In this edition of “Picture in Time” we are again in Fleetwood to take a look at a tram running on the Blackpool Tramway back in 1977.
After a couple of weeks where the main focus of our attention has been a Balloon Car this time we increase the capacity by showcasing one of the Progress Twin Cars. It is set 4 that we see with Trailer 684 leading the way as it heads northbound along Lord Street. Corporation crests, trolley, green and cream livery plus the traditional destination blind all help to create the atmosphere of this image. The Twin set is being hotly pursued by a Balloon Car, probably 710.
At the time of this photo the trailer was just a mere 17 years old having been built by Metro Cammell in 1960. It was permanently coupled to 274 in 1965 and would receive the Cadbury Purple and Yellow Metro Coastlines livery before withdrawal came in 2008. Now preserved the set can be seen together at the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum near Sunderland with it being owned by the North Eastern Electrical Traction Trust.
Photograph by Donald Brooks, July 1977