In this edition of “Out and About” we go to Blackpool to take a look at a couple of Flexity2 trams in operation.
The original batch of 16 Flexity2 trams have now been plying their trade on Blackpool Prom for over 12 years and have very much become part of the furniture as they operate the core service on the tramway. In this photo we see 015 at Cabin.
And then a little bit later we catch up with 015 again as its made its way north to Fleetwood Ferry. Having just departed from the most northerly stop on the tramway its now running along Fleetwood Esplanade as it heads back to Starr Gate. (Both Photographs by Steven Hughes, 23rd August 2024)
Now you see it, now you don’t (its pantograph). Is it normal practice to lower them at stops, as in the top picture – the tram does not appear to be on a siding.
This was the day that 015 developed a fault at Cabin, hence the pantograph being lowered.
It then got restarted and travelled to Fleetwood where it developed another fault – the reason for it being in the siding in the photograph.
It was later towed back from Fleetwood to Starr Gate by another Flexity 2.
The raising and lowering of pantographs is not a Blackpool feature.
Many thanks, Michael.