The Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust’s preserved Blackpool Brush Railcoach 290 (or 627 as some still prefer to call it) has stood on a special display siding adjacent to the Pleasure Beach loop at Blackpool since August 2012, looking increasingly shabby in its ‘Diamond Jubilee’ livery. However, this livery will soon be replaced by a brand new identity as part of Blackpool’s ‘Sand, Sea & Spray’ festival, celebrating the talents of urban street artists.
As reported previously, 290 is to be treated to another makeover during June which will see the tram’s current white and gold design replaced by a new ‘graffiti art’ paint job, courtesey of a famous urban artist known as Inkie. More details of this project have now been released, and it is expected that work will be undertaken next week, when forty street artists will descend on Blackpool to decorate various landmarks with their distinctive brand of modern art. 290‘s unusual repaint is expected to be completed by June 19th, so that it can be displayed in its new guise over the following weekend when the main focus of the festival takes place. This should certainly improve its appearance; having sat outside on the promenade all winter, the paintwork has weathered badly and the trolley tower in particular is showing clear signs of excessive rusting.
The whole event is the brainchild of Robin Ross Art, and the project involving the 1937-built tramcar is supported by its owners, the Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust. Chairman John Woodman recently said: “We are looking forward to seeing 290 transformed into a street art installation. What could be more appropriate than using a Blackpool tram as the subject of inspirational street art design. There have been far less edifying subjects now held in high regard by the ‘art world’ and who knows – maybe some collector might make a bid for it.” It is not clear whether Mr. Woodman’s latter comment is tongue in cheek, although selling 290 for a hefty sum would certainly help to finance his organisation’s ultimate aim of establishing a new tram museum in the town of Fleetwood and so maybe this isn’t such a bad idea!
Brush car 290 is expected to remain on display in its new livery throughout the 2013 illuminations, before hopefully moving to a more secure home in Fleetwood next year.
A recent view of Blackpool 290 showing its Diamond Jubilee commemorative livery, which will soon be consigned to the history books. (Photo by Andrew Waddington)
Poor 627. Never thought id say this would have been better if this tram had been scrapped. Blackpool Transport could have used the money they would have got from the scrap dealers got to keep some of the parts that they didn’t want (seats etc)
Instead we have a tram sat rotting away and now faces the humiliation of been slapped in paint whilst it is in desperate need of urgent structural work. It like giving a small plaster to someone who just been shot. to little to late.
Only hope is Woodman manages to convince someone that this “art” has value and they buy it before the whole thing falls appart.
Very angry and upset about it.
Absolutely disgraceful. Its rotting away where it stands, by the time it moves it will be swept up and carried away in a bin there will be that little of it still stuck together! And graffiti art! Dear God, millions spent on improving the promenade. A new smart Heritage look to the hut. Emphasis on Heritage and culture and suddenly it looks like the Bronx!
It should probably moved from the front and put in the town centre, so it doesn’t carry on rotting!
Great idea from Tommy – place it in the town centre which, every day throughout the season, is a haven for drunken hen and stag parties. That should ensure it meets its maker long before before suffering the indignity of rotting away on the prom.
Hope the vandals dont spoil his art, mind you you maynot be able to tell the difference
Blackpool has a lot of public art already and this picture of the tram looks very tawdry indeed in its present guise. At least we were spared from it repainted yet again for the 60th anniversary of the coronation. When re-painted in officially-sanctioned graffiti will it then be protected against local graffiti artists turning up under cover of darkness and overpainting it repeatedly, which is what happens in genuine (illegal) street art?
There are loads of other preservation groups who would have taken care of this tram and to see it splashed with graffiti when it could keep a nice commemorative livery is a disgrace! All the FHLT are thinking of in the matters of this tram at the minute is money and whilst I know they need more funds there are better ways to get funds than this!
NEETT should have taken this tram in as they would have taken much better care of it.
This is saddening. From what I’ve seen, the FHLT seems to have been focused on money-making ever since the name change. If they carry on like this it’s not good news as the donations will probably stop. 646 wasn’t “irrepairably damaged”, look at Pantograph 167 when it arrived at Crich! And now this, poor tram! It’s not “public art” it’s part of Blackpool’s heritage! I would donate to NEETT if they offered to buy this tram, after all, their new depot was built to house 12 vehicles. Perhaps it is being built like that for a reason…
Comments in this thread highlight once again the differing degrees of esteem in which the differing preservation groups are held by the enthusiast community, based entirely on the way they deal with enthusiasts and the way they appear to be treating the trams in their care… (and that applies equally to established groups as to relative newcomers such as FHLT and NEETT)
If they want the community to donate to their cause and visit their attractions, all groups need to think carefully how their actions, press statements etc will be perceived by their target audience. Sadly I do agree that FHLT have hit a new low with this ‘stunt’ and really misread the situation if they think this project will enhance their reputation as a credible custodian of historic assets…
Have had a long hard think about this and the comments so far and to be honest, I think that whilst I’m far from saying “Yippee… Skip” about a heritage vehicle being graffiti-ed, at the same time, let’s not get to het up about it all.
