The final weekend of the 2015 Blackpool illuminations, and with it the end of the resort’s peak season, was marked by an enhanced heritage tram service operating on both Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th November. Both days saw six heritage trams in use during the day, whilst during the evenings the usual illumination tour output was boosted by the use of some more unusual vehicles staying out well past their regular bedtimes!
Unfortunately, as has been the case with quite a few of Blackpool’s enhanced running days this year, the weather was very poor on both days which heavily restricted the use of open top Balloon ‘Princess Alice’ 706 which had been scheduled to run on both days prior to its expected withdrawal for workshop attention. Therefore on the Saturday, the initial output for the day comprised Standard 147, Brush Railcoach 631, Centenary car 648, Twin set 675+685 and Balloon 723, with Balloon 717 joining in later on. The first five cars all ran to Fleetwood during the afternoon with 723‘s visit being especially notable, as it had not run to the northern end of the line since May 2013, and not in green and cream since 2009! Despite the novelty value of this tour, the tram was not that well patronised although those who were on board certainly appreciated it. The last heritage tour of the day to Fleetwood was worked by car 147 which made a glorious street in Lord Street as darkness fell. However, that was not the end of the excitement as the evening saw further trams emerge from Rigby Road to perform illumination tours. As the rain had cleared by this time, ‘Princess Alice’ 706 emerged along with Boat 600, however the most unusual appearance was that of 648 which duly became the first Centenary car to perform an illuminations tour since the tramway upgrade, and this was also thought to have been its first use in darkness since 2011. Unfortunately an accident near the Tower caused major disruption during the latter part of the evening and resulted in the tours being curtailed slightly early, although the Boat car did manage two tours despite the less than ideal weather conditions!
Sunday was initially a drier day but soon turned for the worse, being blighted by strong winds and heavy rain which naturally affected the tram output. It had been intended to run visiting Ex-Towing car 680 but this suffered an electrical fault before leaving depot, and so its place was taken by Balloon 717 which was joined by Balloon 715, Twin set 272+T2 and Centenary cars 642 and 648. Once again a sixth tram emerged in the afternoon and this time it was Balloon 701 which performed a few short promenade trips whilst the other heritage cars journeyed to Fleetwood, concluding with 717. Due to the abysmal weather just four trams were used for illumination tours but these did include Centenary car 642 – chosen deliberately as this meant that every operational tram in the heritage fleet had worked at least one tour of the lights during 2015, a very healthy total of nineteen different cars.
The last weekend of the season may not have been quite as spectacular as hoped due to the horrible weather conditions, particularly on the Sunday afternoon, but still provided a fitting finale to what has been an incredibly historic and successful year for Blackpool’s historic trams. However, their absence from service will be a short one, as ‘Santa Specials’ are set to run on three consecutive Saturdays in December, whilst it has been suggested that some further winter events may also take place before next Easter… watch this space!
A lovely evening scene at Fleetwood with 723 on Pharos Street for the first time since making a surprise return to use to help celebrate the tramway's 130th anniversary. (Photo by Rob Bray)
A rather more pristine Balloon car, 717 at Bispham in much worse weather conditions on Sunday 8th November.
Once considered mundane, in the 'heritage' era the sight of two Centenary cars passing in service is a novel one. 642 and 648 are seen together at North Pier on the last day of the main 2015 season. (Photos x 2 by Andrew Waddington)
Whilst the weather wasn’t ideal it did show what these cars had to put up with when they were in service!
A fantastic season, far beyond what anyone could have dreamed of after last season’s reduced service. Well done to all involved!
One small point about 723 and it’s lightly loaded trip to Fleetwood. Not saying it’s the only reason but the seating on this car is appalling! As someone over 6 foot tall it is physically impossible to sit in comfort without sticking my feet in the isle. Maybe consideration could be given to removal of a couple of rows and spreading the rest out? After all, as it’s no longer a “service car” cramming the maximum number of punters in is not really a priority. That said, it was great to see this car back to life again!
Please consider emailing that comment to Blackpool Transport to pass to Bryan as many people have mentioned it. Not being slim I find the seats difficult too!
Thanks John, have emailed Bryan.
A huge thanks to all of those involved with the Heritage Fleet. What has been achieved in the last couple of years is incredible and £10 for a day ticket is great value for money. Must have generated much income for the hotels, eateries etc.
It is nice to see how many none enthusiast passengers are now using the “old ones”. Spoke to a nice old lady with her shopping at Tower who let a couple of flexi’s pass to have a spin on a balloon.
The Tower heritage stop is still confusing people. Needs a big sign pointing to the flexi stop.
Would welcome an update about the progress with the museum.
PS. Being well over 6ft can I agree with the comments about leg room.
Cramped seat space is common in older vehicles, buses as well as trams. If you are not a small person, try sitting comfortably on an original Routemaster bus.
I know that wifi on trams and buses is a new development, but satellite tv on 648 is definitely a first!
Many old vehicles are indeed cramped but 723 is the worst I have ever been on. I can ride old buses and all other Trams but 723 is ridiculous and always was!
I agree with everyone, 723s seating is very cramped which is why I didn’t go on it to Fleetwood seeing as I’m almost 7 foot tall. Boat 600 also has this problem as well as the two Centenary cars if you don’t sit on the side facing bench seats. But there is no way I will let this put me off riding the heritage trams. Shame the weather took a turn for the worse this weekend which ment I couldn’t ride 706 but apart from that it was a very enjoyable weekend. Roll on the Santa specials and the FTS Christmas tour!
Had a very prompt (as usual!) reply from Bryan Lindop today. Unfortunately, dealing with the seating on 723 is well down the list of jobs. But as Ash T says above, there are plenty of other superb heritage trams to enjoy.