As we reported a couple of days ago the last week has seen driver training on the heritage trams in Blackpool as preparations continue ahead of the 2015 operating season, which is due to commence on Saturday 28th March. On Friday 27th February Balloon 717 and Twin Car 272+T2 were in action and with thanks to Mervyn Williams we bring you images of the two trams in central Blackpool.
Balloon 717 heads north at Tower with a driver training run.
Also out on 27th February was Twin Car 272+T2. The tram is seen here at North Pier on a southbound journey with the trailer leading. (Both Photos by Mervyn Williams)
I do wish they’d take that horrible fender thing off 717. It spoils what is otherwise a nice period looking tram. They put original style lifeguards and fenders back on a Brush car, so can 717 (and for that matter 600) be next please?
I’m sure if you were to write a cheque and send it to Blackpool Transport specifically for 600 or 717, then the fenders could be removed sooner rather than later. All very well typing comments such as this but what is needed is for people to help financially rather than typing at a computer.
I’m sure it will be done eventually, however if you want to see it done sooner, you know where to send your donation…
Absolutely! To be honest, I am rather pleased that the BHT have decided to spend their limited resources on restoring another tram to an operational condition (Balloon 715) rather than undertake a minor cosmetic alteration to please a few people. Surely another classic Balloon car running on the prom is more important?
It’s also a question of workshop space and staff availability amongst the other. Projects and routine maintenance as well as money, so even if someone presented the relevant cheque wouldn’t necessarily mean instant modification (although I suspect it might help!). I agree that those modern bumpers don’t look right but everything can’t be done at once, and the progress so far is surely rapid enough to please most people.