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FTN309 "Time to decide on a future for 719!"
With the Spring service barely a few days old, double deck car 719 was back in use on the timetabled Fleetwood service on 19th April following winter hibernation. Much has been written before about the unsuitability of this tram for timetabled service, but with a new season almost upon us, it is perhaps time to reiterate these points.
719 is still known as the 'Walls Ice Cream tram'. Created in 1996 from Balloon car 719 to meet a unique advertising contract, it included an ice cream counter (and associated freezers and sink) in one half of the lower deck, and onboard staff to dispense Walls ice cream products to the captive audience. Small tables were provided between the odd style fixed seating, whilst the upper deck end windows were replaced by fixed panels and a giant ice cream cone on the outside. It was never a great success, as many passengers didn't appreciate the 'hard sell' from the Walls representatives, who operated the business on a franchised basis. Nor did they appreciate the lack of a forward view from upstairs, which caused many passengers to come straight back down again, particularly during the illuminations. Nevertheless, it was a unique idea, and the tram plied mainly between Pleasure Beach and North Pier during the summer.
By April 1999 the counter had been removed and new seats of a different design were fitted throughout the lower deck in a two and one arrangement, providing a small lower deck capacity of just 34, instead of the 40 on a standard Balloon. Indeed, the overall capacity of 719 is only 78 (94 on the un-refurbished cars). Following the removal of the counter the tram began to see more general use, and as it is fitted with halogen headlamps and heaters, became a regular performer on timetabled service. The contract was renewed in 2001, but is now expired.
A future for 719 now needs to be decided, which will hopefully involve conversion into something more practical, or transferring to store. Whilst accepting that it was only rebuilt as recently as 1996, and that the underframe will be in a good condition, the interior is grubby and outdated and the lower deck seating uncomfortable, and don't forget the lack of a forward view! With only 78 seats the tram is not much use, and it is time to accept that 719 is not suitable for daily use on the core service.
There are now ten refurbished double deckers available for the summer Fleetwood service, plus five Twin cars. So, BTS, can we please banish 719 from service?
FTN308 - Chairman's message - "Monthly Meetings"
For some time the committee of the Fylde Tramway Society have been concerned about the declining number of members who attend the meetings at the Wings Club in Cleveleys on the first Thursday of each month. We already realise that there have been problems with the last minute unavailability of the speaker on more than one occasion during the last twelve months, and that this, combined with the fact that we have not been able to publicise the content of some meetings far enough in advance, may well have affected numbers. Even so, there are less people taking slides, which limits the variety of topics we are able to offer in the programme and this has contributed to the decline in popularity of the meetings for some time.
I would be grateful if you could let me know, either by letter or at any future meeting, of anything we can do to make the monthly meetings more attractive. We will be considering the purchase of equipment to enable digital photos to be displayed, at some time in the near future, but would not wish to spend society funds on this if the number of members benefiting from this is minimal. Another suggestion made in the past is for the meeting date to be moved to a different day of the week, but this may cause us to lose those for whom Thursday is a convenient night.
I look forward to hearing your views on this, particularly if you feel that you could be persuaded to join us at the meetings, or indeed if you already do so. If you have any suggestions as to how the meetings can be made more attractive then please contact me at 330 Broadway, Rossall, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8BA. If you have any suggestions for speakers/topics at future meetings then please contact the Secretary, Martyn Weaver, 28 Key Way, Fulford, York YO19 4QS. Harold Blythe, Chairman
FTN307 "2006 Events Diary" - by James Blythe (Blackpool events are listed in our online calendar)
East Anglia Transport Museum
The Museum is open Sundays and Bank Holidays 2 April to 1 October, (1100 to 1700), Thursdays and School Holidays between 6 April and 28 September (1400 to 1700), and on Saturdays between 3 June and 30 September (1400 to 1700). Admission is £5.00 for Adults, £4.00 for Senior Citizens and Children £3.50. Further information is available from the Museum's website:
www.eatm.org.uk
10/11 - June Steam and Vintage Weekend
9 July - 2006 Bus Event
9/10 September - Trolleybus Weekend 2006
Beamish
The North of England Open Air Museum is open Tuesdays to Thursdays and Weekends until 31 March and between 30 October and 10 December (1000 to 1600). Open daily 1 April March to 29 October (1000 to 1700). Admission is £16 for Adults, £12.50 for Senior Citizens, and £10 for Children. Admission is £6 each until 31 March and £6 each from 30 October.
A number of event days are held, and the transport related ones are listed below. Further details at: www.beamish.org.uk
30 April - Power from the Past
6/7 May - Steam Glorious Steam
14 May - Morgan Car Meet
4 June - MG Car Display
10 September - Alvis Car Day
24 September - Classic Car Day
Crich Tramway Village
This year sees the return of the Lancashire and Yorkshire event, a great chance to ride on the Blackpool Cars. Also for the enthusiast are the popular Tramathon, Starlight Specials and Enthusiasts Day. The delayed launch into service of Leeds 345 will take place on 1 April.
The popular 1940s themed weekends return marking the with a Battle of Britain event over Easter weekend, and the usual 1940s Weekend in August. Other themed weekends are Edwardian, Rock 'n' Roll (1950s) and The Jazz Years (1920s/30s). A number of car events also feature.
The trams expected to be available for service are: Blackpool and Fleetwood 2, Gateshead 5, Chesterfield 7, Glasgow 22, Blackpool 40, Southampton 45, Johannesburg 60, Paisley 68, Sheffield 74, LCC 106, Blackpool 167, Leeds 180, Oporto 273, MET 331, Leeds 345, Leeds 399, Sheffield 510, Leeds 602, Glasgow 812, Liverpool 869, Halle 902, Glasgow 1297, LPTB 1622, and Berlin 3006.
