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The platform framing is now to receive attention whilst new timberwork is on hand to start rebuilding the lower deck roof now that the body is once again supported by the steel underframe. 

Photo: 143 becomes a kit of parts - the trucks, the main underframe section and its body on the bus body lift.  

Meanwhile, we have contracted the Ffestiniog Railway to fabricate two new platform canopy frame sections that support the upper deck floor and open balcony areas. The work will be undertaken in their Boston Lodge works which has years of expertise restoring timber framed carriages for this famous narrow gauge railway. 

Photo: Richard Clarke helps raise the body of 143 off its underframe. 

Photo: Linda from NWSA interviews Daphne Luff 

The underframe will be steam cleaned and painted and, once this has been completed, reassembly of the lower saloon will commence, starting with a new saloon floor. (26/05/06)

"Once the roof sticks were in place tongue and groove boards were fixed on top. The undersides of these boards were left to form the ceiling of the lower saloon, but the top had to be canvassed to form a waterproof surface. After several coats of primer had been applied to the boards, the canvas was laid before the final coat had dried, so that the primer would soak into the fabric. Once the canvas had hardened, further coats were added for good measure, until eventually the 'first roof', as this surface was known' was finished. 

Work would then begin on the second roof, which was raised from the first on beams, leaving a 7/8" gap between the two, which acted both as an air space to prevent rotting of the timber, and as drainage for any water seeping through the upper deck floor. The second roof was laid with tongue and groove boarding which formed the top deck floor and was extended over the driver's platforms to form the balconies". (13/05/06)

The ends have been stripped down to the car framework but the framework will remain in situ until after the upper deck floor has been stripped for replacement. (05/05/2006)

Notice in this view OMO car No.8 and the lower deck of 143 visible in the background. Now, the lower deck of 143 can be stripped down to its framework and then separated from its trucks. (10/04/2006)

This photograph shows the scene shortly after the roof was raised at 3pm in the afternoon. It also shows the extent to which the saloon has been stripped of its previous glazing and vents. Shortly, the roof is to be sent to Gilletts of Kirkham where it will be completely rebuilt, restoring roof, open balcony and saloon structure. (19/03/2006)

Although they are very similar to the upper deck wooden panelled seat frames on the Standard trams, it is thought they date from much older trams. A trial fitting on the upper deck of 143 showed they could be made to fit. Further research of the origins of the seats will be carried out as part of the project and a view will be taken on whether to incorporate the seats into 143 or use parts for the construction of new frames to full Standard car specification. (22/01/2006)

In this view a team of volunteers removes the old floor slats in preparation for removal of the floor boards (actually part of the lower deck roof structure). The floor will be removed once the upper deck structure is separated. This will be tackled later in January and it is expected it will be removed to Joe Gillett's of Kirkham early in March. 

We are discussing an imaginative 1920s night with the North West Sound Archive as part of our commitment to capture memories of people who remember the Standard trams in service. 

A Powerpoint presentation on the project has been prepared which is intended for distribution to local libraries and display at the Solaris Centre on New South promenade. Other venues are being sourced. 
View Standard 143 Powerpoint Presentation (1.2Mb)