The future prospects for the four trams stored at Knowsley seem less promising. Two other Brush cars, 625 <\/strong>and 637<\/strong>, are in a far less pristine condition having not operated since 2004, with 625 <\/strong>having been in a particularly tired condition before withdrawal as it had not received any major workshop attention for many years. Also in storage are two trailer cars, 681 <\/strong>and 687<\/strong>. The former is in good condition, having been partially rebuilt following an accident in 1997 although without its towing car its usefulness as a running tram is questionable. 687 <\/strong>however is little more than a shell, with all of its seats having been removed before it was sold and for this car the most realistic option would probably be to break it up on site.<\/p>\n Although it would clearly be a great shame if some or all of Merseytravel’s five trams were scrapped, enthusiasts can console themselves by remembering how many other Blackpool cars have been preserved as well as the healthy number which have stayed at home for future use. The types of tram concerned are already very well represented elsewhere and it therefore seems almost inevitable that not all of them will survive for much longer.<\/p>\n A few months before it left Blackpool after being sold to Merseytravel, and then newly painted Brush car 626 is seen being used to shunt sister car 623 which was being prepared to depart for a new life in Manchester. Whilst 623 is now a cherished member of the Heaton Park fleet, 626's future is less clear. (Photo by Andrew Waddington)<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The future survival of the five Blackpool trams owned by Merseytravel has been placed in serious doubt, following the formal abandonment of the transport operator’s ambitious tram plans. The company had at one time hoped to take over control of … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/626-1024x664.jpg\" "\\"626\\"")
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