16/17 April - Battle of Britain
23 April - Morris Minor Day
30 April/1 May - 1950s Rock'n' Roll Weekend
13/14 May - Models Weekend
28/29 May - Folk Festival
11 June - Tramathon
25 June - Emergency Vehicles Day
8/9 July - Edwardian Weekend
16 July - Mini Meet
29/30 July - The Jazz Years-1920s and 30s
30 July - Austin Seven Day
6 August - Lancashire and Yorkshire Day
12/13 August - VJ Day 60th Anniversary
27/28 August - Transport Extravaganza
3/4 September - Decadence and Depression
3 September - Ford Capri Day
10 September - Classic Ford Day
17 September - Beetle Drive
30 September - Enthusiasts Day
28 October - Starlight Halloween
5 November - East Germany Day
9/10 December - Santa Specials and Street Fair
The Museum is open weekends until 26 March and from 4 November to 17 December (1030 to 1600) and daily from 1 April to 29 October (1000 to 1730). Admission prices are Adults £9.00, Children £4.50, Senior Citizens £8.00.
Seaton Tramway
The Seaton Tramway is open weekends from 4 March to 26 March and 4 November to 24 December (also 21/22 December). Daily operation commences on 1 April and continues until 3 November. Special events for 2006 are detailed below, and timetable, fare and further event details are available on the Tramway's website: www.tram.co.uk
10 June - Annual Vintage Vehicle Rally
11 June - Gala Day
2 September - Seaton Carnival
9 September - Colyton Carnival
21/22 October - End of Season Gala
17/21/2/3/4 December - Santa Specials
Birkenhead
The Birkenhead heritage tramway is in operation on Saturdays and Sundays, 1 pm to 5pm April to October and 12pm to 4pm November to March, also Wednesday to Sundays during the Easter, Spring half term and summer school holidays (1 pm to 5pm). Further details are available from the Tourist Information Centre at the Woodside Ferry terminal, 0151 647 6780.
Heaton Park Tramway
The tramway will commence operation for 2006 on Sunday 30 April. The tramway will the operate on Sundays and Bank Holidays between 1300 and 1700 up to and including Sunday 24 September.
On 22 and 23 July the Festival of Model Trams will be held at the Greater Manchester Museum of Transport. Trams will operate on both days between 1000 and 1700, and a free vintage bus service will operate between the Park and the Museum. The Trans Lancs Rally, organised by the Manchester Museum of Transport, will be held at Heaton Park on Sunday 3 September. There will be over 200 vehicles on display and the tramway will be in operation.
Llandudno Transport Festival
The Llandudno Transport Festival will take place at Bodafon Fields over the May Bank Holiday weekend (29/30 April and 1 May). This will feature the Crosville Centenary Celebrations and a shuttle bus service to the Victorian Extravaganza, being held in the town streets.
At 1030 on Sunday 30 April the Crosville Centenary Road Run will depart from the Rhyl Events Arena for the Transport Festival Showground. Further details are available at: www.llantransfets.co.uk
FTN306 "Cosmetic Restoration of 8" - by James Millington
It has long been the wish of the Eancastrian Transport Trust (ITT) to restore an OMO car for display in Blackpool. This often overlooked class is a valuable piece of the jigsaw that is the history of the Blackpool tramway, and it was felt crucial that one be acquired and restored to take its place in any future visitor attraction.
The story of OMO car 8's cosmetic restoration is a long and drawn out saga, and indeed is a story which is not yet complete. However, with the recent move of the tram from Blackpool Transports (BTS) Rigby Road premises to the LTTs own restoration workshop at Marton, the time is right to report on the story so far!
In May 2006 it will be 14 years since OMO 8 last ran in passenger service in Blackpool. Since that time the tram has mainly resided at the rear of the tram depot, gradually being cannibalised of parts, and falling into general disrepair. It will be remembered that at this time BTS were intent on retaining an OMO car themselves for future restoration and re-use, in much the same way that Coronation car 660 was retained by the undertaking. Towards the late 1990s however, BTS had given up on this plan, intending to focus instead on the major overhaul of Railcoaches and Balloons which it was felt would offer a greater return on the vast amounts of money being spent upon them.
At the turn of the 21st Century, OMO cars 5 and 8 remained in store at Rigby Road, but by June car 5 had departed for the Tramway Museum Society's Clay Cross store, where the tram remains to this day.
Following an approach to BTS, OMO 8 was very generously donated to the LTT in February 2002, and at that time the LTT were hopeful that an appeal for funding would allow the car to be restored, possibly remaining at BTS and being allowed to operate on a limited mileage basis on enthusiast tours and at special events.
However, for the time being car 8 was safe, remaining at the rear of the tram depot where it had been stored for 10 years already. The LTT were busy concentrating on other projects during 2002, not least on restoring Coronation car 304 for the Salvage Squad television programme. The intervening years have seen the Trust concentrate their efforts on acquiring and developing their own premises at Brinwell Road, Mereside, and on the continued restoration and maintenance of the preserved buses within the collection.
During 2004 an appeal for funds for a restoration of car 8 was launched with the aim being a two phase project, initially focusing on a cosmetic makeover, with restoration to operational condition happening at some point in the future.
Overhaul work on the tram was discussed with BTS, who agreed that the tram could be accommodated within their own workshops at some stage during 2005. An initial strip down of the car during June
indicated that framework repairs would be required prior to a complete re-panel. Following more informed discussion with BTS it was agreed that the tram would receive a full re-pane! and a complete repaint but would then be trnsferred to the LTTs own premises for the completion of the cosmetic restoration.
Car 8 was fully re-panelled during August and September, prior to being admitted to the paint shop for a repaint in original style Plum and Custard livery. The completed vehicle was rolled out of the paint shop on 18th October.
Meanwhile the LTT had been contacted by the owners of sister car 10, which had resided in a conference centre near Reading for nine years, but was due to be scrapped as surplus to requirements. LTT volunteers paid a visit to Reading during October to salvage all the remaining fixtures and fittings which were needed to complete number 8, including a full set of saloon glazing, taken from 8 during the 1 990s for reuse in Railcoaches.
