The May Day Bank Holiday weekend in Blackpool saw three more days of intensive heritage tram operation, with six trams scheduled to operate on each day of the long weekend. With a pretty grim weather forecast, the tram output was naturally dominated by enclosed cars with the Balloons out in force, particularly on Monday 2nd May when three green and cream liveried examples were out together, bringing back fond memories of the recent past.
Following on from the launch of freshly painted Balloon 723 on the previous evening, the main weekend events kicked off on Saturday 30th April with a ‘gold’ heritage service operating. Six heritage trams ran in service and all of them managed a trip to Fleetwood over the course of the day – these being Marton 31, Box 40, Bolton 66, Twin set 272+T2, Railcoach 680 and Balloon 701. The intention had been to have as little green as possible on the tramway on this day but due to changeable weather it was decided to run 680 instead of the advertised Boat 227. Further interest was provided by the Fylde Tramway Society’s annual Convention with members treated to a guided tour of the Rigby Road workshops to view progress on projects including the refurbishment of the illuminated Trawler, before being transported to their AGM in Cleveleys aboard Balloon 717. Two other trams were also spotted out and about on this day: Frigate 736 was used for a wedding party whilst Balloon 723 was moved back from Starr Gate to Rigby Road following its adventures the previous evening.
Sunday 1st May was a wet and miserable day with the more usual green and cream liveried trams dominating the day’s heritage service. Unfortunately car 723 was failed before leaving the depot, so the trams chosen to run were made up of Brush 631, Centenary 648, Twin set 675+685, Railcoach 680 and Balloons 715 and 717. All six trams again ran to Fleetwood as well as performing a number of shorter journeys to a range of destinations.
Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May saw a similar selection of trams to the Sunday with cars 648, 680, 715 and 717 all out again. These were joined by 272+T2 and a repaired 723, meaning that all three green and cream Balloon cars were running at the same time – a novel sight in post-upgrade times and one that provided some fantastic photo opportunities of the trio when they gathered at Pleasure Beach. Box 40 was also out in the afternoon in connection with some filming work and managed to run to Fleetwood as well. Even the sunshine managed to put in an appearance as the long weekend drew to a close!
Despite the less than ideal weather conditions, another fine weekend was much enjoyed by the many visitors who flocked to Blackpool for the tram events. Of note though, the only recorded use of a Boat car on any gold event day so far this year has been in February, with none running on the last six gold dates over the Easter and May Day Bank Holidays. Hopefully this will change for the late May Bank Holiday weekend!
A sight many would not have expected to see on the upgraded Blackpool tramway, but here it is - three green and cream Balloon cars sharing the Pleasure Beach loop! 717, 715 & 723 are seen together on 2nd May. (Photo by Rob Bray)
Brilliant weekend , Blackpool Transport should be congratulated .
One highlight on Saturday was 701 – was supposed to have done a Thornton Gate turnback but due to a points problem there was extended to Fishermans Walk. That’s the first time I’ve had this crossover post upgrade.
I believe Box 40’s filming duties on Monday were something to do with Micheal Portillo (although when I seen 40 at Cleveleys he wasn’t on board).
Fantastic to see the three balloons together. Brought back happy memories of my childhood and the traditional tramway. Well done Blackpool Transport, the heritage fleet goes from strength to strength.