The Fylde Transport Trust have released another update on the overhaul of their Blackpool Coronation 304 and whilst it won’t be ready in time for the Coronation next weekend, with a fair wind hopefully it won’t be too far away before we all get to see the sight of a Coronation Car in operation again on the Blackpool Promenade!
Once again showing the collaboration between different groups and societies across the country the May Day Bank Holiday weekend saw a small team of volunteers from the East Anglia Transport Museum visit Blackpool to assist with returning 304 back to operational condition. They came to undertake an inspection of the rubber suspension blocks – which is needed before the tram could be cleared to run on the Prom again.
The inspection of the rubber suspension blocks provided some good news as it confirmed that ones which are currently installed remain fit for service and so will not need replacement at this current time. This inspection involved the tram being lifted slightly to allow the weight to be removed from the blocks.
Before this work took place there was another exciting update from the FTT as dynamic testing of the tramcar has started after the initial static testing of the new emergency braking system was completed. This has seen the tram move along the depot road where it is usually stabled (roughly three of four tram lengths) to allow the emergency braking system to be tested – and the results are positive with it doing exactly what it should!
The final stages of the testing phase will be running on the Promenade tramway – and this will be split into two distinct phases. Firstly, there will be the completion of equipment testing (verification of emergency braking, correct operation of the VAMBAC system) and then once this has been completed and the tram passed then phase two will start – mileage accumulation. These two phases will take approximately a month to complete. But currently there is no time for when it will start as the FTT are keen to make sure that everything is working exactly as it should before pushing ahead with the next phase. It is hoped, however, that it will be seen on the Prom at some point in 2023.
Other work to be completed on the tram will involve the refitting of the retrimmed seats back onto the tram.
The FTT are keen to stress the co-operation of other groups which have allowed them to get to this stage. This includes the East Anglia Transport Museum volunteers who came to see the tram in Blackpool despite the fact they had plenty of work of their own at Carlton Colville, the Fylde Tramway Society for their funding towards the project and Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours for their support and help required to complete the testing phase of the tram.
- A video of the tram undergoing testing within the depot is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yElMWLfHGeA
Two FTT trams side-by-side in Rigby Road Depot as 304 is worked on. Its Brush 621 alongside.
Looking up at 304 from the pit.
Some of the newly retrimmed seats are seen in the tram. Funding for this has come from the FTS. (All Photographs courtesy of the Fylde Transport Trust)
Will be interesting to compare the performances of modern service trams and 304 in terms of acceleration and braking ability in passenger service.
All credit due to the staff of all organisations.