The glass was delivered to BTS by LTT volunteers in early November, and BTS then moved 8 back into the body shop to re-fit the glazing on their behalf.
It was agreed that the LTT would remove OMO 8 to their own premises at some point during December 2005, and prior to the delivery of the Tram Power City Class tram. Therefore on 18th December number 8 became the last of its class to depart from Rigby Road when it was winched aboard the Allelys Heavy Haul low loader and driven the short distance to its new home in Marton, taking in the Lytham Road tram route on its way!
The car now sits on purpose built rails, cleverly devised by Don Penny and Eric Berry, awaiting full completion of its cosmetic restoration.
What Next?
Now that 0MG 8 is safely housed at the UT's storage and restoration workshop at Brinwell Road, Marton, full completion of the tram's cosmetic restoration can be progressed.
The car, although looking resplendent externally, is absolutely filthy inside and will require a very heavy clean to bring it up to acceptable standards. It is intended to remove the internal lining panels and the seat frames from the tram and replace them with those salvaged from sister car 10, which are in much better condition.
Head and tail lights have been refitted, and the cab areas will be tidied up to improve their appearance. The platform doors are currently under repair as they were badly corroded, but these will be painted and re-fitted in due course to further enhance the appearance of the tram.
Although it is accepted that in its current location there is little scope to make car 8 into an operational tram just yet, the cosmetic restoration of the car has really turned around the fortunes of this particular tram, and of the OMO class in general. It has become the first of its type to ever receive any restoration work, and is the only one of the two survivors which the public will be able to view.
The completed tram will form an important feature at future LTT depot open days, the next of which is to be held at Brinwell Road on Sunday 19th March. Come along and see OMO 8 for yourselves!
The UTT deserve credit for another quality tramcar restoration, please continue to support the Blackpool Tramcar Preservation Fund, see www.ltt.org for further details.
FTN305 "Engineered Like No Other" (The Blackpool Unimog story) - by Paul Turner
Back in 1982 Blackpool bought its first road-rail vehicle a Mercedes Benz Unimog numbered 440 (YFV577Y). Prior to this Blackpool s tower wagon fleet had been somewhat prosaic. Some former buses were used and there were several new build vehicles. Post war purchases were two Karriers 238/9 of 1948 which were joined by 1937 Leyland Tiger bus 6 in 1957, renumbered 240 lasting until 1964. In 1966/7 238/9 were replaced by two secondhand Guy Vixen s (240/1) purchased from Manchester where they maintained trolleybus wiring. In 1975 a new Leyland Redline numbered 243 (HFR438N) was purchased and in 1979 439 UHG437V a Bedford TK750 was purchased. The 400 series had been adopted for ancillary vehicles by this time 240/1/3 becoming 440/1/3 respectively. 440/1 lasted until around 1981, 443 departing in 1987 and 439 i n 1994.
The Unimog was intended to replace overhead line car 754 as well as the Guys. The make is remarkably long lived having been developed in 1946, with production starting in 1948 initially by Boehringer, but by Mercedes Benz since 1951. Over 300,000 have been built. Blackpool s arrived in November 1982 at a cost of £35,000 with a body by Rawlinson of Blackburn who had built 439 and 443 s cabs and towers. It retained continental left hand drive, however and entered service in early 1983 and was literally a multi purpose vehicle. As well as providing access to the overhead, it could tow trams and also had a demountable brush for sweeping sand off the Promenade!
Initial teething troubles saw it derail when the brush was not fitted, so additional weights were fitted. After ten years it was fully overhauled and repainted during spring 1993, once new engineering car 754 had arrived to relieve the pressure caused by the withdrawal of 753 in 1990. It was supported in its duties by 441 (D801 CTP) built by Bruff with Bedford units as a combination road rail tower wagon with crew accommodation. Interestingly a sister vehicle D802CTP runs for Amey Infrastructure Services and the batch reached at least D811CTP with various owners. 441 arrived in November 1986 and replaced 443.
Renumbered 940 in 1996, the Unimog continued in front line service with the Bruff as support (as 941) but the writing was on the wall in December 2002 when a second hand Unimog was purchased. This later model, dating from 1992, was imported from a European operator and arrived in a blue livery with a gold stripe. By contrast to 940/1 it had a bucket hoist, rather than a conventional tower. It was not until September 2004 that the vehicle saw regular use, after commission tests and various modifications. On arrival it carried registration K985EEC but this was modified to J271TEC by the time it entered service.
The pioneer Unimog was finally retired during summer 2005 followed by the Bruff in November. Initially it was believed that Unimog 940 would be rebuilt and retained, but the opportunity was taken to purchase 938 (Q204HFR) another Unimog from Brecknell Willis, latterly at Midland Metro. This, disused for some time, dates from around the same time as 940 or it maybe even older its makers number being 029065, compared to 088063 for 940 and 172544 for 939. Regardless, it is being overhauled with parts recovered from 940 and will take its place eventually alongside 939.
FTN304 "Boat Car Renaissance" - by Tony Caddick
If you ask any tram enthusiast about their favourite type of Blackpool tram then there is a very good chance that the ever popular open Boat Cars will be near or at the top of the list. Also for countless visitors over the last seven decades these fine cars bring back happy memories of sunny days riding up and down the promenade and also on the long lost circular tours via Squires Gate and Marton - happy days indeed!
So it was with some dreaded anticipation and sadness when the announcement came last November that included amongst the twenty five trams to be mothballed were all five of the Boats. The future did indeed look bleak, warm summer days on the promenade and no Boats one of the joys of life lost forever?
