We start a new set of “Picture in Time” images today and we’re back in Blackpool for the next few weeks.
The winter period is often associated with engineering works (particularly on the Blackpool Tramway which by its very nature is more seasonal than most other tramways in the UK) so it seems rather appropriate that we feature one of the dedicated engineering trams in this first photo of this latest series.
Taken at Thornton Gate Permanent Way yard on 14th April 1994 we see Works Brush 259 which was being used (with a trailer out of sight) in moving replacement rails along the tramway. 259 – now owned by the Fylde Transport Trust – started off life as Brush Railcoach 287 before being converted into a Works Car in 1971. It went through several numbers as a Works Car and would remain operational until 2002 when it was taken out of use and stored for the then LTT. It can currently be found stored in Rigby Road Depot.
Photograph by Phil Steer, 14th April 1994
Seeing the picture of Brush rail coach 287 in a very dilapidated condition can I ask other enthusiasts how they see the future for the unrestored and restored trams confined to RigbybRd. I think we may have to accept that it is not possible to operate vintage trams alongside modern trams operating a public service to a published timetable. Were the staff employed at Rigby Rd made redundant ? The future of the operation of vintage trams in Blackpool seems very doubtful. A healthy debate would be interesting.