Bolton 66 made a special appearance on the Blackpool tramway for a private hire on the evening of Wednesday 7th August, without one of its most recognisable features. The popular 1901-built tram has recently lost its long-running adverts for ‘Acdo’ washing powder, leaving it free of any external advertisements for the first time since 1992.
Since arriving at Blackpool on long-term loan way back in 1981, Bolton 66 has advertised various companies including Vimto, Norweb and the Manx Electric Railway, but the longest lasting of all was its association with Acdo which dates back to 1994. After nearly two decades, the contract has finally expired and the tram was recently admitted to the Paint Shop after its owners requested that the adverts be removed. The car was rushed through the works to ensure its availability for the annual tour by the Bolton 66 Trust on August 7th, which saw the tram operate to Fleetwood and back for the benefit of its owners and some other invited guests. The car now sports plain maroon panels on the upper deck sides, but the car will soon return to the workshops where this area will be lined-out to match the rest of the tram. This work is expected to be completed ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend, with 66 is scheduled to operate on the heritage tram service on Monday 26th August.
Acdo’s support towards the continued operation of Bolton 66 in Blackpool is gratefully acknowledged; indeed this was one of the longest running advert contracts in the history of the Blackpool tramway. However, the alterations to its appearance will keep this much-loved tram looking fresh, and indeed it now looks even more authentic in its plain maroon and cream livery.