reveal the origins of the wheels and axle if you wish to pursue the enquiry further. Rays contact details to Mr Reader. rayking@tractionads.com I hope this helps and thank you for your interest in the project.
Thanks for watching. We know of no plans to reinstate the tram service. It is an important part of the area's history so the memento project is aimed at recording and preserving the meomories for present and future generations. Visitors are encouraged to explore the history and enjoy the sites.
Born in 1956 I lived in a small cottage on Basin Road, very close to the bridge which took the tram over the old canal; there was a depot on the other side of the canal, with a small brick building which had an open fireplace in the single room building. My dad knew the man who worked at that depot and often we would walk across the bridge to see him. I can't remember what his name was (it has been 60 years since the last time I crossed that bridge, as we moved to Walpole St Andrew in 1961) but my mum always called him 'Horace Hotplate' for some reason, and that is what I remember him as.
I do recall on one occasion riding on the 'push me, pull me' cart with him and my dad, I would have been about 4 at the time - health and safety today would have crucified them both. That tramway was a big part of my very young life, the recollections of the people and the images they conjure has taken me back to part of my joyous childhood.
What a wonderful group of people and an excellent project. I had no idea about the Thomas the Tank Engine connection. The kids must have enjoyed the rides on the track trolley, I certainly would have done! Good luck with the next phases of your project. I will look out of your efforts when I next drive to Wisbech.
Excellent - Really enjoyed it ... Quite surprised how many photos of the line are still around ... Thank you ...
Glad you enjoyed it
I have enjoyed being a member of the team on this production
Wow. Brilliant, taking these steps to maintain memory and knowledge of this iconic line.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have enjoyed being a member of the team on this production.
Thank you for your help.
Do you have a website where all this information is kept? It is a shame that a section of track cannot be put back and a section of the tramway run as a preservation society this would be great as a tourist attraction.
What a great report...
Toby the Tram Engine from Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends.
Number 7.
Yes I remember the line in the 1960s but didn't se anything run on it shame it's all gone now I'm a railway lover
was the wheel set based on the driving wheel set of the steam tram engines
Apologies for delay in replying. I referred this enquiry to Bill Smith. He recalls that they were from a wagon and not part of the engine and were purchased from Ray King of Hardingham Norfolk.
Ray is very helpful and I think he will be able to reveal the origins of the wheels and axle if you wish to pursue the enquiry further.
Rays contact details to Mr Reader. rayking@tractionads.com
I hope this helps and thank you for your interest in the project.
Super video. Question not quite answered... is it the intention to totally reinstate the team service though probably having to re route it? Thankyou
Tram servicd
Thanks for watching. We know of no plans to reinstate the tram service. It is an important part of the area's history so the memento project is aimed at recording and preserving the meomories for present and future generations. Visitors are encouraged to explore the history and enjoy the sites.