BRUSH 626 MOVES TO BIRKENHEAD Blackpool Brush 626 - in probably the most bizarre of the tram sales so far – has become the latest tram to leave its home of over 70 years. The tram was moved on Wednesday (19th August) following the move of Standard 143 (see separate story) and had actually been in use on the Blackpool Tramway just two days earlier! The tram has been purchased by Merseytravel who are due to take over the running of the Wirral Heritage Tramway in the coming weeks and months, and have plans in the longer term to extend the tramway.
626 was overhauled in the 1990s and had only been returned to operational condition over the winter including a full repaint into Green and Cream with the intention of it being the first choice tram for the Tram Driving Experience. However, despite this expenditure – and the fact it was fitted with a transponder – the tram has now left Blackpool for the next chapter in its life. It is believed 626 has been temporarily stored at the Pacific Road Arts Centre in Birkenhead and is unlikely to see use until Merseytravel have taken over operation of the tramway.
Source: Blackpool Trams.info
Wirral Heritage Tramway – Sunday 22nd August 2010
Little did anyone know when this photo was taken on 6th May that just over two months later Brush 626 would be leaving Blackpool for a new life at the Wirral Heritage Tramway! On this occasion 626 was being used to move Balloon 702 onto a low loader for its own move.
Photo: Andrew Waddington