Twin set added to Blackpool’s Spring Bank Holiday events

In a pleasing development, Blackpool Transport have confirmed that an additional heritage tram will be added to the proposed line-up of cars due to run over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, 25th – 27th May, in the shape of Twin set 272+T2. The popular pair are due to operate on Monday 27th May in place of ‘B Fleet’ car 724 which is now officially out of service, having suffered from a number of minor failures on its last day out. A number of other minor amendments have also been made to the planned events for the weekend which should provide an even more attractive package to enthusiasts.

Saturday 25th May will see Centenary car 648 debut following a repaint in green and cream, with either ‘Princess Alice’ 706 or restored Balloon car 717 joining it on the heritage tours. The ‘B Fleet’ will still be represented by cars 700, 711 and 718 as planned, but it has been decided to run 711 all day instead of 718 which will now run only until lunchtime, when it should be replaced by car 700. This should be a popular change as 711 has only run twice since receiving the new purple & white fleet livery, and is now expected to run to Fleetwood in the afternoon for what will probably be the first time in its current condition.

Sunday 26th May is largely unchanged except that Centenary car 642 will initially be joined by Balloon 723 – giving the opportunity to sample two trams which were expected to be withdrawn at the end of 2011. 723 will then be replaced by sister car 701 for the afternoon, and this tram should close the day’s events with a long run to Fleetwood Ferry, following on from 642 which will perform this journey in the morning. ‘B Fleet’ cars 707, 709 and 713 will complete the day’s line-up.

Bank Holiday Monday should see both 648 and 723 out again, along with 718 and 719. However, due to the aformentioned issues with 724, it has wisely been decided not to risk using this tram and instead, 718 will run in at lunchtime to be replaced by 272+T2, making its first appearance since Easter Monday and boosting the tally of genuine heritage trams in action by one.

It is hoped that visitors and locals alike will appreciate these changes, which should make what was already shaping up to be a most interesting weekend even more so. British Trams Online will be there to provide full coverage of all that happens, and we hope that many of our readers will be there too!

Thanks to Andrew Blood/Trams Today for publishing the information contained in this article.

This entry was posted in Blackpool Tramway. Bookmark the permalink.

3 Responses to Twin set added to Blackpool’s Spring Bank Holiday events

  1. allan pearson says:

    good to see all the heritage trams out in blackpool but what has happened to the coronation tram that was owned by blackpool corporation

    • Paul says:

      660 is still in Rigby Road and is part if the heritage fleet, but needs considerable work to be fit to run in passenger service. It will reappear eventually but there are quicker (and less expensive) gains for the operation in other cars right now.

  2. Aaron says:

    Could anyone confirm which trams would of been on the depot last saturday the 25th May.
    I saw the depot but couldn’t identify all trams.
    I know there are a few stored there which who no doubt be shoved out the back.

Comments are closed.