The disbanding of Blackpool’s historic fleet of trams has continued to progress this week, with Twin set 673+683 becoming the latest member of the fleet to leave Rigby Road for the final time. This particular Twin car last operated during the 2010 illuminations, and was then stored in a fully serviceable condition until last week, when the duo were uncoupled and 673 duly spent the weekend in the Electrical Compound for its pantograph
and tower to be removed prior to its road journey.
On the morning of January 16th, towing car 673 was dragged out of the compound by Balloon 717 and loaded up onto the familiar low loader supplied by Scott’s Heavy Haulage. The car was then transported to Kirkham Prison, where it has joined Centenary car 641 in open storage for the time being.
The same low loader then returned to Rigby Road to collect trailer 683, which was already waiting patiently on Blundell Street, looking rather lost without its long-term coupled partner! After an uneventful loading process, 683 spent the night on Blundell Street before leaving home as dawn broke on the morning of Tuesday 17th January. Surprisingly, both halves of the Twin set have gone to different locations, with the trailer heading to Fleetwood where it has joined several other newly preserved trams, including Ex-Towing
car 678, in temporary storage outdoors.
As you may have guessed, the moves described above follow the acquisition of 673+683 by the ‘Friends of Fleetwood Trams’ group. The pair had originally been purchased by a private enthusiast, but it is understood that ownership of the Twin set has now transferred to the young preservation group, and both cars displayed posters proudly announcing their new owner upon departure. However, this good news was soured somewhat as one of the ‘Friends of Fleetwood Trams’ was reportedly extremely rude to the small group of
enthusiasts who were present for the loading of 673, some of whom have kindly helped support the Scott’s staff with some of the recent tram moves. It must be hoped that this kind of attitude will not continue when the organisation’s collection of trams go on display to the general public, as positive PR will be absolutely essential to ensure that this venture is a commercial success. Without the support of the local enthusiast community it is
difficult to see how the Friends of Fleetwood Trams will fund their upcoming projects, and so hopefully this unpleasant incident will not be repeated.