We have another of the Illuminated feature car fleet from Blackpool as the latest star of Picture in Time. This time it is probably the most iconic of all the feature cars – the Western Train 733+734 which is seen in 1998 during a rare daylight outing.
The Western Train was converted from Railcoach 209 (Locomotive 733) and Pantograph 174 (Carriage 734) with the works taking place over a fairly short period in the middle of 1962. The two trams were connected and entered service in September 1962 joining the Blackpool Belle and the Rocket (which had entered the service the previous year). 1962 was also to be the last year of the Gondola. The Western Train was to remain a major part of the illuminated feature car fleet for over 25 years until the time came, at the end of the 1999 season, for it to be withdrawn requiring a major overhaul with the body of the locomotive in particular giving cause for concern. The Western Train was much missed on the Promenade and after a local campaign Heritage Lottery Fund money was awarded for a full overhaul which saw the trams return to service in 2009 (with Twin Motor Car 677 sacrificing itself to allow the Locomotive to be restored). They have continued to be very popular with almost nightly use during the Illumination period every since and daylight outings have become more regular with part of the HLF funding meaning school parties are often carried.
This photograph was taken on 17th July 1998 and sees the Western Train heading to Fleetwood on an enthusiasts tour through Gynn Square. At this time the tram(s) only had slightly over a year before it would be withdrawn and the droop on the Locomotive is fairly evident. Also note that by this time the cow catcher on the front had long since been removed.
Photograph by Gareth Prior