In Pictures: The move of Centenary 645 from Blackpool to Crich

We recently brought you the news that Blackpool 645 had been acquired by the National Tramway Museum for possible use as a second Access Tram, with it taking the longest journey of its life from Blackpool to Crich on Wednesday 19^th July. In this article we take a look at the transportation in pictures with thanks to Peter Whiteley.

645 had been owned by Blackpool Transport having had its ownership transferred back to the company by the Fylde Transport Trust last year. Only really intended to provide spare parts to keeping the two operational Centenary Cars on the road (642 and 648) it didn’t have much of a future but Crich volunteers Peter and Susan Whitely saw an opportunity that it could be converted to a badly needed second Access Tram as well as possibly being able to be used as an one person operated tram at times of volunteer shortages. Thanks to their foresight and a donation (and with Blackpool Transport donating the tram to Crich) this possibility is now be fully investigated with a  view to returning it to use for the first time since 2011.

With the deal concluded, Allelys conducted the move of the vehicle between Blackpool and Crich on Wednesday 19^th July with it arriving at its new home later that same day.

645 is loaded and chained down to the trailer as it waits departure from Blundell Street in Blackpool.

645 reverses up Hopton Road at the start of its journey to Derbyshire.

Round into Lytham Road one last time.

And to Crich for the first time! Coming through the access gates by the entrance building.

645 now unloaded onto Crich tracks for the first time and is seen here just in the depot yard.

Little time was wasted in checking clearances on the mainline. With the Blackpool Electric Locomotive providing power its seen just out of the depot yard here.

645 is propelled down towards Town End and pauses just outside The Red Lion.

And this final photo shows the tram at Town End terminus. Two vehicles which spent their working lives in Blackpool but meeting for the first time. (All Photographs by Peter Whiteley, 19th July 2023)