The year is 1986, the month October as we head down to Rigby Road Depot for a view of Engineering Car 753 in today’s edition of “Picture in Time”.
The blow photo shows the rather battered 753 on the depot fan in between duties. The paintwork has certainly seen better days and it looks as if the tram has been involved in some form of collision with the dented panel on the left-hand side. The interior lighting is ablaze and one of the crew members is just popping his head out of the cab at the far end, maybe he’s waiting for instructions on whether to proceed into depot or head out onto the Prom again? Whereas when we last saw this tram the platform on the upper deck was covered by sheeting it is clear of this here. We’ve said it many times before, and will probably say it again!, but this tram is now unrecognisable having been restored back to its condition as Standard 143 which will, hopefully, one day soar back onto the Prom giving delight to holidaymakers and enthusiasts a like.
Whilst the work on this tram to return it to 143 is indeed superb. Never the less as Car 753 it has for many years been my favourite tram in the Blackpool Fleet.I first fell in love with it donkeys years ago when I saw it at the front of Hopton Road/Rigby Road Depot. It’s livery, it’s rust and paint splattered body, it’s “Venetian Blinds ” and the Style of Engineering Car on the end panels, all add to it’s beauty. To me it really was special RIP 753! P.S. I always think Trams look better, especially Liverpool and Glasgow when the photographs show the with a bit of muck on them!
Hi Geoff,
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Kind Regards,
Gareth
Hi Gareth. Thanks for your reply. Feel free to delete message one and three Cheers. ALWAYS A GREAT BLOG? BY THE WAY.