The process of commissioning preserved Blackpool Brush Railcoach 623 for operation at the Heaton Park Tramway in Manchester has made excellent progress, so much so that further details of the planned event to launch the tram on January 22nd have now been revealed. During the final weeks of 2011, the car was treated to vital weatherproofing work and a thorough interior clean and polish. Already in 2012, a new trolley tower has been fitted and a further step has been taken to enhance 623‘s appearance, prior to its big day.
On Tuesday 3rd January, 623 was fitted with its new trolley tower, which was in fact previously fitted to the ex-Blackpool Vanguard 619/7, and which has been cut down to allow 623 to fit through the depot doors at Heaton Park. A trolley base has also been fitted
on top, ready for the trolley arm to follow imminently. For the record 623‘s own tower has been retained and will hopefully be refitted once the new depot is constructed at the park. For now though, its new low-height tower doesn’t spoil the appearance of the tram.
Even more exciting however, is the news that 623 has had its modern destination blinds – which featured luminous green lower case letters – replaced by much more tasteful black & white destination blinds. These have been very kindly supplied by a member of the Manchester Transport Museum Society, and feature a great selection of places no longer served by the Blackpool tramway which will bring back many memories for older visitors to the park, and become a source of fascination for the younger generation. This small
change has considerably improved the appearance of this already attractive
tramcar, and its entry into service is now more eagerly awaited than ever!
As previously announced, 623 is due to enter service at Heaton Park on Sunday 22nd January. The tramway should be open from 10:00am, with 623 available for photo opportunities prior to its launch at approx. 12:30pm, with a special guest from Blackpool Transport present. The tram should be in public service from around 1:00pm, and the day should also see a mini-procession of trams, with Stockport 5 and Manchester 765 also expected to be in service. All of the above is of course subject to change, however this is shaping up to be the first exciting tram event of 2012 in the UK and hopefully will encourage plenty of enthusiasts to travel to Manchester for what should be a very special day.