Picture in Time: Blackpool Balloons 700 & 703

We are once again in Blackpool for the latest instalment of Picture in Time with a photo taken at Bispham in 1993.

Two Balloons are at the forefront of this image, both of which are still in existence – one in Blackpool and one at Beamish. They are 700 – at the front – and 703 showing off two different variations of the Green and Cream livery style. 700 is in the 1980s livery whilst 703 carries the more modern 1990s Green and Cream colours. Both are also sporting side adverts and the 1990s safety campaign posters are also in evidence with those on 703 in the unusual position by the cabs.

700 is still in Blackpool today but looks very different having gone through the modifications to allow it to operate with the LRV platforms which also saw the application of a Purple and White livery whereas 703 can now be found at Beamish where it is masquerading as Sunderland 101 but is currently out of service requiring restoration.

This photo was taken at Bispham on 31st August 1993.

Photograph by Ralph Oakes-Garnett

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