Its “Picture in Time” time again and this time we take a look at the sole remaining example of a class.
This photo was captured on 5th May 1985 and shows Blackpool Dreadnought 59 running along Lord Street with what was probably an enthusiasts special tour with the destination blind set to “PALANTINE ROAD”. 1985 was nine years into 14 years of operation in Blackpool after its last restoration and of course this was Centenary year when the tramway celebrated 100 years of operation with many vintage trams visiting for the occasion.
59 is now the only Dreadnought that remains but was one of 20 which were built in three batches. Its of the last sub-class which saw eight trams built and delivered in 1902 for entry into service. With the exception of one (17 which ended its days in 1928) the whole class would be withdrawn at the end of the 1934 season. 59 would survive though and would become part of the Crich collection in 1965 but would only be used briefly there (last run 1970) and would return to Blackpool in 1975 for display on the Prom and then restoration. It entered service 1976 and would stay on its home tramway until 1990. Five years followed on display at Crich before it was moved to the Clay Cross store in 1995 which is where its to be found today.
Photograph by Tony Stevenson, 5th May 1985
Is this iconic vehicle ever likely to grace the tracks again? I recall seeing it in Blackpool more years ago than I care to admit, and being mightily impressed.
Lovely tram, where is it now? Tramtown depot? Looking at the photo May 5th 1985 must have been a cold day- winter coats on view as well as bare tree branches.
Currently at the TMS off-site storage at Clay Cross…
Various proposals for a return to Crich surface every few years but so far none has come to anything.
Clay Cross store, I believe.