We’re off to sunny Blackpool for the latest instalment of Picture in Time with an image taken during 2005 of Modified Balloon 724.
724 was one of four Balloon Cars rebuilt in late 1990s/early 2000s which saw the traditional “Balloon” shape replaced by flat ends producing a much different look for these trams. This was to be last of the Balloons so treated with the following major overhauls seeing a return to the more traditional shape and 724 returned to service in this condition at the start of the 2004 season receiving one of the Metro Coastlines livery styles. 724 then received the widened centre entrances in time for use during the 2011 season – having by this time also received an all over advert – and it is this condition that the tram remains in today. It is also still in Blackpool but as with all of the flat-fronted Balloons it is currently stored out of use at Rigby Road having not been seen in service for several years.
In this photo we are at Tower on 15th July 2005 and see 724 on the way to Starr Gate. The tram is carrying the Line 5 Red and Yellow Metro Coastlines livery as also shown on the bus in the background.
Photograph by Alasdair MacFarlane