There were some strange goings-on in Blackpool on Friday 11th September when a limited heritage tram service operated completely unadvertised. It is believed that staff who were on duty for illumination tours during the evening were allocated trams and sent out to work, rather than being effectively paid to wait for it to get dark, as has been common practice in the past!
Thus during the latter part of the afternoon, a total of three heritage cars unexpectedly appeared on the prom, consisting of Bolton 66, Boat 600 and ‘Princess Alice’ 706. The trio worked a variety of journeys including runs at least as far north as Bispham, unlike the planned weekend operation at this time of year which largely focusses on the Pleasure Beach to North Pier section of the tramway, with some additional runs to Cabin. Also in action were two of the ‘B Fleet’ Balloon cars, 700 and 711, which have been used increasingly frequently of late.
As darkness fell attention turned to the illumination tours and a more normal pattern of operation ensued. As well the two operational feature cars – the Western Train 733+734 and Frigate 736 – car 706 stayed out on tours and was joined by two unusual choices in the shape of Boat 230 and Brush Railcoach 631. This was certainly a very generous output for a Friday night, perhaps too much so as some tours were reportedly seen to be very lightly loaded.
The use of nine different traditional trams on a weekday at any time of year would be extremely unusual these days, but even more so outside of the school holidays. Oddly, all of these trams were manned by paid staff – although volunteers did help out with illumination tours over the first weekend of the ‘lights’ season, it seems that most of these duties will still be performed by BTS staff. It remains to be seen whether the bonus heritage operation on 11th September will be a one-off or sets a precedent for more regular weekday outings in daylight for the old trams, but if it is to be the latter then hopefully at least some notice will be given in the future as it seems a shame to have vintage trams running around empty because nobody knew they would be out!
Bolton 66 is seen heading south along the Golden Mile on 11th September, seen from the vantage point of Balloon 706's open top deck. (Photo by Rob Bray)