Category Archives: Blackpool Tramway

American Boats 1: Blackpool Boat 606

This weekend we will be taking a look at the Blackpool Boat Cars that escaped the UK for the United States of America. Tomorrow we take a look at the Californian Boats but first up we head to Maryland to … Continue reading →

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Picture in Time: Blackpool Coronation 664

Normally in our Picture in Time series we see a tram either in service or resting in between duties but for our latest instalment we head to Rigby Road bus yard for a view of Blackpool Coronation 664 which was … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, Picture in Time | 7 Comments

Positive reaction to 272 incident

Following the report submitted in regard of the previously reported fire on board Blackpool Towing car 272 last month, it is pleasing to confirm that the Railway Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) have decided not to conduct any further investigation as … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 4 Comments

An unexpected Balloon Bonanza for half term!

Saturday 22nd October was a remarkable day for Blackpool’s Balloon cars, when an impressive seven of the type ran on a variety of duties. This included 719 making its first appearance carrying passengers this year, having previously been used for … Continue reading →

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Trawler lights up Blackpool promenade!

On Friday 21st October, Blackpool’s illuminated Trawler 737 finally took its rightful place on illumination tour duties for the first time since completion of its recent refurbishment. Although the tram had been launched two weeks earlier, problems with its new … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 14 Comments

Metrolink win Operator of the Year

A couple of weeks ago we reported on some of the winners at the Global Light Rail Awards and now further information has been released which includes confirmation that Metrolink RATP Dev walked away with the major Operator of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, Manchester Metrolink | 2 Comments

Picture in Time: Blackpool Western Train 733+734

We take another look at Blackpool’s Illuminated tram fleet in our latest visit to the archive with a view of the Western Train 733+734 back in October 1962.

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Blackpool Brush 636 on the move again

Blackpool Brush Railcoach 636 has been on the move again with it returning to Stored Energy Technology in Derby having spent the past couple of months at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway where it has been used for testing. The return … Continue reading →

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The Trawler sails again!

Blackpool’s illuminated Trawler 737 has finally made its long-awaited return to service following a thorough overhaul. The tram made its first appearance on the promenade for nearly two years on Thursday 6th October, when it was unveiled to its main sponsors … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 19 Comments

More progress towards North Station

It is pleasing to report that the Secretary of State for Transport has decided that it will not be necessary to hold an inquiry or public hearing in regard of the application for the proposed tramway extension to North Station … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 5 Comments

This week on British Trams Online

More midweek tram action for you as we bring you our extensive photographic coverage from the Blackpool Anniversary Spectacular:

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Event Review: Blackpool Anniversary Spectacular

Over the weekend of 24th and 25th September the Blackpool Tramway celebrated its 131st anniversary in style with an Anniversary Spectacular which saw an intensive tram service in operation alongside depot tours and tram displays at Rigby Road Depot. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, Event Reviews | 3 Comments

Trawler launch tour announced for 7th October

Its been a long time coming, but the much-anticipated return to service of the illuminated Trawler 737 in Blackpool is now just a few days away. With the major refurbishment of the tram now nearly complete, it has been confirmed … Continue reading →

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Blackpool 272 catches fire during Anniversary Spectacular

On Saturday 24th September shortly before midday Blackpool Twin Car 272+T2 suffered a fire whilst operating a heritage tour from Pleasure Beach to Little Bispham. The fire broke out as the tram was on the climb between Gynn Square and … Continue reading →

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Picture in Time: Blackpool Centenary 645

Our latest trip to the archives heads to Blackpool as we take a look at one of the many advertising liveries carried by the Centenary Cars over the years. With Nottingham Express Transit 206 having recently received vinyls for Jet2.com … Continue reading →

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Welcome home to the Hovertram!

Following on from the surprise return of Blackpool Balloon car 708 to Blackpool on Wednesday 21st September, the following day saw an even more exciting return in the unmistakable shape of the illuminated Hovertram 735. As previously announced, this tram … Continue reading →

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Blackpool’s anniversary weekend expands

A late addition to the planned events for Blackpool’s tramway anniversary spectacular event, is a day of extra heritage tram operation on Friday 23rd September. A two-car heritage service will operate between Pleasure Beach and Tower/North Pier every twenty minutes … Continue reading →

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Trams on the move from NELSAM

On Wednesday 21st September, initial preparations were made at the North East Land, Sea & Air Museum (NELSAM) at Sunderland, to remove the illuminated Hovertram 735 from their storage depot for its journey by road back to Blackpool for an … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, Heaton Park Tramway, North Eastern Electrical Transport Trust | 7 Comments

Picture in Time: Blackpool Illuminated Rocket 732

With the Illuminations now in full light in Blackpool it seems an opportune moment to return to the north west coast for another view from the archives of one of the Illuminated Feature Cars. This time it is the distinctive … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, Picture in Time | 4 Comments

Let there be light!

As most seaside resorts see their custom decrease, Blackpool steps up a gear for the annual illuminations. After the preview event a few days earlier, this year’s ‘lights’ were officially switched on by Dame Barbara Windsor on Friday 2nd September, … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 14 Comments