With 2011 almost at an end, it seems an appropriate time to review the major changes that have affected the Blackpool tram fleet during the past twelve months. The dispersal of the historic cars has continued, with no less than 15 trams having left Blackpool for pastures new this year. 12 of these had been sold or given away by Blackpool Transport having been declared surplus to requirements, a further two were moved elsewhere after being on long-term loan to the company, and one tram left after visiting for the 125th anniversary celebrations of 2010.
A full summary of the departures, in chronological order, is as follows:
Sheffield 513 – on ___ February, to the East Anglia Transport Museum*
Manchester 765 – on 1th April, to Beamish Museum (and then back to Heaton Park)*
Balloon 710 – on 17th July, to Fleetwood for storage
Stockport 5 – on 25th August, to Heaton Park*
Jubilee 762 – on 8th November, to Crich Tramway Village
Jubilee 761 – on 17th November, to Fleetwood for storage
Balloon 726 – on 17th November, to Fleetwood for storage
Balloon 708 – on 28th November, to Bolton for storage
Railcoach 678 – on 14th December, to Fleetwood for storage
Brush 621 – on 15th December, to Kirkham Prison
Brush 627 – on 16th December, to Kirkham Prison
Towing Car 671 – on 19th December, to Knowsley for storage
Trailer 681 – on 20th December, to Knowsley for storage
Brush 625 – on 20th December, to Knowsley for storage
Brush 630 – on 21st December, to Crich Tramway Village
Cars marked with an asterisk were never owned by Blackpool Transport. All of the trams moved to Fleetwood and Kirkham have been acquired by the Friends of Fleetwood Trams, and 708 is owned by the Manchester Transport Museum Society.
As can clearly be seen above, the departures got off to a very slow start compared to 2010, but the moves intensified once the tramway closed for winter and tram owners presumably realised that the need to move their acquisitions was becoming more urgent.
For the sake of completeness, whilst these trams have been bidding farewell to Blackpool, four of the new Flexity2 class trams have arrived, along with Cardiff 131 on loan from Crich for use as a rail scrubber. Taking into account tram moves away from the seaside town, the Scott’s Heavy Haulage team have moved an astonishing 21 different trams this year – the others being ex-Blackpool cars Marton 31, VAMBAC 11, Brush 623, Balloon 702 and Railgrinder 752. It’s certainly been a hectic year for the hauliers!