For tram enthusiasts in Blackpool, the highlight of the recent school half-term holiday was probably the use of Twin set 272+T2 on illumination tours. The beautifully painted cream Twin car had not carried passengers since May, but emerged on the evening of October 27th to boost capacity on the tours, due to increased demand created by the school holidays.
272+T2 were also used on Sunday 3rd November in place of the Western Train 733+734 which was suffering from an electrical fault. These appearances have literally doubled the number of outings by the Twin set this year, as it was of course unavailable itself due to a defect over the August bank holiday weekend, and is often a ‘last choice’ heritage car as it requires a crew of three, unlike the other trams in the fleet.
Several other heritage cars were also used more frequently during half-term week in response to the increased demand for illumination tours, with Standard 147 and Balloon 717 being the most regular performers, although Bolton 66 and Brush car 631 were also used. Unfortunately Saturday 2nd November was a disappointing day as strong winds battered the Fylde coast, prompting the illuminations to be turned off early following a request from the Police who were understandably concerned about sightseers walking along the promenade despite flood warnings being issued.
There is now just one week left of the main 2013 season in Blackpool before the heritage tram fleet enter winter hibernation, although as the last week of the lights is usually the quietest, it is unlikely that many extra trams will run.
The Twin was also used on October 28th
The Twin Car probably ran more often during last years Illuminations than it did during the whole of 2013!
Thanks Andrew for the extra info. And Ash – yes it probably did, but let’s not forget how many times we expected a Twin car to run in Blackpool post-upgrade just a few short years ago!