As most reading these pages will be aware, the National Tramway Museum are currently converting Blackpool Centenary Car 645 to become a new access tram to provide wheelchair users with the chance to not only easily get on board a tram but also to get behind the controls for a drive (under supervision of course). With the project now in the final stages – it is due to be launched in mid-September – we take a look at recent progress with the tram being seen out on the depot fan.
Work on 645 has really been making excellent progress over the past few months – let’s not forget that it only arrived at Crich on 19th July 2023 – and everything is really starting to come together. Monday 27th July saw the tram have its pantograph tower fitted (with pantograph installed too) whilst the same day saw the motors returned to Crich after overhaul and they have been swiftly fitted back to the trucks – they will go back under the tram in due course.
Away from the tower and pantograph, the most noticeable change to the tram recently has been its repaint. Having arrived at Crich in the remnants of a long expired all over advert – a red and white livery – plus graffiti added (officially!) whilst it was at the Windy Harbour Caravan Park – it is being repainted into a version of the familiar Blackpool green and cream livery.
With 645 being a rebuilt Centenary Car, and none of those ever having carried the green and cream fleet livery, the livery is a version of the 1990s style. It is slightly revised because of the style of the tram but the compromise does work well and it should be remembered that the tram has not gone through a restoration to any previous condition as it has a very clear purpose at Crich – to be a replacement Access Tram for Berlin 223 006-4.
It is planned that 645 will be launched into service on the first day of Tram Weekend, Saturday 12th September 2026.
Early on the day of 27th July 2026 and there is no sign of the excitement to come for 645! Its in the Workshop alongside Blackpool Brush Railcoach 298 before the tower has been fitted. The new paintjob can be seen though. (Photograph by Steven Hughes, 27th July 2026)
Later on the same day and 645 has come out of the Workshop with its pantograph and tower now fitted. The new livery can also be seen to great effect here. The tram remains on accommodation trucks for now. (Photograph by Peter Whiteley, 27th July 2026)
A close up view as we see the pantograph and its tower a top the tram.
645 again soaking up the sunshine. The white board at this end lists job priorities for the coming week – it also gives the motivation to the workshop team that there are only 7 weeks until its launch! (Photographs x2 by Dean Sharp, 27th July 2026)