Two red (and white) Balloons go by

Following on from the news that the North East Electrical Traction Trust are to repaint Blackpool Balloon car 721 into red and white ‘Routemaster’ style livery, Blackpool Transport have now confirmed plans for a similar repaint of sister car 701. This tram recently returned to service as a member of Blackpool’s own heritage tram fleet, following use as a snowplough car during the winter months.

701‘s repaint will actually be a blast from the past for this particular car, as it was 701 that first carried this livery between 1991 and 1993. The unique colours were inspired by the livery worn by a small fleet of ex-London Routemaster buses which operated on the promenade service at this time, and were applied to 701 as it had just emerged from the workshops after receiving a major overhaul. Although the work carried out was quite tame by modern standards, at the time it was the most extensive renovation of any Balloon car and made the car something of a celebrity. The tram remains in good condition today and, as its new role will mean a much easier life, it should remain so for many years to come.

Although the Routemaster livery only lasted for less than three years, it is still remembered fondly by many people, hence the decision to restore it to 701 two decades later, to ensure that it stands out as a distinctive heritage tram.

The Fylde Tramway Society have generously agreed to sponsor 701‘s repaint, continuing the organisation’s long-running association with the tramway which has seen various trams benefit from FTS funds over the years. An appeal for donations has been launched, and the Society will add up to £1,000 from its own finances to the fund, if the same amount can be raised from the public. In the event that there is money left over, this will be put aside in a special fund to be invested in future projects involving Blackpool Transport’s historic trams. BTS have already indicated that 701 will be accommodated in the Paint Shop as soon as funding is available, meaning that it could potentially appear in its new (old) look later on this year!

If you would like to contribute towards the cost of repainting Balloon 701, please send a cheque made payable to the Fylde Tramway Society, to: PO Box 1264, Blackpool, FY1 9EG. Please don’t forget to include your name and address, as well as stating that your donation is towards the 701 project.

A recent view of Balloon 701 at Pleasure Beach in its faded all-over yellow garb, left over from a past advertising livery. Plans are now afoot to restore this tram to its 1991 red and white livery which will be a major improvement on its present appearance. (Photo by Andrew Waddington)