Leicester Trams

Tram 31 Group & the History of Tramways in the City of Leicester

Archive for June, 2010

15th June 2010.

June 15th 2010
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More decorative trim removing; and some great finds!

With the decorative trimmings taken down for labeling and safe storage we expose the original colour of the wood - it's stunning!

Our next exciting find was this roller blind still rolled up and in situ! It would have been sprung originally. It was found inside a cavity behind some decorative trimming. It had been rolled up and the end had passed through the slot so it could not be got at easily. This is probably why it has survived in such good condition. The others have all rotted away but this one is complete. It's as if somebody pulled the blind right down and then let go - the end result being it had shot up and rolled over itself so nobody else could pull it down again.

A close up of the original material in the blind; the colours are amazing. We think this is the original 1904 fabric. If you study the interior picture on the 'Car 31' tab it reveals a similar pattern on the blind.

12th June 2010.

June 12th 2010
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Today we visited with the intention of removing all the decorative features that make up the ceiling of the lower saloon. This we did successfully after photo documenting every inch. It was a long day but a very fruitful one; 95% of the items removed can be re-used in the restoration which was pleasing. We also discovered how the car was converted from an open topper to an enclosed vehicle. When the cars were converted it was reported that they had to lose 3 inches in ceiling height in the lower saloon. As we removed various panels we could see the cut and join lines where the 3 inches were taken out and re-joined. Incredible!

Here is a stitched view that shows the ceiling before we began to remove anything. You can clearly se the decorative carvings, painted patterns and marks where the light fittings used to be.

A stitched view made up of many detailed photos reveals many decorative features in excellent condition. (Click to expand)

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