Just one day after making a historic test run along Blackpool promenade, Blackpool Coronation car 304 hit the headlines again on Thursday 21st August, when it completed its first run to Fleetwood since 2009! Following the success of the testing on the previous day, 304 was taken out again, this time to allow a number of tram drivers to be familiarised with its unique VAMBAC equipment.
Although 304 had seen occasional use in Blackpool during the 2010 season, the tramway upgrade was by then in full swing, meaning that Fleetwood Ferry was out of bounds and therefore on this day the Coronation car was visiting parts of the system it hadn’t seen for nearly five years. A lot has changed in this time, and the system looks very different to how it did when 304 last ran, with loading platforms in abundance and the tramway populated by the Flexity2 fleet, none of which even existed when 304 was last out on the promenade!
On arrival at the Ferry, some problems were encountered with 304‘s trolley which struggled to reach the overhead wires in a few places. This will require some tensioning although this should not take too long. On the day, the problem was solved with a trusty bamboo pole and the tram was cautiously guided through the affected sections with its trolley leading until the wheel could once again reach the wire unassisted. Another potential hurdle, in the shape of a rogue bollard at Fleetwood which has caused problems for the Centenary cars resulting in these trams being banned from running north of Fisherman’s Walk, thankfully was of no concern; 304‘s streamlined shape meaning that it did not foul this potential obstacle and therefore its future operation should not be similarly restricted.
Thanks must go to the five heritage tram drivers who very generously agreed to undertake training on this magnificent tram during their own free time – another surefire sign of the dedication of the heritage team and the enthusiasm shown by staff towards working on a Coronation car! With such efforts being made by platform and engineering staff alike, it is still very much hoped that 304 will be able to appear on heritage tour duty on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August, although this remains to be decided. Whatever final decision is made, a lot of obstacles have already been overcome and hopefully this tram will be back in service on its home system in the not too distant future, even if it is not ready in time for the weekend’s events.
A sight to bring tears to the eye of many fans of Blackpool's traditional trams, with Coronation car 304 heading back from Fleetwood after its first visit to the tramway's northern terminus since 2009. (Photo courtesy of the Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours Facebook page)
A wonderful sight. Hoping this will be out on Monday, but if not I’ve still got 701 and 227 to ride on (if the weather’s kind!)
Fantastic effort by Bryan and the rest of the team (the unsung heroes behind the scenes) to get this far with her. Brilliant that the five motormen volunteered their time to get familiarised with diving it. It goes to show what a magnificent set up the Heritage operation is. Just one comment – hope the trolley issue gets sorted as I personally think a pantograph solution (as deployed on the Western Train) would ruin the look of such as beautiful a car as 304, even if it was mounted on the original trolley tower.
All that needs to be done is adjusting the tension of the spring, so no Panto required!
You cannot fit a pantograph to the existing tower on a Coronation as it is too narrow, so panto conversion would eb a lot of work, which is why it was never done on 660.