{"id":63994,"date":"2026-08-01T22:00:46","date_gmt":"2026-08-01T21:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/?p=63994"},"modified":"2026-08-01T18:04:53","modified_gmt":"2026-08-01T17:04:53","slug":"in-pictures-trams-shunted-at-tramtown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/?p=63994","title":{"rendered":"In Pictures: Trams shunted at Tramtown"},"content":{"rendered":"

On Wednesday 22nd<\/sup> July there was unexpected activity at Tramtown \u2013 Blackpool Transport\u2019s Rigby Road depot \u2013 as several trams which have been stored in the main depot building were shunted onto the depot fan.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In total five trams were moved on the day: Brush Railcoach 632<\/strong>, Twin Trailer Car 681<\/strong>, Rocket 732<\/strong>, Western Train 733+734<\/strong> and Trampower 611<\/strong>. Of these 632<\/strong> and 732<\/strong> are part of the Fylde Transport Trust collection with the Trampower<\/strong> vehicle presumably still owned by the Trampower group who had ambitions for a tramway to run in Preston. The Western Train<\/strong> and 681<\/strong> are both still owned by Blackpool Transport.<\/p>\n

632<\/strong> was just moved to release the Rocket<\/strong> and was put back into the depot afterwards, whilst the others remained outside of the depot and stored on the depot fan where they currently remain.<\/p>\n

These are the first moves of any heritage trams in Blackpool for several weeks. Although we did see some private hires earlier in the year (May\/June) and it was anticipated there would be an announcement of public tours for the summer and illuminations following that.<\/p>\n

However, reports in local media have said that Blackpool Transport need to complete further work on the heritage trams to satisfy the ORR. Exactly what work this may be has not been stated. The reports were accompanied by quotes from both spokespeople from Blackpool Transport as well as Lea Harrison, the new Managing Director.<\/p>\n

Bolton 66<\/strong>, Balloon 717<\/strong> and the illuminated Frigate<\/strong> remain at Starr Gate Depot.<\/p>\n

Rigby Road Depot itself remains out of bounds. This, of course, includes the former Fitting Shop which was home to the Tramtown attraction last year. It was announced earlier this year that it would now be closed as that part of the building was deemed to no longer be safe. The Tramtown volunteers remain active and a recent statement from them confirmed that they are now in regular dialogue with Blackpool Transport about a potential future.<\/p>\n