At the end of the day it’s just a paint job for goodness sake. When she’s done her job, she will still exist ( which from some comm-enters so far, if they carried out what they believe should happen to her, she wouldn’t have!).
We had this with 167 in Centenary year. Ok. it looked like a mobile ICI petrol pump, granted, but equally, without ICI’s input of funding, it would still be moldering ( or worse) in Clay Cross. They put their money where there mouth was, had it restored to working order and now it’s fully serviceable again at Crich.
The same will most probably happen here. Ok, she will be a bit “weird” for a season or so, but then she will be repainted, which she needs now anyway and then she should be safe in Fleetwood Tramway Museum. ( Fingers crossed).
And it usually, but I admit not always, follows that those that argue the most about not liking this or that, do the least to actually avoid these things needing to be done in the first place.
In 167’s case for example, I recall that two or three of the most vocal opponents of her ad livery, only ever followed tram tours in a car. Thus they didn’t even contribute a single penny to the operators of the car in question to then offset them having to ask the ICI’s of this world for the funding that led to the ad needing to be applied. Bit of irony there perhaps.
Ok, whilst not jumping up and down at the thought of 290 being “tagged”, I think it is currently the lesser of several evils, which include scrapping, leaving her to get even scruffier and unloved, which could then lead to her receiving REAL and then possibly irreparable vandalism, or ( God forbid), leaving her to rot in an open yard.
At least here she receives much needed attention, a new more protective layer and might even become a focal point for new younger tram fans inspired by the Inkie tram. Ok, a bit fanciful perhaps, but, stranger things! We’ve had “Banksie”, perhaps inspired by 290, we could next have “Tramsie” !
Some very valid points there. It is easier and cheaper to replace inappropriate paintwork than to replace panelling and framework which has rotted away due to lack of protection. I just hope that 290 will be “de-rusted” before the graffiti is applied, and it won’t be a case of “papering over the cracks” and storing up greater problems for the future.
Thank you Ken. It appears that what you hoped for perhaps isn’t sadly happening, but at least it keeps her somewhat “protected” and if the new front blind does come to fruition, this is a short time pain, for a long term gain. Only time will tell.
Deckerman,
Are you an official spokesman for FLHT or a member?
As Paul said before you it is public perception that lets the group down.
Heaton Park and NEET have both started building new depots for their trams. But FHLT seem to be making no progress at all. No depot, one tram lost to vandals and this one abandoned and neglected for a year until this silly publicity stunt.
Even the LTT have now admitted they had taken on too much and the best thing for the future of their trams was to hand them back to Blackpool Transport. Unless real progress is seen soon, think its time for FHLT to do the same and hand back their trams.
Martin
Martin, I am neither.
I just feel that someone saying things like scrap it rather than graffiti paint it, is perhaps a tad over reactive and so I simply reacted to that, as I am currently permitted to do, I think.
Plus, I don’t feel that she was “abandoned and neglected”. She was done up in a Jubilee livery for the Jubilee year in 2012 and now, the very next year, she’s getting another livery. How often was 290 painted when in service? Annually?.. Not to my knowledge.
And whilst what you say is true regarding Heaton Park and NEET, One has been going for 30 years, the other obviously has either good funding or good membership or both. FHLT has been going about 2 years or so, if that and perhaps FHLT has neither good funding or membership currently, but only they know that.
To write them off when they are at least trying to get something started, is to my mind just perhaps a little unfair, especially when you possibly know nothing of their commitments, ongoing costs or their obvious trials and tribulations so far.
Also, if I see someone struggling, for whatever reason, I try to assist, not kick them further.
It is a massive leap of faith to take on any trams and anyone who does so, I think should be applauded, not vilified.
Plus, I may be wrong, but with the best will in the world, I don’t think BTS would now wish to take back yet more heritage trams that on the whole, would duplicate not only what BTS already had, but what LTT’s recent “donation” has brought them too. So then the only real alternative, if FHLT did as you suggest would most likely be that they go for scrap.