The first signs of better news came when Blackpool Transport (BTS) agreed to the hire of 604 and 605 for tours over the May Convention weekend. The smiling faces on board green livened 605 on the Saturday evening as she made two trips to Fleetwood told their own story, and despite a few problems with 604 on the Monday tour, at least BTS were now making encouraging noises about some of the cars being reactivated in the event of a prolonged spell of fine weather.
Thankfully the fabulous weekend of the new Totally Transport event on New South Promenade in late June saw beautiful sunny weather, especially on the Sunday of the event, and both 604 and 605 were out again, keeping the superb 304 company on the shuttle service from Talbot Square to Starr Gate on this amazing day.
To be honest it was with some trepidation that I booked my traditional pre- Tram Sunday holiday. Last year was rather disappointing (no Boats out!) with the Monday to Friday service, apart from Fleetwood Market Tuesday, only having the 12 service cars out on most days with very few specials. Even the most diehard enthusiast can still get bored riding and photographing the same trams all day!
Still, encouraged by the news in the FTN of plans to decorate 700 and 706 for a VE ceremony on the Sunday, and a rather encouraging weather forecast I arrived in Blackpool to be greeted by the wonderful news that 602 had just been re-instated. After a ride on Bolton 66 to the Cliffs to book in at my hotel, it was back out onto the sun-drenched prom in search of Boats. I didn t have to wait long, within a few minutes 604 hummed up the Gynn Hill to the Cabin, the coloured bunting attached to its trolley pole gave the tram a very summery feeling. 605 was soon passed at the Tower, before 602 was tracked down on the Pleasure Beach loop, looking immaculate in her very clean yellow and black handybus livery. All three cars stayed out into the evening on a very busy day on the prom.
Sunday saw the town extremely busy for the VE Day celebrations, but the morning started off badly on the tramway with 147 derailing at the Tower. Thankfully this did not prevent 604 and 605 appearing, although on this day they probably played second-fiddle to the immaculate pairing of 700 and 706. Both of these cars were adorned with Union Flags and bunting and both looked quite resplendent on what was probably Blackpool s busiest day for many years. Both Boats earned their keep into the evening.
As mentioned earlier, after last year s holiday I was a bit nervous on the Monday morning about tram output. After all, despite the glorious weather, most of the children were still at school. However, on reaching the prom after the usual hearty breakfast, could see the amazing sight of three Boats! 602 was heading south at the Gynn whilst 604 was waiting to enter the middle line at Cabin which was occupied by 605! Needless to say, Boat car riding was the order for the rest of the day!
The traditional Fleetwood Market Tuesday saw just 604 out, but it managed a busy morning trip to Fleetwood (behind 706), returning to Pleasure Beach where it was commandeered by the Inspector and sent to Starr Gate as cover for a delayed 724. Another hot and busy afternoon for 604 on prom specials followed. This was also the evening when 706 famously took over from 721 on Cleveleys timetabled service and stayed out until after midnight.
As the fine and sunny weather maintained its grip on the Fylde Coast, 602 and 605 were out on the Wednesday (605 managing a trip to Fleetwood), with all three out on the Thursday. However, all good things come to an end and a cooler and breezier Friday saw three Railcoaches out on specials instead, and the three Boats lined up on the depot fan being washed! However the rumourmill was again rolling into action by Friday evening speculating that 600 was being prepared for a return to service, fingers crossed!
Saturday morning dawned with similar weather conditions to Friday, so imagine my surprise upon reaching the end of King Edward Avenue to see 600 loading at the Cliffs stop for Pleasure Beach! Thankfully there was a long queue enabling me to cross the road and catch it. Despite the not very encouraging weather Little Willy was joined on prom specials by 602 and 605. Thankfully, what must have been a close decision between sending Boats or Railcoaches out was vindicated by the return of the sun during the afternoon.
Once again Tram Sunday dawned sunny and warm, and 605 was in the procession of trams from Talbot Square to Fleetwood. 600 and 602 were also out on prom specials and managed late afternoon trips to Fleetwood helping to clear the crowds left behind by star of the show (again!), 304.
My homeward day on the Monday saw a damp start to the morning with 626, 631 and 678 out on specials, and the Boats having a well earned rest.
So, the end of a memorable week. Subsequent reports suggest that the four Boats have been regular performers during August and early September. Indeed, although the weather deteriorated as we moved into October, efforts were made to use these whenever possible with 600 and 605 running illumination tours on 15th October. The final use for the 2005 season occurred from car 605 which put in a last brief stint as late as 27th October. 2005 has certainly been a busy year for the four active examples, and now some of them must be clocking up their highest mileages for many years?
Hopefully this marks a change of fortunes for the Boats with the threat of mothballing hanging over them now lifted for the foreseeable future, we can but hope. The trams themselves seem to be in a reasonable condition, especially compared to some of the Balloon cars, and still seem to be reliable in service. The crews appear to enjoy driving and conducting them too, and last but not least the passengers also seem to enjoy the experience of riding on them. As has been said many times before, the Boats tempt people to take a tram ride who would perhaps normally walk or find alternative transport (taxi), and are an asset to BTS and Blackpool as a whole, which should be capitalised on.
I appreciate BTS may have a dilemma regarding putting out advertising contract cars on a regular basis, but on a warm and sunny day a journey on one of the notoriously overheated and sweaty Railcoaches with their severe lack of opening windows is never a pleasurable travelling experience, and will not attract many passengers. Experience suggests the Boat cars are the ideal vehicle for warm and sunny days,
and hopefully the passenger loadings this summer will reinforce the argument.
Most English seaside resorts still have some kind of open top bus service on offer these days. Indeed, a recent visit to Scarborough on a very dank and drizzly Easter Monday earlier this year saw eight such vehicles out on a 5-minute headway, still doing good business. Apart from the City Sightseeing operation, there have been no open top buses in Blackpool since the last of the ex-Fylde Blue Buses were retired a few years ago. However, in my opinion BTS do have the most unique and popular open top vehicles in this country, and they should use them as often as possible, weather permitting of course.
