Blackpool Centenary car 643 became the latest tram to make a journey by road on Friday 28th February, when the car departed its home at the Broadwater Caravan Park. This follows a short period of use as a static cafe for this tram, although its latest whereabouts are not yet known.
When the Centenary class were withdrawn from service at the end of the 2011 season, it was feared that most of them would be scrapped, but with the exception of cars 642 and 648 – which have been retained for further operation in Blackpool’s heritage tram fleet – all of them were sold. Since then car 646 has met its maker after suffering from a vandal attack, but until recently the rest had remained unmoved from the locations they transferred to after being sold. That changed on 28th February, when the familiar sight of a low loader provided by Scotts Heavy Haulage appeared at Broadwater Caravan Park, to remove car 643 just over two years after it was deposited there.
The departure of 643 has come as a complete surprise, as it had been refurbished and opened as a cafe less than a year ago and seemed to be quite popular in its new role. The tram had also been repainted in a very smart cream and green livery in 2013, based on the original fleet livery worn by the Blackpool Coronation cars. Having benefitted from this recent investment, it has come as a shock that the tram has left already, and it is sincerely hoped that the car will not follow sister 646 with a one way journey to a scrapyard.
If anyone has any information regarding 643‘s destination or what plans exist for its future, please contact us as we have absolutely no idea what is happening with this tram!
Centenary car 643 in the car park at Broadwater Caravan Park last September, showing off its recently applied paintwork. Never would we have imagined that so soon afterwards, this sight would be consigned to the history books. (Photo by Andrew Waddington)
Let the speculation begin! My guess it will turn up at Rigby Road to provide spares for 642 and 648 but it could go anywhere. Can a Centenary be fitted with a trolley pole? It’d look good at Heaton Park.
I highly doubt they just sold it to the scrap man without a second thought. After all, it has had quite a bit of attention from them, I hope it has a longer career in its new home though…
UPDATE: 643 as been delivered to the docks at Fleetwood where the FoFT trams are. Looks like it is safe for the medium term.
Andrew Waddington’s book out of date already!
Oh dear, 643 seemed to be the most secure of the non-preserved Centenaries… As the owners also own other holiday and leisure sites, has it simply been relocated to fulfill the same role at another of their locations?
Given to the Fleetwood Heritage Leisure trust I think.
Gone before I had the chance to have a drink on it!