London Trams Part 1 (DVD)

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London, which possessed the largest tramway in Britain, was unusual in that few routes penetrated the heart of the capital, much of the system employed the conduit form of current collection, and despite extensions built into the early 1930s, there was virtually no reserved track. Hundreds of new trams were constructed between 1929 and 1932 including the "Felthams" and LCC No. 1 and many cars were reconditioned. Trolleybuses replaced most north London routes by 1940, leaving a comprehensive network south of the Thames. Reprieved because of the war, the trams were eventually abandoned during 'Operation Tramaway' which started in October 1950. This DVD covers the closures up to October 1951 and revives memories of the trams when they were once as familiar as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. A unique selection of films recapturing the days when trams dominated the streets of south London. Most car types are seen in action together with pre-war sequences, including some in colour, showing trams as far afield as Hampton Court and Bexley. Stages 1 - 5 of 'Operation Tramaway', London Transport's code-name for their post-war tramway abandonment programme are covered. Rare footage of cars involved in Stage 1 closure (October 1950. From Stage 2 (January 1951) at Clapham, Tooting and Wimbledon. From Stage 3 (April 1951) at Croydon and Purley as well as on route 42 to Thornton Heath. Stage 4 (July 1951) includes a journey along part of routes 68/70. Whilst Stage 5 (October 1951) features the four track layout on Dog Kennel Hill as well as Dulwich and Blackwall Tunnel termini. Special features: A cops and robbers tram chase A tram strike Colour in Leytonstone LCC No. 1 on a variety of enthusiast's tours including the famous 1938 journey from Waltham Cross to Purley The classic Southwark junctions at Elephant and Castle and St. George's Circus Snow scenes in 1947 at Telford Avenue Festival of Britain diversions Penhall Road scrap yard