The restoration of Blackpool Standard 143 is continuing for the tram to play a starring role at the 125th anniversary of the Blackpool Tramway. Work has recently been concentrating on the lower deck seats, front dash panels and the delivery of the upper deck kit.
The new lower deck seats have now been trimmed in an approximation of the brown tan leather some early Standard cars had when in new. The seat backs and cushions were test fitted on 6th February whilst all 550v DC traction cable lengths are now in place and the No. 1 end controller is fully wired up.
The front aluminium dash panels has now been fabricated using thick gauge aluminium and the first of these has now been test fitted. Some final tweaks are required before it is finally fitted and secured to the platform framing and the head and tail lamps need fitting.
The kit of parts to assemble the upper deck has now been completed by Gilletts of Wesham. Movement of the parts to the Brinwell Road Depot of the LTT is due in mid-February and then the side frames, roof ribs and roof will be assembled.
The trucks are currently being overhauled by Blackpool Transport and great progress has been made on these. The frames are substantially complete but are awaiting axles and motors. It is hoped that the lower deck saloon body will return to Rigby Road in February and refitted to its trucks.
Source: Standard 143 Blog