TMS owned Boat runs at Blackpool!

The restoration of Blackpool Boat car 236 (latterly known as 607) at Blackpool, ahead of its transfer to Crich for preservation at the National Tramway Museum, is now virtually complete and the tram has been released from the Paint Shop. The tram is now able to run under its own power – and on Tuesday 17th April, that’s exactly what it did!

It was generally assumed that, once the tram was ready to leave the Blackpool workshops, it would be whisked away to its new home but instead, 236 made some secretive test runs around the Rigby Road depot area on April 17th. This was a historic occasion as the tram was withdrawn following use way back in summer 2004. Although it may well have moved under power more recently during routine shunting, it had its trolley head removed some time ago meaning that for the last few years it had to be towed whenever it was moved around the depot. Of course, 236/607 looked very different in 2004, when it carried a yellow and green livery promoting Blackpool Transport Travelcards. Now it looks pristine following a major rebuild and sports the 1950s style green & cream livery – this differs slightly from the 1930s style on sister car 233 at Beamish, as the headlamp surrounds are painted cream instead of green. Another much more notable difference is the removal of 236‘s windscreens, although as yet the full-length handrail around the ends has not been refitted giving it a slightly odd appearance, particularly head-on.

236 certainly looks amazing and to see the tram running again in immaculate condition at Blackpool – albeit only around the depot area – is something most people would never have imagined would happen. The tram will presumably leave Blackpool shortly, and the testing at Blackpool would seem to suggest that it may run at Crich sooner rather than later. The seaside-themed event in June would seem an ideal opportunity to launch the car and if the Museum’s other Blackpool trams can be used as well, this could be a great event for fans of Blackpool’s traditional tram fleet.

A photo of Boat 236 on Blundell Street can be seen at http://www.crichtramwayvillagenews.blogspot.co.uk/

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