Of all the Blackpool trams which are still extant, only one can call Lincolnshire its home (indeed it’s the only Blackpool trams known to have resided in the county). That tram is Balloon 708 which was acquired by the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft and travelled east in November 2023. With the Trolleybus Museum opening for its new season for the first time on 5th April, it was a chance to catch-up with the double decker once again in its new home.
You’ll remember that 708 had been acquired to become a Playtram, and although work to this end has yet to begin it is still on display with the tram having also been weather proofed ahead of the winter with a tarpaulin put over its roof. The main focus of attention in the vicinity of the tram recently has been the construction of a miniature railway. Its believed once this is completed more work will take place on converting 708 for its new role.
708 at Sandtoft with its tarpaulin seen clearly. Its also gained an unusual destination as it seems to be now heading to Barnsley! It also appears that a lot of the seating has now been stripped from the tram. (Photograph by Trevor Hall, 5th April 2025)
The tarpaulin has now been removed from the tram in readiness for work to begin on its conversion. (Photograph by Trevor Hall, 21st April 2025)
As a Playtram it should foster interest in Blackpool’s historic trams among the younger generation. However, imagine their disappointment when, on visiting Blackpool, they find no such trams running there on which to ride! Let’s hope that sufficient funding can be found to return 726 to operating condition at EATM, then at least they can visit the museum at Carlton Colville to obtain the desired experience there instead.