Although not a Blackpool tram today’s Picture in Time star is a tram which is closely associated to Blackpool nowadays having been in the resort since 1981 – it is of course Bolton 66.
Bolton 66 dates from 1901 running on its home tramway until the 1940s when it was withdrawn and as with so many other trams was sold on for further use. After rescue a lengthy restoration followed before 66 arrived in Blackpool in June 1981 for what was originally meant to be a short-term loan! But as history will tell us it has remained in Blackpool ever since becoming a very popular member of the heritage tram fleet.
In these images we catch up with 66 just two months after its arrival on the Lancashire coast on 16th August 1981. In this first view we see the tram alongside an unidentified Boat Car. 66 is on its way back to depot with the Boat terminating at Tower.
And then in this second photo we are at North Pier as 66 stands along Twin Car 687+677 with the Bolton car having terminated as the Twin (with trailer leading) heading to Pleasure Beach.
Both Photographs by Ralph Oakes-Garnett
In these images we catch up with 66 just two months after its arrival on the Lancashire coast on 16th August 2016. In this first view we see the tram alongside an unidentified Boat Car. 66 is on its way back to depot with the Boat terminating at Tower.
Wonderful! Long may she grace the prom.
It arrived in 1981 not 2016!
The date might be a bit out (16/8/16) might be early 80s by the cars.
Does anybody have the rebuilding details and how it was financed for 66.
Never the less great historical photos.
66 is owned by the 66 Tramcar trust, they financed and restored the car over many years. I don’t have the exact dates to hand but I think it was mid sixties onwards. The lower deck is largely original but the top deck is new, from 1979 I think. the Tram has been in Blackpool since 1981 and has run every year except 2011.