It’s a final stop in Blackpool for this batch of photos in “Picture in Time” as we feature one of the iconic illuminated trams back in 1979.
Was this the only UK tram with the passenger saloon at an angle? The Rocket was perhaps the most distinctive of Blackpool’s illuminated cars and may also be the most-missed. It is seen here approaching Bispham Station heading south after negotiating Little Bispham loop on its Tour of the Illuminations. The sponsor was quite appropriately Crompton Lamps, a firm which dates back to 1878 and which is still in business today. After many changes of ownership and restructurings, it is currently based in Bradford.
As for the Rocket, well it last ran in 1999 when it was withdrawn due to its condition. It is now part of the Fylde Transport Trust’s fleet of trams and can be found back in Rigby Road Depot where it is stored on behalf of its owners.
Photograph by Donald Brooks, October 1979