Author Archives: Andrew Waddington

Bombardier have confirmed that they are to supply Blackpool with two more of their Flexity tramcars, with delivery expected in autumn 2017. The additional LRVs are being purchased in readiness to provide the increased service which will be needed to … Continue reading →

The LRT platforms on the Blackpool tramway stop at Sandhurst Avenue (near Bispham) are currently the subject of some attention which should offer an improved environment for waiting passengers. The southbound stop has been devoid of a shelter for some … Continue reading →

Once part of the Totally Transport event held annually on Blackpool’s New South Promenade, the operation of a special heritage tram service to Starr Gate has become an established part of the tramway events calendar in June. This year two … Continue reading →

On Wednesday 8th June, the Hilton Hotel in Blackpool hired three trams from the heritage fleet for an evening private hire. With a large party of people to transport, the trio of green and cream liveried Balloon cars – 715, … Continue reading →

The next weekend of enhanced heritage tram operation in Blackpool will be on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June. This is a very special event as it will see traditional trams running to and from Starr Gate in passenger service. … Continue reading →

Blackpool Council have recently released a new brochure giving details of the plans for the much-discussed extension of the tramway to serve the North Station, via Talbot Road. This includes some very convincing mock-up images showing Flexity trams in the … Continue reading →

Whilst many aspects of the Fylde coast’s tramway heritage are now being preserved for the enjoyment of future generations, it is sad to report that one very notable item has recently been lost. Copse Road Depot, the only such building … Continue reading →

The demand for private hires involving Blackpool’s heritage trams continues to increase with one particularly interesting hire taking place on Saturday 4th June. On this date, Boat 227 was hired by an enthusiast for a novel birthday celebration and operated … Continue reading →

The number of accidents involving trams and motor cars in Blackpool seems to have escalated recently, with at least three such incidents in May alone. The latest mishap occurred on Saturday 28th May, involving a member of the heritage fleet … Continue reading →

On Friday 27th May, a special evening tour was operated by Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours, acting as a ‘warm-up’ for the Gold service running over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. This utilised the illuminated Western Train 733+734 which performed a … Continue reading →

Visits by Blackpool’s open Boat cars to the tramway’s southern terminus at Starr Gate have been quite rare for many years, but in the past week two of the three cars which remain at Blackpool have graced this location with … Continue reading →

As well as preserving a large number of historic Blackpool tramcars, the Blackpool Heritage Trust is also keen to ensure that other items of relevance to the town’s rich tramway history survive for future generations. A recent and noteworthy addition … Continue reading →

After a filming session on 11th April, scenes shot in Blackpool were aired on ITV’s long-running soap opera Coronation Street on Monday 16th May. This included a brief appearance by Flexity 015 which was used for a stunt which almost … Continue reading →