Progress is continuing to be made in the workshops at Crich on the major restoration of Blackpool 298. Funded by the Tramcar Sponsorship Organisation the work will see the return of a Brush Railcoach to its original condition, and will also be another preservation first with the tram not having operated since being preserved in 1976.
Over the past couple of years we have seen the tram’s restoration gradually progress with more recently the familiar streamlined shape of the tram returning as the framework was constructed.
And now as work had progressed sufficiently, the first external steel panel has been fitted to one side and one half of the tram. This marks a significant milestone in the restoration of 298 as it starts to look more and more like a tram every day.
The tram – which last ran in 1974 before being acquired for preservation two years later – is being restored to its original condition. That includes twin destination indicators as well as the original interior these stylish trams enjoyed in their early years. The only adherence to modern safety requirements will be to the wiring and the fitting of safety glass (two things which most people won’t even notice as being “non-original”!).
Obviously, plenty more work is required before the tram will be ready for testing and an entry into service but the progress is starting to give a tantalising glimpse of what we will have to look forward to in the future.
- The restoration of 298 is being funded by the Tramcar Sponsorship Organisation who are always looking for more members to help with the funding of these projects. If you’d like to contribute please contact the TSO by emailing tsotrams@gmail.com for further information.
298 in the workshop with its newly fitted panel seen. Three further panels will follow on the other parts of the tram. (Photograph by Peter Whiteley, 22nd October 2025)
I saw 298 in the workshops a few weeks ago on a depot tour. It will be very interesting to see it, after completion, alongside 630.
It just feels like the perfect antidote to the depressing final chapter playing out on the Fylde Coast. Seeing the rebirth of 298 take shape with the level of detail and effort is just such a contrast to stuff plodding about in paint jobs 15+ years old looking and sounding so tired (once people remove those special Fylde Coast Goggles).
Honestly, I wish Blackpool would consider donating some of their collection to Crich. The restoration quality at Crich is second to none, I’ve been on LCC 1 and it feels like stepping back in time. I’m sure 298 will be the same.
I’ve seen people complain that Blackpool is already overrepresented in the TMS collection but honestly, it should be! No other town or city in Britain has such a rich history of tramway development or a such a variety of types.
If you consider the B fleet as regular service trams then the Balloons achieved ninety years of continuous service from 1934 until 2024. And yet, there’s not an operational example at Crich. The Twin Cars are completely unique and would be excellent crowd-shifters on a busy summer’s day.
And then there’s the famous illuminated feature cars – it might be considered sacrilegious to even consider moving one away from the Fylde coast, but imagine the Hovertram for example getting a full nut and bolt restoration to the standard of LCC 1 and 298, period adverts restored and every bulb lit. What an asset to the museum that would be.
They did!! And Crich refused some!
‘They did!! And Crich refused some!’ I don’t doubt your word, but I don’t recall reading about it. Which trams were refused?
648 and a twin.
I think that there is something of a space issue at Crich, particularly after giving refuge to the three cars from the Wirral after the Council apparently lost interest in them. Certainly, a twin car set would, I suspect, be a particular problem.
I believe that Crich are planning, although over what time scale I am unsure, to construct a new facility on site in order to enable the return of those items, including some tramcars, currently held in Clay Cross. Which will also permit the Clay Cross store to be sold off.
I do agree with you about the large number of Blackpool trams being entirely justified, but it is difficult to balance that with the need to represent the rest of the country as well. I do think that a Twin car set should definitely be part of the national collection, as electric trailer operation is completely unrepresented at present. An illuminated car would be lovely, as would a restored Balloon car. Imagine an original condition open top ‘Luxury Dreadnought’ fully restored – that would certainly be impressive!
Its just a pity that trams are a fairly niche interest as there are so many potential projects and not enough money to do them all!
Remember that quite a few trams at Rigby Road are not owned by Blackpool Transport, but are privately owned. As is the case of the Hovertram which you mention in your comment, this tram is owned by the Fylde Transport Trust.