Just before we change location on “Picture in Time” again we have time for one final photo as we move on from the snow of Fleetwood.
Pictured here is Jubilee 761 – the first of what would end up being two Balloon Cars which were converted to become one person operated. 761 had started off life as Balloon 262 and entered in 1935, although it’s the penultimate one number wise eight would actually enter service after it (including one of the first batch which were built as open toppers). It would be renumbered 725 in 1968 and was just one of two Balloons which didn’t receive single destination indicators and would also not run with a pantograph (one of three in that category). Withdrawn in 1971 it would ultimately get chosen as the first Jubilee conversion, entering service as 761 in July 1979.
This undated image shows 761 at Central Pier with a service to Bispham. The Tower dominates the background, as it so often does in any photos in central Blackpool, and in the distance we can see a couple of Balloons, the first of which carries an all over advert.
Photograph by Peter Gough
Beautiful livery, beautiful tram!