The operational heritage fleet in Blackpool increased by one on Sunday 8th July when Brush 631 entered service, still carrying it’s all over advert for Walls Ice Cream. 631 becomes the twelfth tram to join the heritage fleet this year but is not expected to be the
last.
631 last ran on the last day of the traditional tramway on Sunday 6th November 2011 when
it returned to Depot shortly after 1810. It was believed at the time that this would be the last Brush Car to operate in Blackpool as although the tram was being retained as part of a reserve fleet it wasn’t expected to see use as at the time it was known to what extent the heritage fleet would be used on the upgraded tramway.
Although the introduction of the tram into the operational heritage fleet adds a much needed wet weather car (and with the “summer” we are having the heritage service certainly needs enclosed cars!) whether it will have the desired effect of attracting more passengers to the service is debatable. To really thrive the service will need members of the general public to support it alongside enthusiasts and unfortunately they are unlikely to be rushing to travel on a tram which is covered in advertising vinyls and despite being 75 years old probably doesn’t conform to most people’s idea of a heritage tram.
It is hoped that in the future 631 may be treated to a repaint in a fleet livery but this is likely to be dependent on the heritage service being well patronised and that is something that all enthusiasts can help with by utilising the service when they are in Blackpool.
Also due to join the heritage fleet later this year is Twin Car 672+682 which is still undergoing attention at Rigby Road which will see it repainted into an as yet unannounced heritage fleet livery.
The 12 current members of the heritage fleet are (although not all are currently serviceable):
Blackpool & Fleetwood Box 40
Standard 147
Boat Car 230 & 600
Brush Car 631
Centenary Car 648
Balloon Cars 706 & 717
Illuminated Trams 733+734, 736 & 737
Bolton 66
In addition modified Balloon 700 has also operated on the service as a one-off.
A view of 631 just before it left the Prom for what many thought would be the last time on 6th November 2011 but that has now proved to be wrong following its introduction onto the heritage service. (Photo: Gareth Prior)
On 15 July 2012, shortly before I left Blackpool, late afternoon, I was treated to seeing 631 on an unexpected short run. Empty, it ran north to Central Pier, then reversed over a crossing I don’t recall seeing used before and came south in brilliant sunshine for a fine photograph to end the day – as if to order. I had not seen it during the day, when 40 and 600 were the performing heritage cars. Coming from the south coast every year to visit Blackpool, it was of note that the very last car I photographed in 2011 was 715 in normal service – the more curious as my very first photograph of a Blackpool car was of 252 in the 1960s . . . . and this became 715. Changes in Blackpool have been massive over the past few years but the improvements are welcome – and, while I may regret the passing of the 1930s cars in normal service, the new fleet is most impressive, an importnat factor in Blackpool’s well-deserved reincarnation. The operation of beautufully restored Routemasters on ‘service 12’ is a wonderful bonus, an unexpected delight for a London Transport aficionado. Thanks to all involved.