Thanks to BTS and Steve Burd for running the Boat cars again this year. I do hope it has been deemed to be a success? This time last year I was feeling quite depressed about the situation but who knows, more fine weather next year and perhaps 607 can rejoin its sisters on the promenade in another Boat car renaissance.
American Interlude
Three Boat cars are preserved in the United States, with 601, 603 and 606 having been exported in 1971, 1985 and 2000 respectively. Whilst the four active Blackpool based examples have had a busy year, the three American Boats have had a much quieter time.
601 is currently stored out of use at Rio Vista, California. The tram is awaiting repairs to defective motors.
603 has been a stalwart of San Francisco s F line for a number of years, and was converted to comply with US disability regulations during 2002. This involved the removal of a platform bulkhead to allow wheelchair access into the saloon. The car is out of use with underIrame defects but should return next year.
606 is now in store following the closure of the Trolleyville Museum in Ohio. It is hoped that a home can be found for the Trolleyville collection on Cleveland s waterfront.
Fleet Status:
600: Retained in Blackpool. Currently part of the active fleet. Carries original 1934 livery as applied in 1998 when sponsored by FTS.
601: Preserved at Rio Vista,
California, USA. Carries plain 1950s
style livery and original fleet number
226.
602: Retained in Blackpool. Currently part of the active fleet. Carries yellow and black Handybus livery as applied in 1999.
603: Preserved at the Market Street Railway, San Francisco, USA. Carries original 1934 livery and original fleet number 228.
604: Retained in Blackpool. Currently part of the active fleet. Carries 1990s style green and cream fleet livery as applied in 1999.
605: Retained in Blackpool. Currently part of the active fleet. Carries 1940s style wartime green and cream livery, as applied in 1999.
606: Preserved at Trolleyville USA, Ohio. Carries yellow and blue Seagull Coaches livery as applied in Blackpool during 1999.
607: Retained in Blackpool. Currently stored as part of the mothballed fleet. Carries Travelcard advert livery, as applied in 1997.
Note: All cars have EE 327 (4Ohp) motors. 600, 606 and 607 fitted with EE DB 1 controllers, 602, 604 and 605 have EE 76 controllers from scrapped OMO cars. 601 and 603 retain 8TH B18s (601 - retro-fitted in place of EE DB1 sin 1971). 229, 230, 231 and 234 were scrapped in 1968 prior to renumbering
Please note that the following text has been scanned from the printed FTN and the OCR software used to "read" the text may have made a few errors which we have not found yet...
FTN309 "Time to decide on a future for 719!"
With the Spring service barely a few days old, double deck car 719 was back in use on the timetabled Fleetwood service on 19th April following winter hibernation. Much has been written before about the unsuitability of this tram for timetabled service, but with a new season almost upon us, it is perhaps time to reiterate these points.
719 is still known as the 'Walls Ice Cream tram'. Created in 1996 from Balloon car 719 to meet a unique advertising contract, it included an ice cream counter (and associated freezers and sink) in one half of the lower deck, and onboard staff to dispense Walls ice cream products to the captive audience. Small tables were provided between the odd style fixed seating, whilst the upper deck end windows were replaced by fixed panels and a giant ice cream cone on the outside. It was never a great success, as many passengers didn't appreciate the 'hard sell' from the Walls representatives, who operated the business on a franchised basis. Nor did they appreciate the lack of a forward view from upstairs, which caused many passengers to come straight back down again, particularly during the illuminations. Nevertheless, it was a unique idea, and the tram plied mainly between Pleasure Beach and North Pier during the summer.
By April 1999 the counter had been removed and new seats of a different design were fitted throughout the lower deck in a two and one arrangement, providing a small lower deck capacity of just 34, instead of the 40 on a standard Balloon. Indeed, the overall capacity of 719 is only 78 (94 on the un-refurbished cars). Following the removal of the counter the tram began to see more general use, and as it is fitted with halogen headlamps and heaters, became a regular performer on timetabled service. The contract was renewed in 2001, but is now expired.
A future for 719 now needs to be decided, which will hopefully involve conversion into something more practical, or transferring to store. Whilst accepting that it was only rebuilt as recently as 1996, and that the underframe will be in a good condition, the interior is grubby and outdated and the lower deck seating uncomfortable, and don't forget the lack of a forward view! With only 78 seats the tram is not much use, and it is time to accept that 719 is not suitable for daily use on the core service.
There are now ten refurbished double deckers available for the summer Fleetwood service, plus five Twin cars. So, BTS, can we please banish 719 from service?
FTN308 - Chairman's message - "Monthly Meetings"
For some time the committee of the Fylde Tramway Society have been concerned about the declining number of members who attend the meetings at the Wings Club in Cleveleys on the first Thursday of each month. We already realise that there have been problems with the last minute unavailability of the speaker on more than one occasion during the last twelve months, and that this, combined with the fact that we have not been able to publicise the content of some meetings far enough in advance, may well have affected numbers. Even so, there are less people taking slides, which limits the variety of topics we are able to offer in the programme and this has contributed to the decline in popularity of the meetings for some time.
I would be grateful if you could let me know, either by letter or at any future meeting, of anything we can do to make the monthly meetings more attractive. We will be considering the purchase of equipment to enable digital photos to be displayed, at some time in the near future, but would not wish to spend society funds on this if the number of members benefiting from this is minimal. Another suggestion made in the past is for the meeting date to be moved to a different day of the week, but this may cause us to lose those for whom Thursday is a convenient night.
