Filming for a major feature film on Blackpool promenade was finally completed on Friday 8th May, bringing to an end the period of disruption for the town and its public transport services. As we have reported previously, the requirement for a small number of Flexity trams for filming duties led to some of the little-used ‘B Fleet’ running in ordinary service and what follows is a summary of their use during the week.
All three of the white and purple liveried Balloons cars – 700, 711 and 719 had been transferred to Starr Gate depot ahead of the filming and this allowed the trams to be allocated to the morning service on the southern end of the tramway, until the full line along the promenade was re-opened. In the event 700 was not needed although this tram had run on heritage tours on Sunday 3rd May, meaning that the trio had all been used within a week. Interestingly, it was decided that an extra reserve car would also be prepared for use ‘just in case’, with car 713 being selected and it is understood that this car was commissioned, although again it was not required. Blackpool Transport are very reluctant to use any trams which retain expired advert liveries and so the preparation of 713 was only intended as a last resort, and the car is not expected to see any use this year.
The first day of disruption to the tramway with a split service in operation until around 1500, was Wednesday 6th May and both 711 and 719 were used along with two Flexities shuttling between Starr Gate and Manchester Square, although 711 retired early as four trams for such a short section of tramway proved to be a tad excessive. As a result of the experience gained, the next two days saw just one of the ‘B Fleet’ allocated to service although in a twist of fate, the same duo both ran again on Thursday 7th May. This day had begun with 719 selected for service, however after experiencing some issues with its compressor it was run in and 711 came out in its place. The week concluded with 711 in action once again on Friday 8th May.
It was certainly good to see the ‘B Fleet’ being used for their intended purpose, albeit under less than ideal circumstances – and with a few of the Flexity class currently out of service with minor ailments it will be interesting to see whether they will be called upon again to assist with the core service in the next few weeks.
A wet and miserable Wednesday at Starr Gate is slightly brightened up by Balloon 711, seen arriving from the north on 6th May.
In much better weather, 711 is seen again at Starr Gate later on in the week. (Photos x 2 by Rob Bray)
Another shot from Starr Gate terminus, this time though the subject is 719, seen on May 7th. The effects of the previous day's awful weather on the white paintwork can be seen all too clearly!
719 approaches Manchester Square on 7th May having just reversed using the Foxhall crossover. (Photos x 2 by Bradley Jones)