Just four weeks after the last Gold weekend in Blackpool its time for another two days of intensive heritage tram action with the added bonus of the Totally Models event at Rigby Road Depot. With 12 different trams from six different classes in service over the two days plus a heritage bus service (using 6 buses), trade stalls and model layouts there should be plenty to keep you occupied if you head to the Fylde Coast this weekend!
As well as the standard six tram Gold timetable in operation there will be a seventh heritage car out on the tracks on both days running a Depot shuttle between Hopton Road and (mainly) Cabin at regular intervals. An extra heritage stop will also be located at Foxhall Square for visitors to easily attend the event at the depot. With trade stalls at Rigby Road Depot there won’t be the usual sight of a tram at North Pier/Tower selling merchandise which will allow the rare sight of usual Shop Tram Balloon 711 allocated to the standard service on the Sunday.
Away from the trams and a special heritage bus service will run on both days linking the two main railway stations with Blundell Street for Totally Models and Pleasure Beach for the tram service. It will also head to Starr Gate. Four buses will be in service on each day and for those interested in such things these will be Blackpool Metrorider 589, Mainline Dominator 2260, Blackpool Delta 133 and Blackpool Open Top Olympian 564 on the Saturday and Blackpool Atlantean 364, Blackpool Swift 554, Blackpool Delta 133 and Mainline Dominator 220 on the Sunday.
Of course, its not all about the large scale vehicles either with the UK’s biggest model tram exhibition taking place within Rigby Road Depot. Admission to the exhibition will be £6 (£4 for children) or with the addition of a depot tour for £12 (£8 for children). Depot tours can be booked on the day and will include a guided tour of areas of interest around Rigby Road Depot being able to see trams out of action or under attention. It is planned there will be 29 model exhibits and layouts along with 18 trade stalls at Rigby Road.
Back out onto the Prom and the following trams are due to be in service (subject to the usual availability and weather caveats):
Saturday 22nd June
A – Balloon 715
B – Brush 621
C – Boat 600
D – Standard 147
E – Balloon 713
F – Boat 227
Depot Shuttle – Balloon 700
Sunday 23rd June
A – Railcoach 680
B – Balloon 711
C – Boat 227
D – Balloon 717
E – Centenary 648
F – Boat 600
Depot Shuttle – Balloon 723
With the sun finally put in an appearance for this year it looks set to be a good weekend in Blackpool so if you’re in the area why not pop along to the Prom and Rigby Road Depot for an actioned packed weekend of heritage action!