I look forward to hearing your views on this, particularly if you feel that you could be persuaded to join us at the meetings, or indeed if you already do so. If you have any suggestions as to how the meetings can be made more attractive then please contact me at 330 Broadway, Rossall, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8BA. If you have any suggestions for speakers/topics at future meetings then please contact the Secretary, Martyn Weaver, 28 Key Way, Fulford, York YO19 4QS. Harold Blythe, Chairman
FTN307 "2006 Events Diary" - by James Blythe (Blackpool events are listed in our online calendar)
East Anglia Transport Museum
The Museum is open Sundays and Bank Holidays 2 April to 1 October, (1100 to 1700), Thursdays and School Holidays between 6 April and 28 September (1400 to 1700), and on Saturdays between 3 June and 30 September (1400 to 1700). Admission is £5.00 for Adults, £4.00 for Senior Citizens and Children £3.50. Further information is available from the Museum's website:
www.eatm.org.uk
10/11 - June Steam and Vintage Weekend
9 July - 2006 Bus Event
9/10 September - Trolleybus Weekend 2006
Beamish
The North of England Open Air Museum is open Tuesdays to Thursdays and Weekends until 31 March and between 30 October and 10 December (1000 to 1600). Open daily 1 April March to 29 October (1000 to 1700). Admission is £16 for Adults, £12.50 for Senior Citizens, and £10 for Children. Admission is £6 each until 31 March and £6 each from 30 October.
A number of event days are held, and the transport related ones are listed below. Further details at: www.beamish.org.uk
30 April - Power from the Past
6/7 May - Steam Glorious Steam
14 May - Morgan Car Meet
4 June - MG Car Display
10 September - Alvis Car Day
24 September - Classic Car Day
Crich Tramway Village
This year sees the return of the Lancashire and Yorkshire event, a great chance to ride on the Blackpool Cars. Also for the enthusiast are the popular Tramathon, Starlight Specials and Enthusiasts Day. The delayed launch into service of Leeds 345 will take place on 1 April.
The popular 1940s themed weekends return marking the with a Battle of Britain event over Easter weekend, and the usual 1940s Weekend in August. Other themed weekends are Edwardian, Rock 'n' Roll (1950s) and The Jazz Years (1920s/30s). A number of car events also feature.
The trams expected to be available for service are: Blackpool and Fleetwood 2, Gateshead 5, Chesterfield 7, Glasgow 22, Blackpool 40, Southampton 45, Johannesburg 60, Paisley 68, Sheffield 74, LCC 106, Blackpool 167, Leeds 180, Oporto 273, MET 331, Leeds 345, Leeds 399, Sheffield 510, Leeds 602, Glasgow 812, Liverpool 869, Halle 902, Glasgow 1297, LPTB 1622, and Berlin 3006.
16/17 April - Battle of Britain
23 April - Morris Minor Day
30 April/1 May - 1950s Rock'n' Roll Weekend
13/14 May - Models Weekend
28/29 May - Folk Festival
11 June - Tramathon
25 June - Emergency Vehicles Day
8/9 July - Edwardian Weekend
16 July - Mini Meet
29/30 July - The Jazz Years-1920s and 30s
30 July - Austin Seven Day
6 August - Lancashire and Yorkshire Day
12/13 August - VJ Day 60th Anniversary
27/28 August - Transport Extravaganza
3/4 September - Decadence and Depression
3 September - Ford Capri Day
10 September - Classic Ford Day
17 September - Beetle Drive
30 September - Enthusiasts Day
28 October - Starlight Halloween
5 November - East Germany Day
9/10 December - Santa Specials and Street Fair
The Museum is open weekends until 26 March and from 4 November to 17 December (1030 to 1600) and daily from 1 April to 29 October (1000 to 1730). Admission prices are Adults £9.00, Children £4.50, Senior Citizens £8.00.
Seaton Tramway
The Seaton Tramway is open weekends from 4 March to 26 March and 4 November to 24 December (also 21/22 December). Daily operation commences on 1 April and continues until 3 November. Special events for 2006 are detailed below, and timetable, fare and further event details are available on the Tramway's website: www.tram.co.uk
10 June - Annual Vintage Vehicle Rally
11 June - Gala Day
2 September - Seaton Carnival
9 September - Colyton Carnival
21/22 October - End of Season Gala
17/21/2/3/4 December - Santa Specials
Birkenhead
The Birkenhead heritage tramway is in operation on Saturdays and Sundays, 1 pm to 5pm April to October and 12pm to 4pm November to March, also Wednesday to Sundays during the Easter, Spring half term and summer school holidays (1 pm to 5pm). Further details are available from the Tourist Information Centre at the Woodside Ferry terminal, 0151 647 6780.
Heaton Park Tramway
The tramway will commence operation for 2006 on Sunday 30 April. The tramway will the operate on Sundays and Bank Holidays between 1300 and 1700 up to and including Sunday 24 September.
On 22 and 23 July the Festival of Model Trams will be held at the Greater Manchester Museum of Transport. Trams will operate on both days between 1000 and 1700, and a free vintage bus service will operate between the Park and the Museum. The Trans Lancs Rally, organised by the Manchester Museum of Transport, will be held at Heaton Park on Sunday 3 September. There will be over 200 vehicles on display and the tramway will be in operation.
Llandudno Transport Festival
The Llandudno Transport Festival will take place at Bodafon Fields over the May Bank Holiday weekend (29/30 April and 1 May). This will feature the Crosville Centenary Celebrations and a shuttle bus service to the Victorian Extravaganza, being held in the town streets.
At 1030 on Sunday 30 April the Crosville Centenary Road Run will depart from the Rhyl Events Arena for the Transport Festival Showground. Further details are available at: www.llantransfets.co.uk
FTN306 "Cosmetic Restoration of 8" - by James Millington
It has long been the wish of the Eancastrian Transport Trust (ITT) to restore an OMO car for display in Blackpool. This often overlooked class is a valuable piece of the jigsaw that is the history of the Blackpool tramway, and it was felt crucial that one be acquired and restored to take its place in any future visitor attraction.
