We continue our look at those trams which ran on the final weekend of the traditional Blackpool Tramway with Balloon 709 the latest to be seen.
Balloon 709 – another of those Balloon Cars to receive a flat-fronted overhaul – was to see service on both Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th November 2011 and in common with most other Balloons was used on the evening service on both days. It was the third to last tram to return to depot on the last day with it crossing the Prom road at 2345.
Even by the end of the traditional tramway, 709 had received the widened centre entrances with the idea being that it would see use on the upgraded tramway but as history has shown this has never really happened with 709’s use being relatively low in the intervening period. It was last seen in service during 2013 and has remained stored at Rigby Road since except for the odd display during special events.
The advert for the Sealife Centre on 709 had been extended across the widened centre entrances (which wasn’t the case for all trams to receive this change in the last year) as can be seen in this 6th November 2011 image as it leaves the Prom.
Although not seen in service since 2013, 709 did make an appearance on Hopton Road on 27th September 2015 as part of a line-up of “B fleet” cars, but with pantograph lowered it had to be towed there. (Both Photographs by Gareth Prior)