After the excitement of Wednesday 21st October in Blackpool (as previously mentioned on this website) with two ‘B Fleet’ Balloon cars running to Fleetwood and the little-used 723 working an illuminations tour, fans of the seaside tramway could have been forgiven for thinking the tram action had peaked for the week. That view was challenged however, on Friday 23rd October when Balloon 713 was unexpectedly used on specials – its first use in passenger service for well over two years!
It may be remembered that 713 was commissioned for possible use earlier in the year, however it was only considered a last choice reserve car due to it retaining an expired all-over advert for the Hounds Hill shopping centre. The tram was subsequently used as a depot shunter over the 130th anniversary weekend in September, but its real moment of glory came on October 23rd. The modified ‘B Fleet’ Balloons have been making daily appearances to supplement the core tram service and on this day, just one example was sent out – and it was 713! Presumably it is intended to use the car over the half-term week, which is often the busiest week of the year for the tramway, and it was seen as wise to give the tram a run out on a slightly quieter day beforehand. Happily all went well and remarkably, the car completed a shift of around seven hours, managing to traverse the entire length of the system!
713 left the Rigby Road depot at around lunchtime and, remarkably it headed straight to Fleetwood. From there it ran to Pleasure Beach, then Little Bispham, Starr Gate, Little Bispham and Pleasure Beach again. By that time darkness had set but the biggest surprise of the day was still to come, as the tram was unexpectedly dispatched to Fleetwood for a second time. Nowadays any traditional tram running to Fleetwood at night is a rarity, so for a tram which had been stored for two years and was not supposed to run at all in 2015 to do so was probably the most unusual working of the year (well so far anyway!). The car then returned to Pleasure Beach before a final short run to Manchester Square, crossing over at Foxhall and then returning to the depot, bringing to an end a triumphant day of service.
As far as we know the last time that Balloon 713 ran was on 26th May 2013 when it was used as part of an enhanced heritage tram output, although it was permitted to use the normal loading stops on that occasion. Since then the tram had been stored, fully serviceable but not required with the three fleet liveried ‘B Fleet’ cars considered more than adequate for the minimal workload of these trams. Now that 713 has returned to service, it is hoped that it will see further use during the busy October school holidays now upon us, and this is also another clear sign that the modified Balloons are being seen as an increasingly important part of Blackpool’s tram fleet. Perhaps this will be the last chance to see a Balloon car running in an advertising livery as well?
Grateful thanks go to Rob Bray for providing the images and information of 713‘s movements on 23rd October, which we felt deserved to be recorded in full to highlight the rarity of this working.
Balloon 713's first run for over two years took the car to Fleetwood, and here it is seen near Cleveleys on its way back to Blackpool.
Later on in the day 713 found its way to Starr Gate where it was briefly stabled to allow a timetabled service tram to proceed in front of it, allowing this shot to be captured.
As the light begins to fade 713 arrives at Pleasure Beach with a terminating service.
An unusual destination for 713 as it approaches the Pleasure Beach loop as it passes a Flexity - but the blind was simply being changed for its next northbound run...
The shot of the day - 713 stands at Fleetwood Ferry in darkness having just performed a twilight trip to the northern terminus for the first time ever on the upgraded tramway. (All photos by Rob Bray)
I can yet see the “B” fleet on a regular turn to the North Station.
they are not disabled access so they will never do more than ‘specials’ as legally they can’t
It would be of interest to know how journeys by ‘B’ fleet cars are organised. In the absence of an inspector at the Pleasure Beach or, apparently, any time card, are journeys run at the whim of the crew? If so, it is perhaps not surprising that unusual journeys can occur.
I am told that they are give n an area to work within and to ‘play it by ear’ according to demand. Of course that will be open to interpretation!
From times past you have reported on the brighton tram project, but nothing for a long time. Does this mean anything untoward.