Shipley Glen Tramway celebrates 124 years with a new coat of paint

25 July 2019

A new lease of life was recently breathed into Shipley Glen Tramway, a local landmark celebrating its 124th year. Bagnalls donated their time and skilled workforce to revamp the historic local attraction.

The Shipley Glen Tramway is a funicular railway, located at Shipley Glen near Saltaire and was opened in May 1895. Originally built to provide access to, now long closed attractions at Shipley Glen, it is still a much loved and popular attraction.

The line is operated by volunteer staff on behalf of the charitable trust, Shipley Glen Tramway Preservation Co Ltd. Trustees approached Bagnalls with a request for support to refurbish the tramway and were delighted when Bagnalls agreed to provide a team to prepare and paint the tram chassis.

A number of issues had to be considered before starting the project, including the weather, programme, specification, and safety risks. The works were completed to a schedule that didn’t affect the running of the tramway.

The steelwork of the tram was prepared prior to coating with a PPG Sigma specification which will provide a minimum of ten years protection, allowing many more people to enjoy the much-loved attraction.

Councillor Dale Smith said; “On behalf of the Shipley Glen Tramway, can I thank you and your company most wholeheartedly for the most generous support given with regard to repainting the chassis of both trams.”

Bagnalls are passionate about supporting local charities and community projects through their Community Paintbrush scheme. Since its launch in 2012, it has helped over 100 local projects to achieve their goals.

John Pitcher, a Director of the Trust was thrilled with the result “Thanks to your guys who did a sterling job under difficult circumstances. A plaque is to be placed on the tramway recognising Bagnalls generosity”.