It may not have been at the Heaton Park Tramway for long, but Blackpool Brush Railcoach 623 has already undergone some initial commissioning work in preparation for its much-anticipated entry into service in Manchester. Just a week after arriving at its new home, 623 had its lifeguard trays refitted, and some initial testing was undertaken within the tram depot. It is pleasing to report that the tram’s lights all worked perfectly which certainly bodes well for its return to service, as it has not operated for just over two years. The car has also received some weatherproofing work in an attempt to prevent it from leaking, although some further remedial work may be required.
Work on 623 is certainly off to a great start and this should hopefully enable the tram to be launched into passenger service in January 2012. This promises to be a significant event, not just for this particular tram, as no Brush car has ever carried passengers away from Blackpool before and therefore 623 looks set to earn its place in the history books.
Report by Andrew Waddington