Saturday 6th September was an eventful day for Blackpool’s heritage trams, five of which were used over the course of the day, including two on private hires, plus the first appearance of a Boat car on an illuminations tour this year. This provided a rare chance to see two open trams out and about in the hours of darkness on what was a very mild and therefore very busy Saturday evening.
The action started during the day with Balloon 717 being used in connection with a wedding party. Later on, ‘Princess Alice’ 706 appeared on the promenade, on a private hire trip for an enthusiast who had requested use of the tram for a very novel birthday celebration. Decorated with glowing balloons tied to the top deck railings and banners stuck to the lower deck windows, 706 presented a striking sight as it made its way to Fleetwood, and after a layover at Bispham whilst its passengers enjoyed a meal, it then operated some shorter journeys through the illuminations, attracting much admiration from onlookers!
As 706 has been extensively used on public illumination tours recently in response to a spell of fine weather, its use for this role meant that another heritage tram had to be used instead and the 1930s theme of the day was maintained by the very welcome selection of Open Boat 600. This tram – which didn’t operate any lights tours last year – was a very popular choice; so much so that, despite a few minor issues during its tour, the car was out again the following night! 600 is of course fitted with coloured festoon lights, making it a perfect choice for tours of the illuminations in good weather. The other two trams out in the evening were the more familiar fare of Western Train 733+734 and Frigate 736, completing a very impressive line-up and a great day for the tramway.
Unfortunately, it is believed that further budget cuts have caused a reduction in illumination tour output so far this year and just two cars have been used for tours on most nights. Due to the need for the first car to reverse at Bispham to get back to Pleasure Beach in time to fit in a further tour during the short nights for the first two weeks of the lights, this has often meant that only one of the illuminated trams has been used, and the Trawler 737 has not yet operated in normal service thus far in 2014. Hopefully as the nights get darker earlier, this tram will return to more regular use, whilst busy weekends and the October half-term week should see additional vehicles from the heritage fleet supplement the feature cars to cope with the expected higher demand for tours.
The reference to ‘budget cuts’ is worrying. Illuminations season is the busiest time in Blackpool and illuminations tours have always been a cash cow for the tramway. So I’m left wondering about where the money made by the heritage fleet ends up?
Perhaps it’s thime the modern tramway and heritage fleet were totally split and run by completely different companies? Hopefully the new trust might be a step in this direction.
As I’ve said before, this has been the first year I can remember when I haven’t visited Blackpool at all. It’s just not worth it for a round trip on the same small selection of heritage trams then having to do most of the travelling to Fleetwood etc in the evenings on those nasty plastic caterpillars.
Would be those be the ‘nasty plastic caterpillars’ that have save the system from closure. A bit like Walter Luff’s Streamliners did when systems up and down the land were closing! How many bus operators run 80 buses as there bread and butter work horses? Is London no longer ‘special’ because it doesn’t have RM’s anymore?
On a separate note, if the Heritage fleet were to be split off as an entirely separate company, do you not think Blackpool Transport would charge them rent on the depot and track access fees to run down the prom? Would a ‘Heritage Co.’ really be in a better position like that?
Exactly. Totally Agree John. Blackpool Transport staff doing a excellent job. Nobody said the journey was going to be a smooth one. Its only right really the core service is prioritised when their are staff shortages. So much as has been achieved so far. Perspective and balance is needed sometimes.
Think its worth pointing out the reduction in output is due to staff availability not a lack of money from the heritage budget. The budgetary constraints imposed on Blackpool Transport combined with recruitment & staff retention issues brought about the situation. Its far from ideal but the staff on the ground are working incredibly hard with extra late turns etc etc to maintain a service whilst some extra staff are expected passed through training which should start to alleviate the problem.
& Trawler operated in passenger service on the 7th September 2014 (photographed by Gary Mitchell)
As for Franklyn whilst tempting not to dignify his ramblings with a response decided i would for the benefit of anyone else reading it. This year seen 304, 167, 600, 602, 230, 700, 701, 717, 706, 648, 642, 147, 66, 40, 631 & Western Train all on day time duties. Have seen naming ceremonies, unveils of new liveries, reactivations of popular members such as 304, 40 celebrate its birthday in style, 167 visit its spiritual home and much much more.
Whatever the reason for the lower number of tours so far this year, I wouldn’t worry too much as they haven’t been full which suggests BTS are matching supply with demand. I suspect that the number of tours will increase as the season progresses. Last year the tours didn’t do that well in September so it is probably sensible to run less cars rather than risk losing too much money.