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Report

Colin led Kirsty, Phil, Martin and Steve on the second installment of Tram-blastic, kicking off with a warm-up pint in the Bier Hoose on Leith Walk, a short walk from a former tram depot at Shrubhill. Plenty Leith Pils (Campervan Brewery) on offer. The Manor was well-timed, as a couple of drive-wheels from the old cable-driven tram system, started around 1880 and discovered as part of current tram-works, buried on Leith Walk at Shrubhill, had recently been put on display as part of today's tramline extension to Newhaven, located at the Leith Walk end of Iona Street. Colin started the meat of the Manor in front of these fine tram-related relics which, hopefully, will one day soon be accompanied by some information on their history and use. Those gathered heard stories of past horse-drawn, cable-driven and electrified trams and learned that Leithers were more advanced with electric trams before Edinburgh, leading to the 'Pilrig muddle', where passengers would be forced to alight and swap tram cars from one system to another: electric to cable-driven or vice versa. There was chat of tram livery (colours), types (e.g. the Shrubhill Standard), trams from Manchester, tram 35 which is still around today in a Derbyshire museum and the demise of the original network in the 1950s. Time to wet whistles in the Strathyre / Strathy's. Wandering down to the new Balfour Street tram stop and bringing things up to the present day, Colin also imparted plenty of information on the cost and controversy surrounding the new network: lots to tell and discuss there. The latest section of the tramline is expected to become operational on 7th June. There was time to enjoy the delights of the Europa League cup final in the Alhambra bar and wander past the old Leith tram depot building to The Mother Superior (once the Bridge Bar) for some more beer and Japanese whisky to wind up a fine evening.

As an addendum to the Manor, here's some fairly captivating tram footage in areas of Edinburgh very recognisable to those of most Knights.

THE DEMISE OF THE EDINBURGH TRAM COMPLETE, grahamawhyte

Here are the times of some highlights.

0:11:40, a tram on the still existing / preserved section of track at Waterloo Place.
0:12:50, trams running over North Bridge.
0:14:14, an interesting tram wash.
0:15:16, a shot of the Leith Depot (still there today), also around 0:58:35.
0:16:00, Murrayfield rugby game congestion (also 0:28:00, no health and safety here!).
0:26:21, Seafield, Leith stretch, footage preceded by mention of 12 and 25 routes which fit with some comments suggesting later bus route numbers adopted the tram numbers they replaced (26, London Road, 1950s, same today).
1:01:40, footage of trams in Brougham Street.
1:03:00, where was the Tollcross Depot? Maybe opposite Coasters, West Tollcross (1:19:19). 1:07:53, tram car 13 is mentioned as having an odd route, confusing locals, the 13 bus has had an odd route in past 20 years.
1:08:40, number 11 and 7 buses still go to Stanley Road.
1:09:12, Highland Queen sign, whisky bottling plant (mentioned and shown in the May 2021 Manor, Whisky Distilling In Leith ).
1:10:08, a cyclist crossing tramlines.
1:23:35, Wetherspoon's or Weatherproofs? There's an advert on a tram as it passes Foot o' the Walk: spooky.
1:24:11, breakdown, one tram pushes another.
1:34:00, footage on maintenance, repair, parts, etc.
1:38:09, a tram comes out of the Dryden Street (former workplace of Sir North Leith) entrance to the Shrubhill Depot.

Thanks to everyone who came to ride with conductor Colin on the tale of the last trams to trancentral.

Notes