Twin set 272+T2 has recently become the latest member of Blackpool Transport’s heritage tram fleet to visit the multi-million pound Starr Gate depot, duly becoming the first Twin car to do so. The pair were seen standing over one of the maintenance pits last week, and have since been shunted around the complex.
272+T2 were notable for their absence over the August Bank Holiday weekend due to a defect, and have also failed to appear on illumination tour duty thus far in 2013. However, it is hoped that the faults which confined them to the depot have now been rectified, and they could well make a useful addition to the pool of available enclosed heritage cars for use during the autumn illuminations season. Despite its popularity with tram enthusiasts, the Twin set has only run twice on the heritage service so far this year; presumably the requirement for a crew of three makes it a less appealing choice for use.
Meanwhile, back at Rigby Road, it is believed that stored Twin car 675+685 has spent some time in the Electrical Compound recently following its static appearance at the August ‘Extramaganza’ event, although the reason behind this move is unknown. Whilst many people will no doubt hope that this will signal a return to service for the duo, another suggestion is that it may be robbed of some parts to assist with the repairs to its sister unit, as a short-term measure to get the other Twin car back on the road as quickly as possible.
Set 5, had a test run on Saturday: Depot-Foxhall, Foxhall- depot. Set 2 returned to Rigby Road yesterday.
Excellent news Jono N. Hopefully providing photographers and bloggers get the message next year. Contribute by simply purchasing a ticket. Support the operation and great treats and more reactivations will follow.
Worth adding. Lots do. Its a minority that we continue to see stood enjoying the delights without putting a penny into the coffers…
Although I do believe that people should try and support heritage tramways as much as possible not everyone has the money to travel on the heritage service each time it operates and we all have to understand that regardless of our own personal opinions.
How do you know that people taking photos haven’t contributed? I often buy a day ticket, have 2 or 3 rides then spend the rest of the day taking photos or video. In fact the last time I went to Crich I spent the whole day taking video and didn’t have time for any rides at all! But I still paid the same admission fee as everybody else. I have also visited Heaton Park and only made one return trip after buying a “day ticket”.
People taking photos may also be contributng by other means, such as donating or making regular subscriptions to a project or projects.
I have been on several illumination tours this year and the odd day riding! Riding is not for me! Always have to get a snide remark in don’t you! Why can’t we all be nice to each other?????
I have searched in vain for the snide remarks referred to and, either I’m missing something, or they don’t appear on here. All I can see is a plea to support our heritage tramways, something which fits in with British Trams Online’s prominent banner. Museums such as Crich and Beamish are fortunate in that to access the trams you have to pay your admission charge but, in the case of Blackpool and Heaton Park, due to their public profile, there will always be those who, for one reason or another, view the heritage trams in a parasitic manner. Yes, there are those (a small minority) who, through financial circumstances are unable to contribute as much as others. There are also those who stand idly by with expensive cameras and clutching tripods for whom this excuse doesn’t apply.
It must be very galling for those who travel enormous distances, paying fuel costs or train fares, plus hotel costs and still manage to purchase a heritage ticket, to see people profiting from their outlay but there is, unfortunately, no solution to this problem. There will always be those who want a ‘free ride’. Thankfully the number of such people have dwindled, as the realisation has set in that the old days have gone and that the heritage service has to be financially sustainable in its own right but, a plea to the conscience of those who still refuse to contribute, is unlikely to pay dividends. Selfishness is apparent in all walks of life, not just in the tramway world.
Even more galling are those who don’t pay their way but then publish pretty pictures on blogs or in magazines, waxing lyrical about a service which is being supported by others. Definitely a case of having your cake and eating it.
Finally, to draw a parallel, I wonder how many café owners would tolerate someone sitting in their establishment all day but refusing to purchase anything because they ‘don’t do food or drink’?