A Press Release from Blackpool Transport this week says that the Illuminated Western Train 733+734 will be ready in time for the 2009 Illuminations season and will normally run the first tour of the evening.
The tram is nearing the end of a massive two and a half year rebuild and this work has been painstakingly detailed and returns the tram to 1962 condition – except the interior of the rear coach where the clock has been turned back to 1928. The work has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
It is planned that 733+734 will normally operate the first tour of the evening during the Illuminations which shine between Friday 4th September and Sunday 8th November 2009. This tour will leave North Pier nightly and will set off around 10 minutes after switch on time.
Not in the Press Release is the likelihood that the tram will make its debut on a private hire in May for a conference taking place in the resort. A trolley pole has now been fitted and the tram took power for the first time on 12th February – showing off its illuminations in the process - footage of this event is on the latest Blackpool Tram DVD (details of how to get a copy here).
* Some of this news has been taken from the Fylde Tramway News - the only way to get a copy of this is by becoming a member of the Fylde Tramway Society. For more details on the FTS and how to become a member click here.
Source: Blackpool Transport & Fylde Tramway News