Another “Picture in Time” outing and we’re at Crich again for an image of one of their Blackpool trams in action.
The below photo features Blackpool Pantograph 167, a tram built in 1928 and originally fitted with a pantograph hence the name which even after they went to trolley poles remained – almost 100 years later! After withdrawal from passenger service in 1953 it was transferred to the permanent way department and like so many trams which survive in preservation today that probably went a long way towards it being saved.
Donated to the Tramway Museum Society it arrived at Crich in 1962 and would remain a static exhibit for over 20 years. Then in 1983 the tram moved to Bolton for restoration to commence which was completed in time for it to go back to Blackpool for the Centenary in 1985. As well as operating at Crich since, it has also enjoyed trips to Gateshead for the 1990 Garden Festival, Blackpool again (and again and again!) and Beamish. It remains a valuable member of the operating flet at the museum today, although has not yet been commissioned for service in 2025.
This image shows it at Wakebridge. The photo is dated 1982 but that is wrong as it hadn’t been restored by then!
Photograph by John Moore