We are off to Blackpool in 1973 for today’s Picture in Time as we take a look at Blackpool Brush Railcoach 632.
632 was built in 1937 as 295 entering service in time for that year’s illuminations. Originally based at Rigby Road Depot the class was soon transferred to Bispham as they were used on the North Station route but it was all change again following the closure of that route and the remaining trams were back at Rigby Road. For 632 minor changes were made to the tram over the years with single indicators fitted in 1975 and a pantograph in 1991. The tram continued in service until the end of 2004 season when it was withdrawn and acquired by the Lancastrian Transport Trust. However that was not the end of the story as it was resurrected for use in 2010 and 2011 before being withdrawn again. It did leave Rigby Road Depot again for further storage in 2012 but following the transfer of the LTT trams to the heritage trust it appeared at Rigby Road for a third time in December 2013. It remains stored to this day awaiting attention to return it to service.
This view was taken at Cabin on 23rd June 1973 and shows 632 with an orange trolley tower, double indicators and the half green/half cream livery style of the time.
Photograph by Alasdair MacFarlane