Blackpool Transport support preserved trolleybuses!

When the East Anglia Transport Museum’s restored Portsmouth trolleybus 313 suffered a defect earlier this year, it was feared that this vehicle would have to miss the remainder of the 2013 operating season. However, help came from an unlikely source when, after being contacted by museum representatives, Blackpool Transport agreed to assist with getting the preserved trolleybus back on the road.

The Portsmouth trolleybus suffered an airbrake governor fault very early in the season which was considered quite a serious problem, especially as the museum’s supply of useable spares had been used up some years ago. However, Blackpool Transport kindly supplied a replacement part which has allowed 313 to re-enter public service before the end of the season. Better still, arrangements have been made for the company to overhaul all of the non-working spare governors held in stock by this museum, so as to create a pool of spare parts which can then be fitted to the trolleybus fleet as defects occur, minimising the time they must spend out of service. Naturally this is very good news for the museum as it will ensure that visitors have a varied selection of vehicles to ride on, whilst this job will keep Blackpool’s heritage workshops busy and is a useful extra source of income.

Although this story doesn’t directly concern trams, it was decided to include it here as it will benefit Blackpool Transport’s heritage tram operation, and also shows how BTS will work closely with museums and preservation groups, to mutual benefit. Long may it continue!

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4 Responses to Blackpool Transport support preserved trolleybuses!

  1. David Blake says:

    Excellent news and I wonder if other readers have noticed that trolleybus 313 already has a link with Blackpool – its bodywork was built by H V Burlingham, the Blackpool firm which produced so many magnificent buses and coaches, including some iconic designs in the 1950s period.

    Needless to say I am delighted by all the good news coming out of Blackpool at the moment, and appreciative of all those involved and your own good work on this website in keeping us informed!

  2. Nigel Pennick says:

    Trolleybuses were known as Trackless Trams in their early days, and actually were called Trams in Ipswich until their demise in 1963,so there is a connection.

  3. Jamie Guest says:

    There were severfal systems that did short distance moves with one pole up on the overhead and the trackless towing a skid that earthed it to the rails, also trailining a shower of sparks. This was usually used for moving the trolleybuses between depots and works but at least some (I think Birmingham) that used this method on a daily basis to get from the depot to the route. Thus if Blackpool did repair a trolleybus they could test run it. However I’m not sure what the elf and safety brigade would say.

    Jamie

  4. Tommy Carr says:

    Ooooh, and what a beauty 313 is! Hmmmm, red and white livery it’s in, would look good if it could be taken up to Blackpool for the next running days and posed with 602 and 701 for photos……..

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