Photo © Bill Dickie. Please do not re-post without permission.

Leeds tram 600, ex Sunderland and rebuilt by Leeds in the Kirkstall Road Works, approaches Bridge End.

600 was rebuilt from Sunderland 85 which had been new in 1931 and which had been acquired in 1944 for experimental purposes. The tram was 41' 1½" long and test runs were made at night time to check clearances, accompanied by a Middleton bogie on the adjacent track (working wrong line). It was determined that it was not necessary to shorten the tram but merely to taper the ends.

Rebuilding work began in early 1949, to enable a centre entrance body to be fitted, in place of the rear entrance one which it had in Sunderland. Work continued slowly, with at least one gap -- of eighteen months -- and it was finally completed in August 1954, the number 600 having been allocated in December 1950. The detailed drawings for the body were prepared by the mechanical engineering draughtsman, a certain G.G. Hilditch.

600 made its first journey in service on 4th August 1954 on route 25 Swinegate to Hunslet. It was last used in service on 27th September 1957, and was sold in April 1960, being taken to the Crich Tramway Museum on 6th May 1960.

Photo taken by Bill Dickie, Friday 19 April 1957, Bridge End, Leeds

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