Your OMO car needs you!

One of Blackpool’s most valuable heritage tramcars, OMO car 8, could soon be back in passenger service thanks to the support of an appeal for donations to finance its restoration to an operational condition. The tram – which is of course one of several previously owned by the Lancastrian Transport Trust to be returned to Blackpool Transport’s care during 2013 – last ran in 2010, but now requires further workshop attention to reverse the ravages of time.

OMO 8 is one of only two survivors of the once 13-strong class of heavily rebuilt English Electric Railcoaches, the other one being car 5 which is part of the national collection, but is currently stored away from public gaze with little prospect of that situation changing soon. 8 last ran in regular public service in May 1992, after which time it was placed in store, becoming one of the last OMOs to be withdrawn. Following its official transfer into preservation, the car was treated to a cosmetic restoration which included a full repaint into the original ‘Plum & Custard’ livery which was applied to the class to help differentiate them from the crew cars. Further remedial work allowed it to make some appearances during the tramway’s 125th anniversary year, but since then it has spent time in outside storage which has not helped its already parlous condition. Despite many calls for it to be reactivated to service as a heritage tram since its return to Rigby Road last June, a lot of time and money will be needed to ensure that car 8 is able to operate safely once again.

Enter Trams Today, the popular tramway news and photo page on Facebook maintained by Andrew Blood. For the first time ever, this web page is hosting an appeal for donations which will be used to return OMO 8 to a serviceable condition so that it can run again in Blackpool. Although a full restoration is likely to involve a six figure sum, for now the aim is to carry out some remedial attention to allow 8 to return to use, with more detailed work planned to follow at a later date as workshop capacity and funds allow. The tram’s underframe is in a poor condition following two decades of extensive year-round operation since being converted into its current form, and this will require some expert repair. The car will also need a full repaint and rather than retain its current livery, it has been decided to turn it out in its slightly later red and white colour scheme. This was chosen as a replacement for the original OMO colours, which did not stand up well to the harsh coastal environment, in the late 1970s before they too were replaced by the more familiar green and cream. Sister car 12, sadly long since scrapped, was the last of its type to retain this livery and as it last ran in 1988 a red OMO will be something that many younger enthusiasts have never seen before, adding an even more special touch to an already exciting project!

To carry out the work required to allow 8 to run again, is expected to cost £10,000. Trams Today have now launched the ‘8 for 8’ appeal, asking readers to donate the appropriate sum of £8 to fund the project – although naturally bigger donations are very welcome indeed! If every person who ‘likes’ the popular Facebook page gave just £8, then the amount required would easily be raised and Blackpool’s last OMO car would be able to regain its rightful place on the promenade on heritage tram running days. As this class is credited as saving the tramway from potential financial ruin in the 1970s, it seems only right that one of them is restored as part of the town’s unique heritage fleet and hopefully the support of its many fans will allow this to happen. Having played a small but significant role in the Blackpool 125 events during 2010, car 8 could well be operational again for the tramway’s 130th anniversary in 2015… but only if people are willing to help financially!

To make a donation towards the ‘8 for 8’ appeal, cheques made payable to Blackpool Transport should be sent to: Trams Today, 55 Ormond Avenue, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 2LW.

September 2010 saw OMO 8 in Blackpool's Rigby Road workshops undergoing final preparation for limited use in connection with the tramway's 125th anniversary. Hopefully this scene will soon be repeated, but only if enough money can be raised through donations to fund its return! (Photo by Andrew Waddington)

 

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2 Responses to Your OMO car needs you!

  1. Christopher says:

    Fantastic. Hopefully people will consider it as a voluntary subscription fee to the excellent Free service Trams Today offers. Even if 8 isn’t high up your respective lists. Fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how on-line sites can play a vital role in preservation going forward.

  2. James Palma says:

    When I was younger, I used to make my grandad wait for the next Balloon car to come along rather than wait for one of these to go to Fleetwood and back up to Starr Gate and back to Fleetwood etc. Now I would love to travel on one of these 🙂

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