The Fylde Tramway Society usually hold an annual Christmas tour of the Blackpool tramway, and 2016 was no exception. The latest event was held on 30th December and featured B Fleet Balloon car 713 – a rare appearance for this tram which had previously been used just once in 2016 – and this was joined by a bonus surprise in the form of Boat 600!
The tour started in the morning with both trams collecting their passengers from the heritage tram stop near North Pier, before heading to Fleetwood in tandem. Remarkably many ticket holders decided to take the opportunity to sample a Boat car in December leaving the much warmer Balloon car very lightly loaded! On their return south the pair were posed side by side on the loop at Pleasure Beach for photographs before heading towards Bispham, where 713 was stabled on the centre track for its crew break. This tram then completed the tour solo, with 600 returning to Rigby Road depot so that its crew could thaw out, and the passengers could enjoy the heated interior of 713! This included a rare night visit to Starr Gate for the tram and a further run to Fleetwood, whilst a number of crossovers and loops were also negotiated, including an unusual move onto the Bispham centre track from the southbound running line.
The Fylde Tramway Society certainly provided a very novel occasion for their latest tour, as this was a rare outing for 713 giving another airing for its popular advert livery for the Houndshill shopping centre, and quite probably the latest in the year that a Boat car had ever run. All credit to those involved in organising this entertaining day, particularly the volunteers who crewed both trams – and yes, the Boat’s crew did so very willingly!
Not exactly your standard winter fare on the Blackpool tramway - but on 30th December, Boat 600 was captured posing on Pharos Street in Fleetwood with fellow tour car 713 behind.
Modified Balloon 713 is seen heading south past North Pier during the FTS Christmas tour 2016.
The stars of the day, Boat 600 and Balloon 713, are shown together at Pleasure Beach. (All photos by Chris Callan)
The crew on 600 should get a medal! Maybe the passsengers should too.
To correct the report, 713 and 600 ran to Fleetwood twice and 713 stabled at Bispham on their return from trip 2. Bispham centre line was done twice, firstly by both cars, then 713 solo while 600 waited on the main line (to allow 713 to be correctly supervised on this move). The lucky people on 713 also had a chance to exit Bispham centre line northbound to allow 600 to overtake.