British Trams Online sponsored Boat car 605 left Blackpool on Wednesday 29th February, for the first time in its 78 year history. As we announced earlier this week, the tram is being loaned by its owners, the Lancastrian Transport Trust, to Beamish Museum for a two year period and this website will be funding the repaint of the tram back into its 1930s style green and cream livery.
Ahead of its move, 605 has undergone the usual preparations, such as dismantling of its lifeguard trays and removal of the trolley tower and pole. Combined with a thick layer of dust which has covered the tram since it last carried passengers in October 2009, 605 presented a rather sorry sight when it was dragged out of the depot for the final time, and shunted onto Blundell Street, where it was then moved up a specially-constructed ramp onto the waiting low loader provided, as always, by Scott’s Heavy Haulage. As if this wasn’t exciting enough, assistance was provided by Balloon 701 which is another rather elusive tram, having last run in passenger service in 2010, and now being retained as a possible reserve car if needed. There was also a brief opportunity to see 605 and sister car 600 together for what may have been the last time, as the latter was returning to the depot following a rare winter outing during the loading process – so 605 certainly had a
memorable send-off!
After a smooth loading job, 605 left Rigby Road shortly before 2:00pm. However, it was not expected to arrive at Beamish until the next day, and will therefore spend a night under the stars en route to its new home. Once the car arrives it will need a very heavy clean and some routine servicing, but should soon be ready to begin a programme of test running and crew training. Hopefully this will enable it to make its passenger debut at the Museum over the Easter weekend, with a starring role at the upcoming Great North Steam Fair, being held between 12th & 15th April, also on the cards. We hope that as many
readers of this website as possible will visit Beamish to see ‘our’ tram during its stay there, and that you will all enjoy the fruits of our sponsorship!