So, whilst admittedly not ideal, between storage in an open yard awaiting a museum plan to come to fruition or going to the scrapman, I know where my vote is. Once they are gone, that’s it.
Deckerman,
You are of course correct that calls to scrap her in preference to being used for this artwork are over the top. You are also probably correct that the FHLT are lacking both members and funds, so we have to ask why?
Why is public perception of the FHLT so negative and why are enthusiasts so reluctant to donate, preferring instead to give to other causes?
They seem to be in a vicious circle:
No visible progress > Poor Public image > Lack of membership > Lack of income > Inability to fund developments > No visible progress.
The loss of 646 and now subjecting 627 to this treatment do nothing to break that cycle. It does not asure potential member or donors that the trams are ‘in safe hands’. Surely even the most casual observer can see that?
With specific regard to 627, no she would not have been repainted annually, but she was kept overnight in Rigby Road depot and regularly washed to remove salt water, and never spend 12 months untouched on the prom subjected to the effects of weather and sea spray… That the new paint has been applied with no preparation is also concerning – rather than protecting the fabric, this effectively traps in the corosive salt and is more likely to speed up the deterioration…
Paul
“…Why are enthusiasts so reluctant to donate…” Simple in my case. When FHLT launched an appeal for funds for restoration of Copse Road depot, I set up a monthly Standing Order. When FHLT announced that they changed their mind and would not be proceeding with the depot, I cancelled it. No direction, no faith, no confidence. Simples.
Ken. I can fully understand your point of view and I have stated to similar respondent Paul, that FLHT has to keep all who are involved, fully informed to avoid just what you state were your reasons for withdrawing. LTT didn’t and they have possibly now paid the price there.
Equally though, from my understanding, it wasn’t simply a case of FLHT “changing their minds”. Things, I am reliably informed, were just totally untenable with Copse Rd and so it sadly was probably foolish to proceed in those circumstances and put good money (some of it yours) after bad. What they did then, in fairness, was probably the lesser of 2 evils. I’m sure you would be even less impressed if they had still carried on shoring up a lost cause using even more of your money for it to still eventually fail, which it would have done.
Perhaps it’s a case of damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Difficult to call.
But all we can possibly hope, is that the new direction they have at least managed to find, which in this climate is no mean feat, will eventually come to something. And it may even be better than their Plan A. Time will tell.
I agree with what you say regarding the lesser of two evils. But I would have thought that the viability of using Copse Road (or not) would have been established before they started making specific appeals eg for financing new doors. The appearance of that sort of appeal said to me that the Copse Road project was going ahead, and in my particular case that made the FLHT project stand out from the other tram projects in that it was proposed to display the vehicles in an original tram depot. I wonder how many other people have been caught out in this way? I have stopped my contributions as I have no confidence that there will not be other major changes of policy. My contributions will now go the Heaton Park tramway, whose direction and determination is abundantly clear (and making rapid progress).
Ken, Whilst I both fully understand and even have some sympathy with your thoughts and also personally fully support Heaton Park as being not only friendly but deserving of extra personal funding ( as against a certain more ” centrally based ” tram museum ), at the same time, I am led to believe that the FLHT people had a fully signed agreement etc in place BEFORE making any appeals etc, but were then effectively “gazumped” by an outside concern to use the depot. That could not have been foreseen and so whilst fully empathising with your thoughts and comments, I would perhaps argue that whilst what you say may be true, it perhaps, to be fair, wasn’t of their making.
Paul, whilst I can fully see your points, at the same time, from my understanding of the trials and tribulations of FHLT, they have gone to hell and back with all that has happened recently. Though, that said, if members that they so desperately need, aren’t kept informed, then I do agree that that is an error in judgement and needs rectifying. ( Though apparently some factors were beyond their control)
Whilst I genuinely have no axe to grind for FLHT, if (and it is a big if), they do succeed with their secondary museum plan, then it should all be worth it in the end. But they do need to keep all that are involved informed. LTT made that error a while back and look where that has left them now!
Paul, Whilst I can fully see your points, at the same time, from my understanding of the trials and tribulations of FLHT, they have gone to hell and back with all that has happened recently, so it is perhaps easy to criticise, whilst not knowing the full story. Though I do also have to say, that if members that they obviously desperately need, are not kept informed, then that is indeed an error and needs addressing quickly. ( Though apparently some factors were beyond their control).