The story of OMO car 8's cosmetic restoration is a long and drawn out saga, and indeed is a story which is not yet complete. However, with the recent move of the tram from Blackpool Transports (BTS) Rigby Road premises to the LTTs own restoration workshop at Marton, the time is right to report on the story so far!
In May 2006 it will be 14 years since OMO 8 last ran in passenger service in Blackpool. Since that time the tram has mainly resided at the rear of the tram depot, gradually being cannibalised of parts, and falling into general disrepair. It will be remembered that at this time BTS were intent on retaining an OMO car themselves for future restoration and re-use, in much the same way that Coronation car 660 was retained by the undertaking. Towards the late 1990s however, BTS had given up on this plan, intending to focus instead on the major overhaul of Railcoaches and Balloons which it was felt would offer a greater return on the vast amounts of money being spent upon them.
At the turn of the 21st Century, OMO cars 5 and 8 remained in store at Rigby Road, but by June car 5 had departed for the Tramway Museum Society's Clay Cross store, where the tram remains to this day.
Following an approach to BTS, OMO 8 was very generously donated to the LTT in February 2002, and at that time the LTT were hopeful that an appeal for funding would allow the car to be restored, possibly remaining at BTS and being allowed to operate on a limited mileage basis on enthusiast tours and at special events.
However, for the time being car 8 was safe, remaining at the rear of the tram depot where it had been stored for 10 years already. The LTT were busy concentrating on other projects during 2002, not least on restoring Coronation car 304 for the Salvage Squad television programme. The intervening years have seen the Trust concentrate their efforts on acquiring and developing their own premises at Brinwell Road, Mereside, and on the continued restoration and maintenance of the preserved buses within the collection.
During 2004 an appeal for funds for a restoration of car 8 was launched with the aim being a two phase project, initially focusing on a cosmetic makeover, with restoration to operational condition happening at some point in the future.
Overhaul work on the tram was discussed with BTS, who agreed that the tram could be accommodated within their own workshops at some stage during 2005. An initial strip down of the car during June
indicated that framework repairs would be required prior to a complete re-panel. Following more informed discussion with BTS it was agreed that the tram would receive a full re-pane! and a complete repaint but would then be trnsferred to the LTTs own premises for the completion of the cosmetic restoration.
Car 8 was fully re-panelled during August and September, prior to being admitted to the paint shop for a repaint in original style Plum and Custard livery. The completed vehicle was rolled out of the paint shop on 18th October.
Meanwhile the LTT had been contacted by the owners of sister car 10, which had resided in a conference centre near Reading for nine years, but was due to be scrapped as surplus to requirements. LTT volunteers paid a visit to Reading during October to salvage all the remaining fixtures and fittings which were needed to complete number 8, including a full set of saloon glazing, taken from 8 during the 1 990s for reuse in Railcoaches.
The glass was delivered to BTS by LTT volunteers in early November, and BTS then moved 8 back into the body shop to re-fit the glazing on their behalf.
It was agreed that the LTT would remove OMO 8 to their own premises at some point during December 2005, and prior to the delivery of the Tram Power City Class tram. Therefore on 18th December number 8 became the last of its class to depart from Rigby Road when it was winched aboard the Allelys Heavy Haul low loader and driven the short distance to its new home in Marton, taking in the Lytham Road tram route on its way!
The car now sits on purpose built rails, cleverly devised by Don Penny and Eric Berry, awaiting full completion of its cosmetic restoration.
What Next?
Now that 0MG 8 is safely housed at the UT's storage and restoration workshop at Brinwell Road, Marton, full completion of the tram's cosmetic restoration can be progressed.
The car, although looking resplendent externally, is absolutely filthy inside and will require a very heavy clean to bring it up to acceptable standards. It is intended to remove the internal lining panels and the seat frames from the tram and replace them with those salvaged from sister car 10, which are in much better condition.
Head and tail lights have been refitted, and the cab areas will be tidied up to improve their appearance. The platform doors are currently under repair as they were badly corroded, but these will be painted and re-fitted in due course to further enhance the appearance of the tram.
Although it is accepted that in its current location there is little scope to make car 8 into an operational tram just yet, the cosmetic restoration of the car has really turned around the fortunes of this particular tram, and of the OMO class in general. It has become the first of its type to ever receive any restoration work, and is the only one of the two survivors which the public will be able to view.
The completed tram will form an important feature at future LTT depot open days, the next of which is to be held at Brinwell Road on Sunday 19th March. Come along and see OMO 8 for yourselves!
The UTT deserve credit for another quality tramcar restoration, please continue to support the Blackpool Tramcar Preservation Fund, see www.ltt.org for further details.
FTN305 "Engineered Like No Other" (The Blackpool Unimog story) - by Paul Turner
Back in 1982 Blackpool bought its first road-rail vehicle a Mercedes Benz Unimog numbered 440 (YFV577Y). Prior to this Blackpool s tower wagon fleet had been somewhat prosaic. Some former buses were used and there were several new build vehicles. Post war purchases were two Karriers 238/9 of 1948 which were joined by 1937 Leyland Tiger bus 6 in 1957, renumbered 240 lasting until 1964. In 1966/7 238/9 were replaced by two secondhand Guy Vixen s (240/1) purchased from Manchester where they maintained trolleybus wiring. In 1975 a new Leyland Redline numbered 243 (HFR438N) was purchased and in 1979 439 UHG437V a Bedford TK750 was purchased. The 400 series had been adopted for ancillary vehicles by this time 240/1/3 becoming 440/1/3 respectively. 440/1 lasted until around 1981, 443 departing in 1987 and 439 i n 1994.
The Unimog was intended to replace overhead line car 754 as well as the Guys. The make is remarkably long lived having been developed in 1946, with production starting in 1948 initially by Boehringer, but by Mercedes Benz since 1951. Over 300,000 have been built. Blackpool s arrived in November 1982 at a cost of £35,000 with a body by Rawlinson of Blackburn who had built 439 and 443 s cabs and towers. It retained continental left hand drive, however and entered service in early 1983 and was literally a multi purpose vehicle. As well as providing access to the overhead, it could tow trams and also had a demountable brush for sweeping sand off the Promenade!
