This weeks Blackpool offering in Picture in Time continues our look at some of the Illuminated trams which have operated over the years with a view of the latest tram feature car to be constructed – Trawler 633 (as it was when this photo was taken)
Originally built as Brush Railcoach 296 in 1937 the tram operated in its traditional guise up until 1997 when it became the first of its class to be withdrawn since 1980. Conversion into the Illuminated Trawler followed – at a time when the feature cars built in the 1960s were starting to become life expired and required significant attention to stay in the fleet – and it was unveiled in its new style on 29th August 2001 retaining its 1968 number of 633 at that time. Unlike the 1960s feature cars 633 was built so that it could be used in normal service as well with the centre entrances remaining and full driver controls provided at each end although with fixed bus seating all facing forwards some journeys could be made with all passengers backwards. It remained as 633 until 2008 when it was renumbered as 737 to bring it into line with the other illuminated cars and it continued to be a regular performer on tour duty (and also in mainline service until traditional tram services ended). It is currently out of service having last run in 2014 (and it was a rare performer during that years illumination season) and is expected to pass through the Blackpool Transport workshops over the winter for a full overhaul.
Our photo today shows 633 at North Pier on 21st September 2009. It is at the traditional illumination tour loading stop, a scene of so many photos over the years.
Photograph by Tony Sullivan