For today’s then and now series “15 Years Apart” we return to Blackpool to view one of the illuminated tram fleet – and it’s a tram which has seen a fairly major change including a new number!
The newest addition to the illuminated tram fleet in Blackpool is the Trawler which was converted from Brush Car 633, entering service in its new guise in August 2001. Sponsored by Fisherman’s Friend – hence the choice of a Trawler as this is on their logo – the tram originally retained its Brush Car fleet number and was conceived so that it could also be used for normal service with full driving positions at each end and fitted with a pantograph. On 2nd September 2007 the tram is seen at North Pier on Illumination Tour duty.
We have a daylight photo of 737 on 24th September 2022 (mainly because my night-time photos of it aren’t the best quality!) as its out on heritage tours as a late replacement during Anniversary Weekend. This is Bispham with it heading back to depot having been up to Fleetwood. The tram looks the same but has seen LEDs fitted instead of the traditional bulbs and is also now numbered 737 (although the number is not carried externally). (Both Photographs by Gareth Prior)