As the countdown towards the beginning of the illuminations season in Blackpool is on, work is now actively underway in preparing various trams for their role in the annual spectacle. Blackpool Transport are getting their trio of illuminated feature cars ready for use, whilst the two static trams placed on display last year are also receiving some attention.<\/p>\n
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‘HMS Blackpool’ 736<\/strong> has spent a number of weeks inside the Fitting Shop undergoing some vital maintenance work ahead of its busiest time of the year. It has recently been joined by Boat car 602<\/strong>, which has now been released from the Paint Shop in a sparkling coat of cream and red paint, and is now being commissioned ahead of its planned launch into service over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The same weekend will also see the HMS make its passenger-carrying debut for the year, with a Fylde Tramway Society tour on Tuesday 27th August to coincide with the 2013 ‘Ride the Lights’ event.<\/p>\n The illuminated Trawler 737<\/strong> has also been undergoing some preparatory work for its return to use on tours of the lights. This tram is the only operational member of the heritage fleet not to have run so far this year, but that should change and along with the Western Train 733+734<\/strong> and Frigate 736<\/strong>, it should be out most evenings from 1st September.<\/p>\n In 2012 the Blackpool illuminations were also complemented by two further trams on static display, both of which have remained in situ and will be part of the 2013 display. Earlier this week, the Rocket 732<\/strong> was lit up for the first time since the festive season, as most of the lights are now being tested ahead of the official switch-on. This tram has survived remarkably well despite standing in the open for the past year, with only a few ‘dead’ light bulbs slightly spoiling its otherwise splendid appearance. Meanwhile, Brush car 290<\/strong> – still parked on its display siding at Pleasure Beach – is receiving some further paintwork attention. Only one half of the tram was treated to a graffiti art makeover earlier this year, but the last traces of its Diamond Jubilee livery are now being covered up by more gold paint, with the street artist responsible for painting the landward side expected to complete the job imminently. Lights will then be added to the exterior\u00a0to create additional interest for the autumn.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As the countdown towards the beginning of the illuminations season in Blackpool is on, work is now actively underway in preparing various trams for their role in the annual spectacle. Blackpool Transport are getting their trio of illuminated feature cars … Continue reading