Further novelty came on Monday 5th September when Balloon cars 700 <\/strong>and 711 <\/strong>were both used in ordinary passenger service. The duo ran as unadvertised specials, utilising crews who then took them back to Rigby Road to collect the illuminated trams for evening tours once darkness fell. This same practice was tried last year to make better use of crews who, in years past, would have sat around waiting for the lights to come on. The following day saw just one special out, this being car 711<\/strong>. Seemingly these trams will now become a more common sight, particularly in the first few weeks of the illuminations season when the opportunity for tours is fairly limited; however as the nights grow darker progressively earlier, this specials may in turn disappear – so anyone fancying a ride on one of these cars is advised to do so as soon as possible.<\/p>\n The use of the B Fleet remains a source of much dissatisfaction for many followers of the Blackpool tramway. In fairness, 700 <\/strong>in particular is a great car for illuminations tours; door modifications aside, its top deck interior retains a traditional, yet smart appearance thanks to its sympathetic refurbishment undertaken in the mid-1990s, and its roof windows offer an improved view from upstairs. Certainly to the average member of the public, it is probably a nicer tram to sit inside than say, 715 <\/strong>or 723 <\/strong>– however using the same tram on lights tours and normal stage carriage work within three days could lead to some confusion. Despite its less than attractive external appearance, 718<\/strong>‘s use on tours seems to have been well received so far, although this tram has at least been confined to heritage duties so far since its reactivation in July. Presumably it is the purple paint that dictates which trams are to be favoured for use in normal service, and indeed in hindsight it is unfortunate that the traditional-looking 700 <\/strong>is one of the three to carry the new purple and white fleet livery.<\/p>\n The coming weeks will certainly be an interesting time for the Blackpool tramway, and the B Fleet in particular. Perhaps autumn 2016 will give some indication as to the likely future role for these trams, but for the moment, their situation seems as confusing as ever – but at least some of them are running!<\/p>\n The Frigate and Western Train stand side by side at dusk on the loops at Pleasure Beach, in what will doubtless become a very familiar sight over the next few months. (Photo by Rob Bray)<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As most seaside resorts see their custom decrease, Blackpool steps up a gear for the annual illuminations. After the preview event a few days earlier, this year’s ‘lights’ were officially switched on by Dame Barbara Windsor on Friday 2nd September, … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Rob-Train-+-HMS-1024x768.jpg\" "\\"Rob")
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