Author Archives: Andrew Waddington

Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours reveal Spring Bank Holiday output

Posted on Thursday 25 May 2017 by Andrew Waddington

Once again another weekend of enhanced heritage tram activity in Blackpool is almost here, with the Spring Bank Holiday weekend providing the perfect excuse for three days of the excellent ‘Gold’ service to be in operation. As with the May … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, Event Previews | 6 Comments

Re-launch date for Blackpool 718 announced

Posted on Friday 19 May 2017 by Andrew Waddington

Following a repaint into a classic green and cream livery, Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours are re-launching Rebuilt Balloon car 718 with a series of special trips on the evening of Friday 26th May. It will be recalled that 718 previously … Continue reading →

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Jubilee car 761 acquired by Blackpool Heritage Trust

Posted on Wednesday 10 May 2017 by Andrew Waddington

Since the end of the traditional tramway operation in Blackpool in November 2011, great efforts have been taken to rebuild a collection of trams representing all of the different types of tramcar which formed the running fleet in the final … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 13 Comments

In Pictures: New ceiling for Sheffield 74

Posted on Wednesday 10 May 2017 by Andrew Waddington

2016 was the first year for two decades that Sheffield 74 did not operate at the Crich Tramway Village. It may be remembered that the popular Edwardian tramcar had been withdrawn from service due to excessive mould growth on its … Continue reading →

Posted in Crich Tramway Village | 1 Comment

Brush car 621 – back from the dead!

Posted on Monday 8 May 2017 by Andrew Waddington

After a short spell in Blackpool’s Electrical Compound, Brush Railcoach 621 is now able to move around under its own power for the first time in several years. As reported previously, the tram is being restored to running order to … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 11 Comments

Party of three at Taylor Street!

Posted on Monday 24 April 2017 by Andrew Waddington

A momentous event took place at the Birkenhead heritage tramway on 23rd April, when Warrington 28 was moved from its long-term resting place to a new spot within the Pacific Road tram shed, alongside the running tracks. This means that, … Continue reading →

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Brush car 621 enters the works

Posted on Monday 24 April 2017 by Andrew Waddington

Blackpool Brush Railcoach 621 has taken a small step towards being returned to service, following its move back to Blackpool at the end of last year. On 20th April, the tram was moved from the main depot into the Electrical … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 2 Comments

Blackpool Boat car 236 – looking as good as new!

Posted on Thursday 20 April 2017 by Andrew Waddington

Blackpool Boat car 236 has been receiving some attention in the Crich Tramway Village workshop over the winter months, returning it to a more original appearance. This work has now been completed and the tram returned to service on 20th … Continue reading →

Posted in Crich Tramway Village | 10 Comments

Bye bye, White Blob!

Posted on Saturday 15 April 2017 by Andrew Waddington

Blackpool’s Paint Shop is now occupied by a tram for the first time this year, having recently been kept busy with the application of vinyls and other finishing touches to Blackpool Transport’s new fleet of double-deck buses. The lucky tram … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 8 Comments

In Pictures: Box 40 on tour

Posted on Friday 14 April 2017 by Andrew Waddington

On Sunday 9th April, Blackpool & Fleetwood Box car 40 operated a full system tour of the Blackpool tramway for its support group, ‘Friends of 40’. Primarily aimed as a social event and tram ride for many of the people … Continue reading →

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Beamish Steam Fair pulls in the punters

Posted on Monday 10 April 2017 by Andrew Waddington

The annual Great North Steam Fair at Beamish Museum was held this year from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th April, and as usual, this featured a mouthwatering array of steam engines plus numerous other working transport exhibits and, for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Beamish Tramway | 1 Comment

In Pictures: Wallasey 78 runs on test

Posted on Monday 10 April 2017 by Andrew Waddington

After a lengthy period out of action, it is pleasing to see that Wallasey 78 has finally been re-commissioned at the Birkenhead heritage tramway. The tram has been undergoing various mechanical work, including the replacement of cracked wheel spokes and repairs … Continue reading →

Posted in Birkenhead Heritage Tramway | 1 Comment

In Pictures: Summer sunshine for Winter Gold in Blackpool

Posted on Friday 31 March 2017 by Andrew Waddington

The latest Gold operating weekend for Blackpool’s heritage trams took place on the weekend of 25th & 26th March. Although billed as a ‘Winter Gold’ event, this actually took place a few days after spring had officially started, whilst the … Continue reading →

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Pioneer Brush Railcoach set to run again!

Posted on Friday 17 March 2017 by Andrew Waddington

2017 sees the 80th anniversary of Blackpool’s Brush Railcoach class, and to help mark this milestone anniversary it has been announced that pioneer car 621 is to be restored to service this year! The tram is currently stored in Rigby … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 19 Comments

Blackpool Standard 147 returns home

Posted on Thursday 16 March 2017 by Andrew Waddington

The year-long exchange of Blackpool trams Marton Box 31 and Standard 147 is now over, with the two trams now safely back at their usual respective homes of Beamish Museum and Blackpool respectively. After 31 had made the journey by … Continue reading →

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In Pictures: Marton Thirty-Gone!

Posted on Monday 13 March 2017 by Andrew Waddington

The loan of Marton Box 31 back to Blackpool officially came to an end on Monday 13th March, when the tram left the seaside town on the back of a Calkeld’s low loader for its long road journey back to … Continue reading →

Posted in Beamish Tramway, Blackpool Tramway | 1 Comment

Graz 210 moves in at NELSAM

Posted on Saturday 11 March 2017 by Andrew Waddington

One piece of news from the winter period which has gone unreported on British Trams Online – at least until now – was the arrival of Graz 210 at the North East Land, Sea & Air Museum late last year. Having … Continue reading →

Posted in North Eastern Electrical Transport Trust | 7 Comments

In Pictures: Beamish prepare to bid farewell to 147

Posted on Wednesday 8 March 2017 by Andrew Waddington

On Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th March, Blackpool Standard car 147 operated in passenger service at Beamish Museum for what was expected to be the final time, prior to its preparation for return to Blackpool later this month. The tram … Continue reading →

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Blackpool Heritage Trust launch two new appeals

Posted on Sunday 5 March 2017 by Andrew Waddington

The Blackpool Heritage Trust are developing exciting plans to add to the diversity of the operational heritage tramcar fleet, but we can’t do this without your help! Avid followers of our progress will know that we have recently acquired two … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 53 Comments

Heaton Park to pay tribute to Bob Hill

Posted on Thursday 2 March 2017 by Andrew Waddington

On Sunday 5th March, the Heaton Park Tramway will be holding a special running day in tribute to Bob Hill, who sadly passed away recently. Bob was one of the key people involved in the tramway’s survival and development through … Continue reading →

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