Another edition of “15 Years Apart” as we feature a Blackpool tram. Its seen in the same location in both 2010 and 2025 but it does look different in the two images.
Whilst 2010 is probably best remembered now for it being the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Blackpool Tramway, it was a packed year of events across all tramways with Beamish’s Power from the Past event in the April celebrating the works car. Ahead of it receiving a full repaint into its traditional red, teak and white livery, Marton 31 was temporarily repainted green and at the same time renumbered 4. This was to remember its time as a Works Car and whilst it never ran in passenger service like this it was a good way to look back at what happened to the tram after withdrawal. In this image we are in the Beamish Town (the 1900s Town as the 1950s Town was not even on the drawing board at this time!) awaiting departure for a trip around Beamish on 16th April 2010. (Photograph by Gareth Prior)
Later on in 2010, 31 returned in its standard fleet livery and has remained that way ever since. It has managed loan spells at Blackpool and Heaton Park (in fact its done Blackpool twice in both 2010 and 2016/7) in between but the constant has been the stunning red, white and teak livery. We catch-up with the tram as it leaves Foulbridge and passes the relatively new bus garage on 6th April 2025. (Photograph by Trevor Hall)
It was wonderful to experience 31 in Blackpool – especially on an Illuminations Tour during the fireworks competitions. However, I doubt that there will be an opportunity for it to return, at least in the foreseeable future; neither would it be appropriate given the current situation in Blackpool. Meanwhile, I believe that Beamish has proven to be an ideal location to experience a ride on historic trams, both resident and on loan. It was great to ride Vambac 11 there in 2011 and also to expereince Balloon ‘101’. The length of ride is quite substantial and would satisfy many enthusiasts as much as a promenade trip in Blackpool, if indeed not more so. Maybe Beamish would be willing to take on one or two 1930s Blackpool trams if no longer required in their home resort and of course in reasonable running order.
That would be the Beamish that had a Brush car gifted to them and decided to cash in and sell it on? The Beamish that had a Balloon on long term loan but lost interest as soon as it needed major work and off loaded it?
The Beamish who currently sèem more interested in hoovering up every 50s/60s bus that comes available?
The Beamish that seems to be surviving and thriving. The Beamish that recognises commercial reality?
Well said, BigG!
The Brush car that was to make an access Tram but which proved unsuitable and the Balloon that was in need of major work (and would have lasted only a couple more years).