| Route & Reputation
Building the Tramway
The Tramcars
Uniforms
End of the Line
The Rattler Trail |
 Uniforms of blue serge followed the semi-military style popular with tramway companies. All grades wore peaked caps with the embroided script 'inspector' or the white metal badge of 'Motorman' or 'Conductor'. Trousers had the Edwardian narrow bottoms with turn-ups; three-quarter-length tunics had high-necked collars. Drivers' tunics were double-breasted from shoulder to waist with metal buttons and conductors wore single-breasted tunics with box pleated pockets. Equipment carried by the conductor included cross-strapped leather compartmented money pouch and bell punch, chained whistle in top pocket, metal ticket rack and indelible pencil. Black oilskins with a reinforced shoulder cape protected all personnel in winter while white cap covers were general issue in summer. Indeed, the tram crews were a hardy breed, facing the elements in all weathers, reminiscent of pioneers on the frontier. The first tramcar services started on 4 July 1913, only 5 months after linelaying had begun. This was between Loscoe and Kimberley, and the section to Cinderhill was opened a month later. The completed line from Cinderhill to Ripley opened on 1 Jan 1914 which made it possible to travel from Nottingham to Ripley, a distance of 15 miles, in 1 hr 40 mins. The trams ran 18 hours a day, except for Sunday when the service was reduced. Fares were a penny a mile. Workmen boarding before 8 am were able to obtain return tickets at single prices, while clolliers journeying to and from the pits were charged a penny regardless of the length of the journey. The first trams left the depot at 4.30 am, while the last tram, 'The Flyer', left Nottingham at 11pm with limited stops only. |