Work on preparing the operational heritage trams at Blackpool for service over the Easter weekend – which is now just over two weeks away! – is now at a well advanced stage. As well as electrical servicing at Starr Gate, other preparatory work is also being carried out in the Fitting Shop at Rigby Road with Twin set 272+T2 currently being worked on. Meanwhile, Boat 227 remains at Starr Gate but will presumably be returned to its normal base shortly, in case of good weather over Easter.
Other work which has been carried out during the winter months has involved some trams having their truck frames and lifeguards repainted, to smarten them up ready for the season ahead. This once again shows how seriously Blackpool Transport are taking their role as custodians of these priceless vintage vehicles, and their determination to ensure that they look their best whenever they are seen by the public. This has gone one step further in the case of Balloon 717, which has recently visited the Paint Shop where it has been completely re-varnished. As the tram had not been repainted since completion of its major overhaul in 2008 and was initially used extensively as a core service car, its paintwork was beginning to look a little jaded and this relatively minor task has improved its appearance considerably. Of course, 717 will be one of the star attractions at Easter when the tramway is celebrating 80 years of the English Electric streamlined fleet, so it will be particularly good to see this magnificent tram looking its best for this occasion.
Looking further ahead, and work is also continuing on the overhaul of Blackpool & Fleetwood ‘Box’ car 40. Whilst its bogies are being reassembled at Crich, the underframe has been treated to a thorough clean and repaint, whilst the lifeguard trays have also been spruced up. This tram has suffered badly from a leaking roof for quite some time, but hopefully this has now been cured with more extensive body repairs being undertaken. Finally, new slogans are set to be applied to the roof advert boards on the sides of the car, finally replacing those which promoted the Fleetwood Tramroad Centenary in 1998, and which were more than a little out of date! Although car 40 will not be out at Easter, its return to use is still eagerly awaited and it will be good to see this tram looking better than it has done at any time in its recent past, whilst the mechanical work being done should ensure that it remains in a good condition for the next ten years or so.
A rare peek inside the Rigby Road workshops, with Twin car 272+T2 seen undergoing final preparations for service ahead of the 2014 season. Also visible on the far right are Sunderland 16's motors, currently being overhauled for Beamish Museum by Blackpool Transport staff. (Photo courtesy of Blackpool's Heritage Tram Tours on Facebook)