With 2011 almost at an end, it seems an appropriate time to review the major changes that have affected the Blackpool tram fleet during the past twelve months. The dispersal of the historic cars has continued, with no less than 15 trams having left Blackpool for pastures new this year. 12 of these had been sold or given away by Blackpool Transport having been declared surplus to requirements, a further two were moved elsewhere after being on long-term loan to the company, and one tram left after visiting for the 125th anniversary celebrations of 2010.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A full summary of the departures, in chronological order, is as follows:<\/p>\n
Sheffield 513 <\/strong>– on ___ February, to the East Anglia Transport Museum*<\/p>\n Manchester 765<\/strong> \u2013 on 1th April, to Beamish Museum (and then back to Heaton Park)*<\/p>\n Balloon 710 <\/strong>– on 17th July, to Fleetwood for storage<\/p>\n Stockport 5 <\/strong>– on 25th August, to Heaton Park*<\/p>\n Jubilee 762 <\/strong>– on 8th November, to Crich Tramway Village<\/p>\n Jubilee 761<\/strong> \u2013 on 17th November, to Fleetwood for storage<\/p>\n Balloon 726<\/strong> \u2013 on 17th November, to Fleetwood for storage<\/p>\n Balloon 708<\/strong> \u2013 on 28th November, to Bolton for storage<\/p>\n Railcoach 678<\/strong> \u2013 on 14th December, to Fleetwood for storage<\/p>\n Brush 621<\/strong> \u2013 on 15th December, to Kirkham Prison<\/p>\n Brush 627<\/strong> \u2013 on 16th December, to Kirkham Prison<\/p>\n Towing Car 671<\/strong> \u2013 on 19th December, to Knowsley for storage<\/p>\n Trailer 681<\/strong> \u2013 on 20th December, to Knowsley for storage<\/p>\n Brush 625<\/strong> \u2013 on 20th December, to Knowsley for storage<\/p>\n Brush 630<\/strong> \u2013 on 21st December, to Crich Tramway Village<\/p>\n Cars marked with an asterisk were never owned by Blackpool Transport. All of the trams moved to Fleetwood and Kirkham have been acquired by the Friends of Fleetwood Trams, and 708<\/strong> is owned by the Manchester Transport Museum Society.<\/p>\n As can clearly be seen above, the departures got off to a very slow start compared to 2010, but the moves intensified once the tramway closed for winter and tram owners presumably realised that the need to move their acquisitions was becoming more urgent.<\/p>\n For the sake of completeness, whilst these trams have been bidding farewell to Blackpool, four of the new Flexity2 class trams have arrived, along with Cardiff 131 <\/strong>on loan from Crich for use as a rail scrubber. Taking into account tram moves away from the seaside town, the Scott\u2019s Heavy Haulage team have moved an astonishing 21 different trams this year \u2013 the others being ex-Blackpool cars Marton 31<\/strong>, VAMBAC 11<\/strong>, Brush 623<\/strong>, Balloon 702<\/strong> and Railgrinder 752<\/strong>. It\u2019s certainly been a hectic year for the hauliers!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With 2011 almost at an end, it seems an appropriate time to review the major changes that have affected the Blackpool tram fleet during the past twelve months. The dispersal of the historic cars has continued, with no less than … Continue reading