The original tram depot at the Heaton Park Tramway is currently resembling a Paint Shop, with two trams currently occupying the building which are being transformed in appearance. The long-running project, Hull 96, has recently been joined by Blackpool 280 which of course is being repainted as 680 before going back to Blackpool for a minimum two year stay.
Since moving in to the Middleton Road depot on 10th August, no time has been wasted on preparing 280 for repainting with the contractors who have been booked to carry out the work getting started the following day. Initial work included rubbing down the body panels, removing the fleet numbers and uncovering some old Blackpool Transport logos in the process, which will of course be gracing the car’s exterior again soon! The undercoat is already being applied with the first traces of green being applied to the roof on Thursday 13th August; the first coat for the green skirt has already been added as well and has given a good impression of how the completed tram will look.
Meanwhile, volunteers continue to prepare Hull 96 for the application of its top coats, a job which is to be undertaken by the same contractor shortly after 680 has been completed. The appearance of this tram has also changed dramatically in the last few weeks with the dash panels now in grey undercoat – bringing back memories of its recent past as Leeds 6, although thankfully soon the grey paint will disappear under a sparkling coat of maroon! The lower portion of the rocker panels have also been primed with a deep shade of cream paint being used, as on the upper part of the body. Some of the external beading is also being refitted and after many months of various stripping, it is great to see various fixtures and fittings being put back on again, as 96 begins to look like its old self again! There is still plenty of work to be done internally but this is likely to progress simultaneously with the exterior painting once the contractors begin work. After some fears that work could slip behind schedule, a few people are putting in extra hours to ensure that the job is completed on time and the return to service planned for October is looking very achievable.
Hull 96 is seen in the workshop area of Middleton Road depot whilst under attention on 8th August. Recent progress on the dash panels and bumpers can be seen here. (Photo by Rob Bray)
A few days later, and painting on one side of the tram gives a good impression of how its revised livery will look when complete, with the maroon bits currently grey and the cream bits... well, cream.
The early stages of 280's transformation into 680 is seen inside the same building with 96 also visible behind. Since this picture was taken the Blackpool car has regained its green roof and skirt. (Photos x 2 by Martin Bryan)