If you are out in Blackpool early in the morning and saw a heritage tram you would probably think you were seeing things (or had enjoyed a bit too much of the Christmas spirit!) but that is exactly what has happened on several mornings recently as Balloon 717 has been used as an ice breaker ahead of the first service car. That’s right a heritage tram has been making sure the modern Flexity2 trams don’t have too many problems in running.
The concept of ice breaker trams are nothing new. Most systems use them either throughout the night or shortly before the start of service. This includes Manchester Metrolink where they used to have a small number of trams fitted with special pantographs for this purpose but now all trams can be used on the vast network. But its not often that there is a move back to old trams to clear the way for the new!
Balloon 717 has been based at Starr Gate Depot this week and with the continued cold weather the decision was taken to use it ahead of the first timetabled service. It was first used early on 14th December and it was also out on the following two days. This led to the very unusual sight for 2022 of a Balloon Car running through the fleets of Fleetwood not long after 0500! Its as if we’ve gone back to 2009!
Thanks to Bradley Jones for the information and photograph of 717.
Do no adjust your eyes! Yes this is 2022 and yes this is Balloon 717 standing on Pharos Street having just arrived with an ice breaker run all the way from Starr Gate. (Photograph by Bradley Jones, 14th December 2022)
Given icebreaking often damages the pantograph carbons, seems a strange choice to use the pride of the fleet, when already short of heritage trams, rather than a B fleet
I wish we could go back to pre 2009 Blackpool.