Work to turn Blackpool Brush 290 (ex-627) into a special Diamond Jubilee tram for display at the 2012 Blackpool Illuminations is continuing at HM Prison Kirkham with the old advertising livery for Coral Island Buccaneer Bar rapidly disappearing under an undercoat for its new livery. The yellow undercoat is being applied following the completion of repair work on the trams panels by a prison team with assistance from members of the Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust.
The new yellow paintwork will not be seen for long though as it will soon be replaced by the previously revealed Gold and White paint scheme in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Once this paint job is completed special illuminated features will be fitted by Blackpool Illuminations technicians.
The trolley gantry of the tram remains at the Blackpool Illuminations depot where it is being made ready for the installation of the royal cipher and illumination features. This is unlikely to be refitted to the tram until the end of August when it is pride of place amongst the Illuminations. At present the exact site of the tram has yet to be approved but the focus is currently on a site in proximity to the tramway near to Cliffs Hotel.
290 will be a permanent feature of the 2012 Illuminations under the partnership of the
Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust, HM Prison Service, Blackpool Illuminations and three Fylde Coast schools.
An end view of 290 at HM Kirkham Prison showing the bright yellow undercoat. (Photo courtesy of Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust)
The last remnants of the old Coral Island advertising livery are seen in this view of 290. Soon this yellow paintwork will also disappear with the Gold and White base colours for the Diamond Jubilee livery being added. (Photo courtesy of Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust)