For our latest archive photo feature, we take a timely look back to the first weekend of the 2008 Blackpool illuminations, and the return to service of Replica Vanguard 619 following an extended lay-off. This was a time when a full tram service operated on the switch-on weekend, including illumination tours, and the switch-on ceremony itself was held in the Central Car Park, meaning that disruption to the tramway was minimal.
I myself had a very enjoyable evening on the night of the switch-on itself, as I watched part of the concert, seeing several performers, including pop band Scouting For Girls and Manchester singer-songwriter Sarah Whatmore. Just as the concert was drawing to a close and the stars of BBC TV’s Top Gear flicked the famous switch, Vanguard 619 appeared on the promenade. This was one of many trams to be mothballed after the 2004 season, but it had been decided to reinstate it to service, and this was its first outing in just over four years. Its first passenger journey was an illumination tour on what was a lovely mild evening, but unfortunately the car failed later on and had to be towed back to the depot.
The next day, 619 did a brief test run and then ran much more successfully in the evening, including another tour of the lights. The car then operated regularly and reliably for the rest of the 2008 illuminations, and again in 2009, before transferring into the care of the Manchester Transport Museum Society. It entered service at Heaton Park in June 2010, and although it is currently out of action it is expected to be back in regular use next summer following completion of the new Lakeside Depot.
These pictures show 619 on Saturday 30th August 2008, the second day of its famous comeback, on its early test run and then in service as afternoon turned to evening.
After its mishap on the switch-on night, 619 is seen passing through North Pier on a test run the following day, en route to Cabin where it reversed.
619's test run was a success and the tram re-entered service late in the afternoon of the same day. Here it is pictured at Tower, bound for Cleveleys.
Vanguard 619 arrives back at Pleasure Beach as the light begins to fade.
619 joins Boat 600 (pre-overhaul) and Balloon 721 on the loops at Pleasure Beach. Interestingly, whilst 619 is now a Heaton Park resident, 600 has also operated at the Manchester tramway, whilst 721 is likely to do so in the future. Who could have guessed back then!? (All photos by Andrew Waddington)