Whilst I genuinely have no axe to grind for FLHT, if, ( and it is a big if), they do succeed with their Plan B for the Fleetwood Tram Museum, then, in the absence of anything else more concrete on the table, then it should all be worth it in the end. But I do have to agree that they certainly do need to keep fully informed those that need to know. LTT made that basic error a while ago and look where that has left them now!
Communication was net the only LTT failure Deckerman!
Add to that high profile PR statements that mostly fail to materialise like the “Strategic Review to be lead by an independent consultant” – what happened to that I wonder? Then there was Thornton Gate Heritage Centre (now seems to have disappeared from their website) and of course the bold statement in the recently LTT In Trust magazine “…..now we have no ties with BTS……. we are free to develop our own plans without constraint”. Words that must have come back to haunt the LTT trustees over the last two weeks! Positioned as a “merger” in the LTT announcements, it looked more like a “rescue” to most enthusiasts. Credit to BTS management for that!
Both the FHLT and LTT seem to suffer from the delusion that a few high profile announcements now and again counts as communication. It doesn’t, and over time it becomes clear these organisations are not delivering. Consequently they lose credibility, and more importantly support.
Steve. I totally agree with you regarding the LTT s “failings”.
Whilst I have nothing but respect for their goals of preserving local transport heritage, I am less enamored by their actual practice or indeed their successes, both with Bus Works, the LTT itself magisterially and of course Classic Bus.
This perhaps can be put down to exactly the things you point out, but also perhaps sadly to the make up of some of their members personalities and more recently, them also perhaps forgetting the basics of good business, the use of good PR practice and sometimes the “bigger picture”.
Very much BTS rescued these vehicles (and well done for that), rather than LTT forming a “merger”. That’s just PR speak. ( Seems they can do it when they want to!) And as for Thornton Gate project, that in my book, was a non starter. I recall it’s original “announcement” in the Gazette and the backlash from the people who actually “owned” the land who knew nothing of the plans. Genius move. Plus, how much do you think that BTS would have allowed a rival organisation to run vintage trams along their metals, when they would need every penny from their own trams to make it viable? No. I’m sorry, but that was just a non starter, unless perhaps FHLT want to put a bid in? Lol.
Plus after just reading John Woodman’s concise reply, I think that he puts it all into focus very eloquently. In the abeyance of anything better, I wish him every success with it all.
Paul. Please see my reply that I wrongly attached to Ken’s reply. Apologies.
1. The FHLT have the full backing of their Local Authority for the new location at Fleetwood Ferry – having received endorsement of Wyre Council for the change of venue. The Copse Road Tram Depot, whilst in and of itself a logical choice, proved to have inherent problems which required extensive capital costs for renovation following close examination. The Trust has conserved important artifacts from the Depot and its Sub Station.
2. The alternative site in proximity to the Fleetwood Ferry tram terminus and other waterfront attractions overlooking a wonderful vista of Morecambe Bay and the south Lake District – allows for a larger number of trams to be housed within a less expensive structure.
3. The Trust, with endorsement of the Local Authority has submitted an application for a grant to allow erection of a for purpose structure on the site. This will take several months to process before any decision is made and funding is forthcoming.
4. In the interim the Trust has arranged for alternative storage arrangements for its trams courtesy of ABP (Assoc British Ports) who are providing a secured site not very far away from the existing location which has housed several of our trams (and more recently 304) through the generosity of Halsall Toys International. It is worth pointing out that the Coronation 304 was housed in Fleetwood without any charge being incurred by the LTT. We responded to a request to assist the LTT with an immediate and unexpected problem they encountered on return of 304 from Beamish Museum.
5. In respect of Brush Car 290 over which much correspondence has ensued of late on its display at the Pleasure Beach tram terminus. The FHLT were invited to provide a tram that could be utilised in the most recent Sun Sea & Spray urban art project in Blackpool. This is underwritten by the Arts Council England, Blackpool Council and supported by several corporate organisations.
The Trust made available 290 for this project which was agreed and approved earlier this year – in partnership with Blackpool Illuminations.
As the tram was indeed looking the worse for wear after its lengthy display since the end of the Lights in November 2012 – a new and quite remarkable urban street art design has given 290 an entirely new look.
The project was for the wide public, and certainly not arranged or otherwise planned as an endeavour aimed at tram enthusiasts. Sun Sea & Spray attracted popular coverage and attention at the many buildings and sites in Blackpool which hosted dramatic designs by visiting artists from around the world. Number 290 has been repainted by ‘Inkie’ a close colleague of probably Britain’s most famous street artist – ‘Banksy’. At present the design is awaiting final completion on the seaward side and gantry. it will receive special illuminated effects for display during the ‘Lights’ in partnership with Lightworks – Blackpool Illuminations team.
