HEATON PARK TRAMWAY ACQUIRES NEW TRAM We can now reveal that Blackpool Railgrinder 752 is to move away from the seaside to Heaton Park. Blackpool Transport have very kindly agreed that the tram can come into the care of the MTMS. The tram will continue in its role as a general purpose works tram and scrubber car, being used to clean the Park tracks during the winter months. The longer term plans for the car include a makeover back into its early condition in red and fitted with lifeguards as well as being renumbered 1.
Initially the tower will have to be removed to allow the car to enter the depot but will be refitted when any new building allows this. It is hoped to move the tram after the illuminations and it will operate the 2008/9 winter as 752 in its current condition. We are hoping to offer the Tram driving experience on this car over the winter and anyone interested should contact John Whitehouse, Operations Manager at j.d.whitehouse2@tesco.net for further details. Interestingly, the wheelsets and other bits and pieces from sister grinder 2 (the body of which is owned by the TMS) are currently under Manchester 765!
Further news from the Tramway includes work progressing on Hull 96. The truck has been reunited with the body and work is continuing on minor bodywork repairs. Once completed, the car will be outshopped in grey and renumbered 6, replicating its later existence in Leeds, though the car will not have its doors replaced and will stay as a passenger car. It will receive a full Hull repaint at some point in the near future.
There will also be a winter service this year for the first time in the Tramway's history. the dates are currently being confirmed but will be posted shortly, along with details of a very special event in November . . .
Source: J.D. Whitehouse, Operations Manager, Heaton Park
Heaton Park Tramway – Thursday 28th August 2008
The newest member of the Heaton Park fleet - Blackpool Railgrinder 752 seen here in the depot at Blackpool, from where it is expected to depart in November.
Photo: A Hazlehurst
Two rare internal images of 752 - firstly the water tank and secondly the controller.
Photos: A Williams