If you go to Blackpool on any given day you are probably going to be met with some unusual sights but most of the time that does not include a herd of elephants! However, since the middle of April that is exactly what has happened as the resort is the latest location to have a charity Elmer the Elephant Art Trail with 71 sculptures located across the town.
Whilst Elmer may usually be a patchwork elephant he is wearing all sorts of disguises for this trail – including some with a tram connection!
The most obvious tram connection can be seen outside North Pier where Elmer Tram is located with the designed for this one taking inspiration from Balloon 717! But there is also a further design with a tram on it: “Vintage Blackpool” includes a picture of Balloon 701 (this one is located at the start of the elevated walkway on New South Promenade close to the Pleasure Beach turning circle).
Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool is in place until 9th June 2024 so not long left to collect all 71! It is all in aid of Brian House Children’s Hospice with the sculptures set to be auctioned off after the trail ends.
Elmer Tram in place outside North Pier.
The second Elmer with a tram connection is Vintage Blackpool with a drawing of Balloon 701 featuring on this side.
Obviously the challenge is to get photos of trams with an Elmer such as this one at North Pier with Flexity2 009 passes Elmer Tram.
Elluminations is at Manchester Square and we see 008 passing by here with a southbound service.
Currently the most popular Elmer by votes on the trail app is Blackpool Rock which is located on the Prom by the Comedy Carpet. Flexity2 011 passes in the background. (All Photographs by Gareth Prior)
Elmer Tram certainly resembles 717 in many ways. I think it would be very good if somewhere such as Crich could bid for this particular model – I expect it woud look every bit at home near to 712 in the Exhibition Hall. I suppose Tramtown could put it to good use but with so much uncertainty about the future there, I doubt that they could afford the outlay to bid for this elephant, having more pressing needs for their available funds. I do hope it doesn’t disappear into obscurity somewhat like Claude Lane’s model Darwen 23, whch is of course not seen on public display anywhere these days, being privately owned.