The Trust is also in discussion with several national bodies over the tram’s further display in its urban art form – elsewhere.
Given the plethora of critical ‘acclaim’ accruing to the new ‘look’ 290 in the columns of BTO over late – it is worth setting the record straight on how and why this tram is now attracting media and public attention. The Trust is very pleased with the outcome of two community projects which has seen 290 evolve from the objectionable and parlous appearance it had when the Trust acquired it from BTS (with grotesque grinning skull and gross all over advertising). It played a unique role on Blackpool promenade to commemorate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and now forms part of Blackpool’s very successful street art festival (in its third year).
6. Finally – the FHLT are an independent Trust whose purpose and objectives are supported in practical and financial ways by lmany local companies and a small number of private individuals. Tram enthusiasts have a wide selection of museum groups and preservation projects to tempt their wallet and attention. In fact at last count the UK boasts at least twelve museums with important tram displays, of which seven have operating lines not counting the excellent work underway by Blackpool Transport’s heritage team (or the MER). So there are plenty of heritage tram outlets up and down ths country to satisfy even the most jaded enthusiast.
7. This is a far cry from the days of Crich being the one and only tramway museum in Britain. The FHLT are a newcomer to the tram heritage scene. Along with NEETT near Sunderland – we are grappling with a host of development issues all at the same time. Most importantly our Trust secured nine representative trams from Blackpool’s redundant fleet in the great tram ‘sell off’. Some of these are notably important – the first ‘Brush’ rail coach, the prototype ‘Jubilee’ car and the prototype ‘Centenary’ car. In addition we intend to keep Balloon 710 and the twin-car set acquired through the personal efforts of just one enthusiast in Fleetwood – in their Metro Coastlines (Steve Burd) livery.
There are plenty of green and cream (or is it ivory) Blackpool trams now esconsed in museums – and in Blackpool. Like NEETT and Beamish – we feel there is room for diversity and creativity. Some may like it, others may not – well watch this space….
8. For enthusiasts intending to visit Tram Sunday on 21 July – we will provide a briefing to those interested enough to find out more about our plans and progress – details at Pharos Lighthouse display stand. The long awaited ‘Tribute to Marton Trams’ will be launched at 1200 along with a new book on HV Burlingham coaches and buses during the 1930s.
Make it a must visit Fleetwood date on your calendars.
John Woodman
Trustee
FHLT
Very well put John. Every success to you with it. And I think Thornton Gate’s available if the docks site goes pear shaped!!
I wasn’t keen on the Jubilee scheme and from photos wasn’t sure about this one so I kept quiet until I’d seen it for myself.
Well having been in Blackpool for Tram Sunday, my opinion is the design isn’t so bad but the quality of the work is terrible. The second side still not done makes it the worst of both and you can see whre it is washing off and fading already from the side that has been finished.
Related to above I wanted to give my opinions at the briefing on the tram in Fleetwood, but I got there a few minutes late and despite there only being 3 or 4 people on board the doors were closed and locked. I knocked on the door but the hand gesture from the man on board quite clearly indicated I wasn’t welcome.
Rob
Brush car 290 will receive completion of its street art repaint in a special event being planned by Blackpool Illuminations. This is being done as part of the 2013 Illuminations and not intended to satisfy tramcar purists who tend to carp at anything which does not meet exactly their individual tastes.
The briefing on Tram Sunday was clearly marked as beginning at 1300 for anyone with interest in asking questions about the Fleetwood Trust. Additionally I was in attendance all day at a stand alongside the tram and available to respond to questions from the many people who stopped by to find out what the state of play is with our scheme in Fleetwood.
For what its worth Robert and others will have plenty to write about when Blackpool puts all over wraps on some of its new trams – always something new to criticise every day in Blackpool.
I assume you won’t be wanting any of the finance to support your project to come from enthusiasts then John. Otherwise the dismissive tone of your comments looks like a bit of a P.R. disaster to me. Turning prospective contributors away for turning up a few minutes after the start (possibly delayed by circumstances outside of their control) doesn’t seem to me to be a good way of getting people on side. They’re potential contributors, not employees! And as for 290, as far as I can see the comment above was not about the graffiti being done but about the poor quality of it and concern about the continued exposure of the tram structure to environmental damage. That doesn’t sound much like ‘carping’ to me.