We head into Rigby Road Depot for this week’s “Picture in Time” image.
Over the years the Blackpool Tramway has always looked at ways to improve the trams with various rebuilds and one of those involved Blackpool Brush 638 which became the first one man operated tram to be converted (albeit one which was unsuccessful). The work to make the changes to the tram took place in 1969 with a front entrance provided behind the driver’s position although this was far from ideal as it didn’t make it easy for the driver to deal with any boarding passengers. As part of the work the tram was also painted all over cream.
The front entrance doors would be removed in 1972 with the experiment not being continued – although it would lead to the OMO cars with important lessons having been learnt. The tram would remain operational until 1980 as a standard Brush Car and would eventually be scrapped in 1984.
The front entrance door is just visible on the opposite side of the tram here (next to the Balloon) as it rests within Rigby Road Depot.
Photograph by Tony Stevenson, c1970