Whilst the majority of restoration and overhaul work on trams across the UK has been suspended during lockdown there are still a few projects which have been able to be continued, and one such job is the overhaul on Blackpool’s Western Train.
Taken out of service after it was used for the Santa Specials in the lead up to Christmas 2019 work on bringing the tram back to its former glory had been making good progress before the restrictions started to be put into action. Although a lot of work at Rigby Road has not been able to continue for the time being, some workers employed by Blackpool Transport Services Limited is still working which has enabled the overhaul to continue.
The locomotive of the tram has been enjoying a repaint in the Paint Shop and has recently been unveiled in a fresh coat of paint – and what a sight for sore eyes it is! Looking as good as it did when it returned to the rails in 2009 this is just one part of the overhaul with the next task set to be refitting of the illuminations. It will most probably be remembered by most that the last couple of seasons have seen a number of “bulbs out” on the Western Train with the lamp holders having become corroded in recent years but this work should hopefully see the tram shining brightly once again!
Now, all we need is for the whole tram to be completed and the illuminations to take place this year!
Meanwhile, Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours have also launched a new Online Shop where you can buy all sorts of tram gifts, memorabilia and books whilst helping keep the trams on track. The Shop is available at https://heritagetramtours.square.site/.