Another image from 2011 this week as we continue our look at the last year of traditional tram operations on the Blackpool Tramway.
In this photo we see Balloon 713 which was in an all over advert for Houndshill Shopping Centre – a livery it retains to this day. This advert was only applied in 2011 becoming the last tram in the traditional tram era to receive one (although we have of course seen Centenary 642 now receive one in the heritage tram era). By this time 713 had also received the widened centre entrance with its planned use on extra services on the upgraded tramway, something which has never really transpired and has proven not to be particularly needed. The tram now sees occasional use on Heritage Tram Tours and driver training.
In this view we see 713 approaching the stop at Little Bispham having just gone around the loop for a return journey to Pleasure Beach.
Photograph by Bryan Grint