Category Archives: Blackpool Tramway

In Pictures: Blackpool Twin set 272+T2 on tour

As reported previously on British Trams Online, Blackpool Twin set 272+T2 made an unusually early debut for the year on 4th January 2014, providing the first opportunity for its period-style black and white destination blinds (which had only been installed … Continue reading →

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Balloon 715 set for return to service

Some very good news for fans of Blackpool’s famous double-deck Balloon cars has come in the shape of an announcement by the Blackpool Heritage Trust that Blackpool Balloon 715 is currently in the works receiving some attention which should enable … Continue reading →

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Storm hits Blackpool’s new tram depot

The Blackpool tramway suffered severe disruption on Saturday 10th January, when winds of around 40mph battered the Fylde coast. Whilst the changes to the advertised service was unfortunate, the most serious matter concerned the multi-million pound tram depot at Starr … Continue reading →

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A happy heritage new year for Blackpool

Just days into the new year, and three members of the Blackpool heritage fleet have already been observed out and about on the tramway, having ended 2014 relatively late on Sunday 28th December. This once again highlights how fears that … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 4 Comments

New destination blinds for heritage trams

Thanks to an incredible act of generosity by an enthusiast, efforts are now being made to further improve the authenticity of the appearance of Blackpool’s heritage tram fleet. Twin set 272+T2 have recently received new destination blinds, with further trams … Continue reading →

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Trams on TV

The last few months of 2014 saw a higher than average number of high-profile appearances on television by vintage trams, with trams from Blackpool, Crich and Heaton Park all being thrust into the spotlight. All of these were on BBC1 … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, Heaton Park Tramway, National Tramway Museum | 2 Comments

Lytham 43 set for a return to the Fylde

2014 has certainly been a year of amazing and unexpected developments in the UK tram preservation movement, and that continued right until the final few days of the year with a very welcome announcement from the Blackpool Heritage Trust. It … Continue reading →

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Christmas & New Year services 2014/15

Are you looking for an escape from new and imaginative ways of using up the leftover Turkey, rubbish television, family arguments during the Christmas and New Year period? Well fear not for all of the UK’s operating tramways will be … Continue reading →

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Blackpool Balloons prepare for snow

The tradition of two Blackpool Balloon cars being fitted with a snowplough in case of adverse weather conditions over winter, which resumed following the tramway upgrade, is continuing with two trams so fitted in case of heavy snow fall. For … Continue reading →

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Boldly going where no tram tour has gone before!

The number of private hires involving members of the Blackpool heritage tram fleet seems to have escalated during 2014, with the use of various trams in connection with birthday celebrations becoming particularly popular. One such hire took place on Saturday … Continue reading →

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In Pictures: Blackpool Brush 631 on driver training

As we have previously reported Blackpool Brush 631 has been used on its home tramway in recent weeks for driver training – a surprising but welcome development during the winter months. As well as being used on Monday 17th and … Continue reading →

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Special ticket offers in lead up to Christmas

Both Blackpool Transport and Manchester Metrolink have recently announced special ticket deals in the lead up to Christmas to help people get into the town and city centres for discounted rates. In Blackpool a special 2 for 1 single ticket … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, Manchester Metrolink, Nottingham Express Transit | 1 Comment

Santa to visit trams in Blackpool and Manchester

Two tramways have announced that Father Christmas will be paying them a visit in the run-up to the big day, with both Blackpool and the Heaton Park Tramway preparing to welcome jolly old Saint Nick himself. Although not aimed at … Continue reading →

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Blackpool Heritage Trust response to comments on Coronation 663

Following recent comments on this website relating to the situation surrounding the donation, by a private sponsor, towards restoration work on Blackpool Coronation car 663, and indeed the level of restoration undertaken on this tram (using these funds) prior to … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 6 Comments

Strictly Come Tramming

The Blackpool tramway has gained a bit of welcome exposure this month via BBC television. Earlier this month, the illuminated Frigate 736 appeared on ‘The One Show’ in connection with publicity for the broadcaster’s annual Children In Need appeal, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 10 Comments

Another season ends for Blackpool

Sunday 9th November marked the end of the Blackpool illuminations for 2014, and with it the end of the peak season for the town’s famous tramway. This brought the curtain down on another enjoyable year of public use for the … Continue reading →

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New Blackpool tram boss starts work

Blackpool Transport’s new Managing Director Jane Cole began work at the company on Monday 3rd November 2014, earning her place in the history books as the first woman ever to manage the famous Blackpool tramway. Jane has wasted no time in … Continue reading →

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Heritage trams descend on Starr Gate – again!

Following the completion of works on the road junction at Manchester Square in Blackpool after months of chaos, it had been hoped that the disruption affecting access by trams to and from the Rigby Road site was at an end. … Continue reading →

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Box 40 & Balloon 711 go back to Blackpool

Following a highly enjoyable period of operation at the Crich Tramway Village during 2014, both Blackpool trams Box 40 and Balloon 711 left their temporary home in Derbyshire on the afternoon of Wednesday 29th October. Having participated in this year’s … Continue reading →

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Enhanced heritage output for half-term in Blackpool

As expected, it has been confirmed that there will be additional trams operating in Blackpool on illumination tours during the forthcoming school half-term week, commencing from Friday 24th October and running until 2nd November inclusive. This period should see four … Continue reading →

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