Its been a while since we last gave an update on the restoration of the Fylde Transport Trust’s Railcoach 279 but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been more progress on returning the tram to service – far from it with the majority of work which can be done at Brinwell Road now completed.
The restoration of Railcoach 279 will see the return of a “pointed end” English Electric Railcoach to service with the 1960s modifications which had seen it converted as towing car being removed during the extensive work taking place. Originally withdrawn from service in Blackpool in 2004, 679 – as then numbered – did run briefly again in 2008 when it as used on a special farewell tour before its new owners removed the tram to start its restoration to original condition. The restoration has been a long road but a lot of progress has been made in more recent years with the tram really looking the part of a 1930s Railcoach once more.
Recent progress has seen the completion of the majority of electrical work in the cabs which in turn has allowed the team from the Fylde Transport Trust to start to permanently fit the windscreens. This will complete the work which can be done on the bodywork of the tram whilst it is at Brinwell Road with any remaining related tasks needing to be done at Rigby Road.
279 is expected to transfer across Blackpool to Rigby Road soon when it will join the workshop programme there for the completion of the restoration, with it hoped that it will be ready for a return during 2022. Once this is done and the tram enjoys a full repaint it will run in service in its original condition for the first time since 1960 and is certainly something to look forward to!
It would be great if this tram could be launched on the occasion of the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramroad 125th Anniversary next Summer. Hopefully 304 may just be ready for return to service around then if progress is good (or a swap for 167 from Crich could be an viable alternative) and 621 would create a trio as with 1998, but representing a more modern, still heritage, era – another similar event to the Cleveleys to Fleetwood shuttle, which featured in 1998 Rack 2, Box 40 and 167, could then be organised. A cavalcade to Fleetwood would pose problems in the light rail era, but a shuttle would mark the occasion very well.