We return with another instalment of “Out and About” and this time we’re at the seaside!
In this photo we see two of the Balloon Cars in the operational heritage fleet which are pausing between heritage tours at the North Pier and Tower heritage stop. Closest to us is 723 with 717 just ahead of it. 717 is about to depart with a Coastal Tour all the way to Fleetwood and then back after a break on the Esplanade. (Photograph by Peter Dockerty, 9th October 2022)
Comments are closed.
British Trams Online is always on the look out for news and photos from tramways across the British Isles. Whether it be a tram being delivered, a new livery or any other piece of news we want to hear from you! All submissions should be sent to gareth@britishtramsonline.co.uk. As well as topical news and photos we are also still seeking archive photos for our Picture in Time series. Thanks to everyone who does send submissions.
All news carried on these pages is provided in good faith and is correct to the best of our knowledge. If you notice any errors please let us know either by leaving a comment or by email.
Opinions expressed on these pages are those of writer(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of British Trams Online or any organisations we are associated with.
If posting comments to any news articles please read these guidelines which will help us to keep a harmonious community. All comments will be reviewed before publishing and may be subject to editing.
For details of our Privacy Policy please click the following link: Privacy Policy
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Thank goodness those two Balloons are still functioning in service as they are the only non-B Fleet examples currently available and for the foreseeable future, given that 715 will have retired in about three weeks and 701 would seem to be a write-off. By all accounts 704 would appear to be something of ‘pie in the sky’ – even more so 706. As for 101 – anybody’s guess! Not a wonderful prospect for a once dominant class of tram in Blackpool.
Perhaps it’s time they thought about ‘un-modifying’ some of the under-used B-fleet? 700 would be a fine candidate for removal of the ugly and ill-conceived door modifications.
You have raised one of my big concerns about the heritage operation though. They seem to be ok at painting trams, but not so good at doing any physical work on the mechanics or structure of the vehicles. Two twin sets were reactivated a few years ago, but both are now withdrawn requiring a re-wire. Princess Alice is also sitting silent, awaiting work. Surely a rolling programme of steady restoration (which must include an active workshop) should be an integral part of the long term business model for any heritage tramway. That means fixing things, not just nicking parts from one vehicle to keep another one running.
I’ll have a lot more faith in the heritage operations in Blackpool when I see them turn out a fully restored vehicle.
In fairness, what would removing the ‘B Fleet’ modifications from the modified Balloon cars really achieve? Only 700 is even vaguely traditional, and I doubt that the costly and time-consuming changes would lead to any increase in revenue. Of course it would be good to see 700 restored in a more authentic condition at some point, but right now there are many more beneficial projects to choose from. Then there’s the (probably slim) possibility that the B Fleet might be needed in their intended role when the extension to North Station finally opens.
Your other points are spot on, though. Admittedly all heritage tramways withdraw trams – look at Crich with the likes of B&F 2, Southampton 45 and Glasgow 812 now sidelined – but ideally you need something else to replace them. Blackpool have lost some of their most useful and popular cars like 147, 230 and 706, and repainting the likes of 631 and 723 does nothing to compensate. If only BTS would support the FTT more and help to complete 143, 279, 304 and 634, you’d then have some interesting ‘new’ trams. Also I worry that 600 and 717 may end up being withdrawn as both are looking very tired now; both would benefit from some workshop attention before they get too bad. 717 in particular may end up needing new panels if the paintwork peels off too much, which happened with 147 before.
For me, this picture highlights what is not so great about heritage tram tours right now: two trams from the same class, 723 looks smart but has many bus-like features and some passengers spend the entire tour facing the wrong way, whilst 717 is a magnificent tram that looks in serious need of some TLC. When was its roof last cleaned properly?
As an aside, I see that Bolton 66 has been carrying full loads on tours during the October half term week, so it just goes to show that with the right tram, there is still good money to be made out of the heritage operation, even with the questionable revised format. Let’s hope that Standard 143 will finally enter service next year, as that would be a real boost to the fleet and should encourage more people to take a ride.