Blackpool cars 625 & 726 return home

As reported on this website last week, a storage arrangement has been made between Blackpool Transport, the Blackpool Heritage Trust and the current owner of two preserved Blackpool trams – Brush Railcoach 625 and Balloon 726 – for both of these cars to be stored securely at Rigby Road after spending a number of years outside. Following this welcome news, the duo were transported back to Rigby Road depot on Wednesday 7th June.

Having brought Brush car 623 back from Heaton Park the day before, a team from Scott’s Heavy Haulage stayed in Blackpool to move the two other trams the short distance from Fleetwood fish docks, where they had been residing for the last few years. The Brush car was moved first, with 726 following later the same day. Both appear to be largely complete although their peeling and faded paintwork makes for a very sad sight. Nonetheless, at least the trams are now back under cover and hopefully this move will represent an upturn in their fortunes.

It should be stressed again that both 625 and 726 remain in private ownership and are not expected to be transferred into Blackpool’s own heritage fleet on a permanent basis. Some restoration work has already been carried out on 625 although it remains to be seen whether this will be able to continue now that the tram is at Rigby Road.

A small selection of images showing Balloon car 726's welcome return to Blackpool on 7th June. (All photos by Bradley Jones)

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