Monday 14th April 2014 was a landmark day in the lengthy career of Blackpool Brush Railcoach 622, as on this date the car was transported to a new home at a local primary school. Following a short period of uncertainty regarding its future, 622 has now been sold to a school in Anchorsholme, where it is intended that it will be used as a static classroom, and may also be used as a novel venue for local community events!
It may be recalled that, following its withdrawal from service in Blackpool, 622 was sold to provide useful parts to trams owned by the Lancastrian Transport Trust, and it departed from Rigby Road in September 2010. After three years of storage at the former LTT depot at Brinwell Road, the tram unexpectedly returned to Rigby Road late last year as the space it had occupied was needed by the building’s new owners, and the school was not sufficiently ready to accept it at the school. However, the last few months have seen a concerted effort to prepare for its arrival made by Anchorsholme Academy, Blackpool Transport and Councillors Paul Galley and Tony Williams, enabling its delivery on 14th April.
622 was quickly loaded up on the morning with the usual expertise from Scotts’ Heavy Haulage, onto a sloping trailer which was supplied as the normal low loader used for tram moves was considered too large for some of the tight spaces it would be required to negotiate. On its departure, the lorry unusually turned right and onto the promenade, travelling alongside the tramway on which it worked for its first 72 years for most of its short road journey to its new home. On arrival at Anchorsholme Academy, the tram was not placed on a specially laid concrete plinth as expected, but was instead lowered onto the school playground, where it is now expected to remain indefinitely. By the early afternoon, 622 had been successfully unloaded in front of an assembled crowd, including representatives of the local press who had turned out to witness this unusual event. It is hoped that the appropriate graphics will now be added to the body side panels to recreate the famous ‘Tigeriffic’ advert livery for Blackpool Zoo, to complement the blue and yellow base coat of this attractive design which has already been applied. Originally the tram was supposed to have its interior refurbished to better suit its new role, but this work was never undertaken and will now presumably be completed at a later date, at the academy’s expense.
There has already been a lot of grumbling from the enthusiast community regarding 622‘s use as a school classroom, although it should be emphasised that the tram was never officially preserved and that, had this project not gone ahead, its future survival would have been in doubt. Although having the elderly tram standing outside is a less than ideal situation, it will at least extend its life and who knows, perhaps one day in the distant future it could even be rescued and restored to service? It should also be stressed that the swing-over seats are required by the new owners and will remain in situ. The tram has been put to use as a significant amount of money had already been invested in the project which was first proposed by Councillor Williams over a year ago, and it was therefore decided to go ahead to ensure that this was not wasted, giving the local community a very unusual resource which will hopefully be put to good use in the months and years ahead.
The unusual sight of a Brush Railcoach in residential Cleveleys, as 622 passes the homes of local residents for the first time in its life, en route to its new home!
A close look at the classic 'nose' profile of a Brush car, as one end of 622 is the focus of the photographer's camera before the unloading process began.
622 arrives at the school. Thanks to some advance preparations, the low loader was comfortably able to fit into the required space to deliver its precious cargo.
Touch down! Brush car 622 is carefully lowered from the back of the transporter unit and onto the school yard at Anchorsholme, which duly becomes one of the most bizarre resting places for a vintage tramcar!
A look inside one saloon of 622 shows that appearances can be deceptive: with a full compliment of swing-over seats and a very neat interior, the tram looks almost ready to go into service, rather than begin a new life away from the tramway! (All photos by Paul Galley)
At Least it will survive for a year or two more. If it brings in a few to the hobby is a good thing. Id have put the money into local schools to pay for history / heritage trips personally. This was Taxpayers money been used after all…
It seems a shame that the swing over seats remain. These are a bit thin on the ground these days and could be put to far better use elsewhere! What are the chances 622 will have spring a leak or 3 by this time next year!