The subject of “Picture in Time” today is probably one of the stranger “trams” preserved as part of the national collection – the Blackpool Electric Locomotive. To anyone today the locomotive is well known in its green livery but back in 1990 it was still carrying a red livery.
Built by English Electric in 1927 the locomotive was obtained to haul coal wagons between Copse Road and Thornton Gate sidings and carried on in this role until 1949. It remained in the stock of Blackpool Corporation Transport until 1965 and was then preserved with a move to Crich taking place in January 1966. It was pushed into use almost straight away proving itself to be a very useful acquisition but during 1974 it was taken out of use. Another five year period of use followed from 1978 and then in 1983 it was moved to Bolton for a full restoration to take place. This was completed and the locomotive returned to Crich the following year where it once again entered service and has been used every year since.
The photo dates from 19th August 1990 and shows the locomotive outside the depot gates carrying the red livery.
(Photograph by Bob Hodges)
looks a lot better in red. I doubt if Crich will repaint it though as they seem to like not natural liveries.
I’m not sure what is meant by this; the green livery of the loco is perfectly authentic for it so I don’t see why it would be considered ‘not natural’?
I assumed from Gareth’s article that the tram was red when withdrawn so to paint it green was not a preserved colour. Sorry if I got it wrong. There is also the question of Liverpool 869 that is painted green and white instead of green and cream (Ivory) they have been told several times but choose to ignore the advice.