We return with another edition of “15 Years Apart” as we take a look at Blackpool & Fleetwood Box 40 in both 2010 and 2025.
In 2010 Blackpool & Fleetwood Box 40 was on a long-term loan back to the Fylde Coast where it was used on specials during peak periods. The tram had been back in Blackpool since 1996 in this spell of operation although remained owned by the Tramway Museum Society throughout. In this photo we see the tram and its crew taking a break on Pleasure Beach loop when working specials on 25th September 2010 (which was of course the year of the 125th tramway celebrations). At this time the tram retained adverts celebrating the centenary of the Tramroad some 12 years earlier.
15 years later on 13th September 2025 and 40 is now back at Crich and returned to service after a couple of years out of use. In the intervening 15 years the tram has enjoyed an overhaul and plenty of miles on the roads as it has gone Blackpool-Crich-Blackpool-Beamish-Crich! This included operating spells at each of the tramways. Obvious differences for the tram include more traditional destination blinds whilst the roof advert boards now recognise the companies who assisted in its 2014 overhaul. Here the tram is passing the depot entrance during Tram Weekend. (Both Photographs by Gareth Prior)