The transformation of Blackpool Brush Railcoach 290 from the Diamond Jubilee tram into a piece of graffiti art for Blackpool’s Sea, Sand & Spray festival has now commenced. As reported previously, urban street artist Inkie is decorating the tram, owned by the Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust, which will then remain in situ on its display siding near the Pleasure Beach for the 2013 illuminations season.
Work on Brush car 290 began earlier this week, with the removal of the flags which have adorned its trolley tower since it arrived in its present location. More visible progress was achieved on Friday 14th June, when Inkie began painting the tram in his style. It is pleasing to report that the artwork being applied to 290 is a lot more tasteful than many had feared, with a predominantly gold background being enlivened by swirls of black. Unfortunately the windows appear to have been painted over, following removal of the previous artwork which had merely been stuck on. However, the biggest concern is the lack of preparatory work which was undertaken before the fresh paintwork was applied. It seems that the previous white and gold livery is simply being painted over, rot and all, which will not help to preserve the tram which is believed to have suffered significant deterioration since being placed in its current exposed location last August. The wisdom of painting over the old coat could also be questioned, and it remains to be seen how well this paint will stand up to the harsh coastal climate. The coloured lights used to highlight the side sweeps along 290‘s lower panelling have been removed, but the beading which indicates their previous position can still be clearly seen, which gives the tram a rather tatty appearance.
The tram has also had its mock destination displays updated, replacing the previous lettering of ‘North Station Blackpool’. At one end the tram’s identity is promoted, whilst the other end shows the destination ‘Fleetwood Tram Museum 2014’. Hopefully this will not prove to be overly optimistic and unlike the destination it has replaced, 290 will actually reach this location!
The repaint is expected to be completed over the next few days, and hopefully by then other traces of 290‘s Diamond Jubilee livery – such as the names of the schoolchildren who designed the old window displays – will have been removed. It is expected that its appearance will then be enhanced by the addition of some lighting features, to create an unusual attraction which is sure to become a big talking point when the illuminations shine this year.
The transformation of 290 is illustrated perfectly by this image, showing the remains of last year's design whilst the landward side of the tram nears completion with Inkie's artwork being applied. (Photo by Andrew Blood)