Blackpool Balloon 726 has become the latest of a select few trams to be given its very own Facebook page! A new page has recently been created to provide updates on what is described as a ‘fun restoration’ project to return 726 to near-original condition. This follows a few years of uncertainty for this tram which has been the subject of various different proposals, but hopefully this time the tram will at last be able to look forward to a brighter future.
After being purchased by the Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust 726 was moved to outside storage in Fleetwood pending the development of a suitable display location – something which is still awaited over four years later. It was first suggested that the tram would be repainted in wartime green livery, but then an alternative plan emerged for the car to form the basis of a replica of the famous illuminated ‘Progress’ car as a static exhibit. This also failed to come to fruition and last year, talks reached a fairly advanced stage for 726 to be sold again. However, it appears that the Trust have now decided to keep 726 after all and a joint project with another unconfirmed organisation/individual to carry out some restoration work is now being planned. The ultimate aim seems to be to return it to near-original condition as 263, complete with sliding sunshine roof panels which would certainly be a very worthy achievement. However, various details such as how the restoration will be funded, who will carry out the work and where it will be undertaken have not been announced as yet. No serious work on 726 has yet been carried out in its current exposed location at Fleetwood Fish Dock although some items have been removed from the tram already – hopes that the removal of its internal number plaques might uncover the original fleet numerals were soon dashed though. However, recently taken images show that the interior has survived in remarkably good condition considering the age of the tram and the length of time it has been stored outside for, which is one encouraging sign that a restoration may be feasible. If 726 is to stand any chance of running again however, major structural work will almost certainly be required, with its infamous droopy body being one clear sign that all is not well beneath the surface. Hopefully a clear plan for the future conservation of the last Balloon car built for Blackpool will emerge in due course so that the ambitious plans stand the best possible chance of becoming a reality.