John Woodman
- Jan 8, 2017

Glasgow Memories - 2

On a gloriously sunny Sunday morning a Cunarder emerges from under Central Station underpass (actually Argyle Street)

Derek Redmond formerly of Lancaster and now of Reading reminded me that he took the photo of myself 'driving' a Glasgow tram in the previous Blog and it was taken at Shawfields terminus.. Both of us made several visits to the Clyde in the years up to complete closure of that wonderful traditional tram system. There may be one (or two) Scottish enthusiasts reading this blog, so a further tranche of images from my camera from those halcyon days chasing the 'caurs' on the remaining routes. These were all a far cry from the pristine paint enhanced museum pieces which now provide the public with a conditioned image of times when trams were part of urban living. None of these invaluable examples convey in the slightest way the well worn patina of Glasgow trams in the workaday settings - a time when cigarette and pip tobacco smoke added considerably to the 'charm' of a ride on the top deck.

The Author (with duffle bag) and neat Trumph 'Mayflower'? car at the entrance to Coplawhill Works. The tram (sorry caur) is entering the depot. We, along with many other followers, were tolerated by depot and Works staff, allowing closeup look behind the scenes. Health and Safety had thankfully yet to kick in. The same could be said of most of the remaining tram depots at that time when the presence of notebook and camera toting enthusiasts re-emphasised the uniqueness of the remaining systems still managing to run trams through city streets.

1089 was always a favourite with enthusiasts as a tour car (also 1100). Here it is seen crossing the Clyde in the company of a new GCT bus.

A 'drek' day with a Cunarder on Argyle Street waiting for a 29 Service car to cross its tracks en route presumably to Maryhill Depot given the blank indicator screen. The dark and forbidding underpass covered by Glasgow Central's tracks and platforms provided a measure of protection against the rain. Tram stops under the tunnel- like roadway were well used in both directions throughout day and night.

A very typical Glasgow scene. Female passengers (shoppers) stand on the platform steps of this tram waiting to disembark onto the glistening setts, whilst others await the tram's final stop. In the background another tram on the 29 Service with a further one in the distance heading eastbound.