This is a story which got a bit missed at the time, but the new home of Blackpool Twin Car 673+683 was announced just a few days after the two halves of the tram left Wyre Dock. They were transported to Hambleton where they have been acquired by Brickhouse Farm Cottages.
Converted to a Twin Car in 1961, Motor Car 673 (ex-273) and Trailer 683 (ex-T3 from 1960) had been one of the remaining seven Twin Cars to enjoy a bit of a renaissance in the 2000s when it was treated to a mini overhaul to allow it to be used more regularly on Fleetwood service at a time when double deckers were banned. Completed in the turquoise and yellow Metro Coastlines livery it remained in service until withdrawal in 2009.
As part of the big tram sale it was acquired privately and left Rigby Road in January 2012. It made its way to Wyre Dock and after the passing of its owner the trams moved into the ownership of the Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust and was stored in the compound there until early December 2023.
The FHLT had been trying to dispose of their trams for some time and whilst some ended up being broken up for spare parts, set 3 is to be luckier as Brickhouse Farm Cottages in Hambleton have acquired both halves.
In a post on Facebook they said: “On December 6th 2023 the final two 1930s Fylde Coast trams were salvaged from what has locally been coined ‘the tram graveyard’. The trams will be the last ever to leave Wyre Dock. Brickhouse Farm Cottages has grand plans to restore the trams to their original state and create a unique and eclectic space. The trams are an iconic and distinctive part of Fylde Coast heritage. We do respectfully ask that the trams are not tampered with or explored while we complete this restoration.”
Some sort of happy ending
This is brilliant news as 673-683 was the very best of the Twincars.
It was fast, a pleasure to drive and, most of all, it was the only one of the 7 sets that had not been tampered with on the inside. It retained its LIMITED STOP boards on the coving panels and all the original teak interior and alhambrinal ceilings.
It should never have left BTS as it was in excellent condition and was as original as it could be. To be left outside for so long is wanton negligence but now it has a chance for the future.
The trailer had not been touched since 1961, when it was delivered, apart from maintenance and was totally original inside.