Stored Energy Technology, the Derby-based company who currently own Blackpool Brush Railcoach 636, have been awarded a sizeable grant to progress its aims to develop a lighter and more efficient method of powering electric trams. This project had begun some years ago with the fitting of experimental equipment to car 636 which was subsequently tested in Blackpool for a short period, before being sold to the firm and returned to Derby for further modifications.
An early form of the technology being developed by SET was first tested using 636 in 2009, but since then the project had stalled, according to the company, due to a lack of confidence in the scheme. However, they have now been awarded a cash boost of £919,000 through the Radical Train Competition, which exists to support rail-related developments and research projects. The Derby Enterprise Fund have also contributed £114,000 towards the scheme, whilst a further £344,700 will come from loan support, giving a total of £1.5 million to invest in the new technology.
SET’s key aim is to develop a new method of powering trams by feeding power into motors and driving equipment directly connected to the wheels, rather than through the axles. This would reduce weight and potentially bring down construction costs. The grants recently awarded will enable four more engineers to be recruited to create a more advanced working prototype, which could then be demonstrated to potential buyers. The team hope to attract the interest of international tram builders such as Siemens and Bombardier if it ultimately proves to be successful.
Presumably the body of Brush car 636 will continue to be used in connection with this interesting project, although it remains to be seen what the long-term future will have in store for it beyond the expected two-year scheme. If the tram is subjected to any major modifications this would undoubtedly minimise any chances of future preservation once its current role is over, as happened previously with OMO car 11 which was used to test new equipment later incorporated in the prototype TramPower tram, and was eventually broken up. At one time 636 was considered a likely candidate for retention in Blackpool as it was considered to be the least modified of the remaining Brush cars, however with three of the type now included in Blackpool Transport’s heritage fleet and several other examples of the type preserved at places such as Crich and Heaton Park, the argument for retaining 636 has undoubtedly been lessened, and so this novel development could well prove to be its swansong.