The highly-anticipated debut of Blackpool Brush Railcoach 631 following its heritage makeover and a repaint back into a traditional green and cream livery. The car had spent most of the winter under attention at Starr Gate before transferring to Rigby Road a few weeks ago, where it has been treated to a full repaint allowing it to return to use on the heritage tram service at Blackpool on Saturday 4th May.
As expected, 631‘s appearance is now a mix of traditional and modern. Externally, the modern lights and trafficators have been replaced by head and tail lamps in the appropriate casings, whilst old-style fenders have also been restored. Whilst the exact shape and positioning of these isn’t quite authentic, they are still a vast improvement on the rubber strips that they have replaced. The tram has been finished off in a fresh coat of green and cream paint which has been applied in a post-war style. This is similar to the 1970s fleet livery (which was widely expected to be applied to 631) but features cream paint around the cab windscreens, giving 631 a unique look particularly when seen head-on. Unfortunately, the tram has retained various other modern fittings from its 1995 overhaul, such as the enclosed pantograph tower and ‘blade’ lifeguards, which somewhat spoil the period look. However, the recent work is being referred to as ‘Phase 1’ of a restoration project, and so hopefully further work will be carried out in the fairly near future to create a more authentic vehicle. For now though, the sight of a green and cream Brush car on Blackpool promenade where it belongs should be enough to keep most people happy and once again, Blackpool Transport deserve considerable praise for investing in the future of another classic tram.
631‘s first working of the year saw the car operate right through to Fleetwood Ferry during the late morning of May 4th. This was the tram’s first visit to the northern terminus – and indeed the first such trip by any Brush car – since the end of the 2009 season, although this co-incided with a guided tour of the Starr Gate depot for Fylde Tramway Society members, meaning that some enthusiasts missed this historic journey. Fortunately, 631 is due to operate again on Monday 6th May, giving those who missed today’s trip another chance to sample a run to Fleetwood aboard this tram.
It’s also worth mentioning that the disapearance of the former Walls Ice Cream advert on 631 means that this company is no longer advertised on an operational Blackpool tram, for the first time since 1995. Although modified Balloon car 720 retains its Walls advert livery it remains unserviceable, so it is doubtful whether it will run again before it is repainted.
The tram left North Pier full to capacity on its first journey so any enthusiasts that missed out may not have all got on anyway owing to its low 48 capacity.
Glad to hear this Ash – sounds like the ‘use it or lose it’ message has finally sunk in!