Following a period of time masquerading as Heaton Park 7, Blackpool Vanguard 619 has now regained its true identity with the fleet number it carried during its time spent in Blackpool being restored. The newly applied gold numerals on the end dash panels were unveiled by Blackpool Transport’s head of heritage trams Bryan Lindop at a short ceremony at the Heaton Park Tramway as part of a special Blackpool-themed event held on Easter Monday, 21st April.
Since being repainted in its current red and white livery, the replica Vanguard car has been numbered 7 but after a one-off appearance in service last month, this false number has been painted out and replaced by the more authentic fleet number 619. However, for a few weeks in between, the tram operated with the new numbers covered up to maintain an element of suspense for the Easter event, and a temporary number ‘282‘ carried in the windows! 619 actually has its origins as English Electric Railcoach 282 which became 619 in 1968, hence the reappearance of this even earlier identity. The car was subsequently rebuilt as OMO 7 which later formed the basis for the ‘new’ vintage tram constructed in 1987 at Bolton, which then adopted the fleet number 619. In honour of its rather confusing history, a series of papers were stuck to one end of the car for its re-launch ceremony on 21st April, bearing all of the former fleet numbers carried by this tram, as well as some which had been carried by the original Fleetwood Vanguard cars on which it is loosely based. These were all uncovered by Bryan Lindop, who must have felt like he was playing pass the parcel by himself due to the amount of paper being torn away! Eventually, the new golden numbers were revealed to the assembled crowd and Bryan then drove 619 for a ceremonial journey, after which it joined Blackpool Brush car 623 in service, carrying several full capacity loads thanks to the splendid weather on this day. Another minor alteration to 619‘s external appearance is the addition of ‘BCT’ initials on its lower skirting panels, reflecting the early Blackpool Corporation fleet colours it now wears.
The confusion for number crunchers did not end with 619 however, as Blackpool Railgrinder 752 has also now reverted back to its original fleet number 1. Ornate numerals have been applied on the dash panels at both ends, although the car has retained its well-worn green livery. Having been treated to a heavy interior clean over the previous weekend, car 1 was then used for public ‘Tram Driving Experience’ trips for a short distance between the Middleton Road depot and the park gates, for a bargain price of just £5. This was predictably a very popular attraction, and enabled three very different Blackpool trams to be demonstrated at the park as a fitting conclusion to an eventful weekend for lovers of historic Blackpool tramcars.
In the week leading up to its official renumbering, 619 is shown at Lakeside alongside Railgrinder 1 (alias 752). The temporary number 282 is clearly visible in 619's windscreen. (Photo by Joe Savage)
After the unveiling of its new numbers, 619 was driven by Bryan Lindop who is seen at the controls of the tram as it arrives back at Middleton Road as car 1 looks on.
A better look at 619's ornate fleet numbers as the car takes a breather at the new Lakeside terminus.
The recently applied fleet numbers on works car 1/752 are shown off as the tram rests on the old depot approach track during a break between duties. (Photos x 3 by Chloe Pitcher)
This tram will be having dizzy spells due to its identity crisis