Initial teething troubles saw it derail when the brush was not fitted, so additional weights were fitted. After ten years it was fully overhauled and repainted during spring 1993, once new engineering car 754 had arrived to relieve the pressure caused by the withdrawal of 753 in 1990. It was supported in its duties by 441 (D801 CTP) built by Bruff with Bedford units as a combination road rail tower wagon with crew accommodation. Interestingly a sister vehicle D802CTP runs for Amey Infrastructure Services and the batch reached at least D811CTP with various owners. 441 arrived in November 1986 and replaced 443.
Renumbered 940 in 1996, the Unimog continued in front line service with the Bruff as support (as 941) but the writing was on the wall in December 2002 when a second hand Unimog was purchased. This later model, dating from 1992, was imported from a European operator and arrived in a blue livery with a gold stripe. By contrast to 940/1 it had a bucket hoist, rather than a conventional tower. It was not until September 2004 that the vehicle saw regular use, after commission tests and various modifications. On arrival it carried registration K985EEC but this was modified to J271TEC by the time it entered service.
The pioneer Unimog was finally retired during summer 2005 followed by the Bruff in November. Initially it was believed that Unimog 940 would be rebuilt and retained, but the opportunity was taken to purchase 938 (Q204HFR) another Unimog from Brecknell Willis, latterly at Midland Metro. This, disused for some time, dates from around the same time as 940 or it maybe even older its makers number being 029065, compared to 088063 for 940 and 172544 for 939. Regardless, it is being overhauled with parts recovered from 940 and will take its place eventually alongside 939.
FTN304 "Boat Car Renaissance" - by Tony Caddick
If you ask any tram enthusiast about their favourite type of Blackpool tram then there is a very good chance that the ever popular open Boat Cars will be near or at the top of the list. Also for countless visitors over the last seven decades these fine cars bring back happy memories of sunny days riding up and down the promenade and also on the long lost circular tours via Squires Gate and Marton - happy days indeed!
So it was with some dreaded anticipation and sadness when the announcement came last November that included amongst the twenty five trams to be mothballed were all five of the Boats. The future did indeed look bleak, warm summer days on the promenade and no Boats one of the joys of life lost forever?
The first signs of better news came when Blackpool Transport (BTS) agreed to the hire of 604 and 605 for tours over the May Convention weekend. The smiling faces on board green livened 605 on the Saturday evening as she made two trips to Fleetwood told their own story, and despite a few problems with 604 on the Monday tour, at least BTS were now making encouraging noises about some of the cars being reactivated in the event of a prolonged spell of fine weather.
Thankfully the fabulous weekend of the new Totally Transport event on New South Promenade in late June saw beautiful sunny weather, especially on the Sunday of the event, and both 604 and 605 were out again, keeping the superb 304 company on the shuttle service from Talbot Square to Starr Gate on this amazing day.
To be honest it was with some trepidation that I booked my traditional pre- Tram Sunday holiday. Last year was rather disappointing (no Boats out!) with the Monday to Friday service, apart from Fleetwood Market Tuesday, only having the 12 service cars out on most days with very few specials. Even the most diehard enthusiast can still get bored riding and photographing the same trams all day!
Still, encouraged by the news in the FTN of plans to decorate 700 and 706 for a VE ceremony on the Sunday, and a rather encouraging weather forecast I arrived in Blackpool to be greeted by the wonderful news that 602 had just been re-instated. After a ride on Bolton 66 to the Cliffs to book in at my hotel, it was back out onto the sun-drenched prom in search of Boats. I didn t have to wait long, within a few minutes 604 hummed up the Gynn Hill to the Cabin, the coloured bunting attached to its trolley pole gave the tram a very summery feeling. 605 was soon passed at the Tower, before 602 was tracked down on the Pleasure Beach loop, looking immaculate in her very clean yellow and black handybus livery. All three cars stayed out into the evening on a very busy day on the prom.
Sunday saw the town extremely busy for the VE Day celebrations, but the morning started off badly on the tramway with 147 derailing at the Tower. Thankfully this did not prevent 604 and 605 appearing, although on this day they probably played second-fiddle to the immaculate pairing of 700 and 706. Both of these cars were adorned with Union Flags and bunting and both looked quite resplendent on what was probably Blackpool s busiest day for many years. Both Boats earned their keep into the evening.
As mentioned earlier, after last year s holiday I was a bit nervous on the Monday morning about tram output. After all, despite the glorious weather, most of the children were still at school. However, on reaching the prom after the usual hearty breakfast, could see the amazing sight of three Boats! 602 was heading south at the Gynn whilst 604 was waiting to enter the middle line at Cabin which was occupied by 605! Needless to say, Boat car riding was the order for the rest of the day!
The traditional Fleetwood Market Tuesday saw just 604 out, but it managed a busy morning trip to Fleetwood (behind 706), returning to Pleasure Beach where it was commandeered by the Inspector and sent to Starr Gate as cover for a delayed 724. Another hot and busy afternoon for 604 on prom specials followed. This was also the evening when 706 famously took over from 721 on Cleveleys timetabled service and stayed out until after midnight.
As the fine and sunny weather maintained its grip on the Fylde Coast, 602 and 605 were out on the Wednesday (605 managing a trip to Fleetwood), with all three out on the Thursday. However, all good things come to an end and a cooler and breezier Friday saw three Railcoaches out on specials instead, and the three Boats lined up on the depot fan being washed! However the rumourmill was again rolling into action by Friday evening speculating that 600 was being prepared for a return to service, fingers crossed!
Saturday morning dawned with similar weather conditions to Friday, so imagine my surprise upon reaching the end of King Edward Avenue to see 600 loading at the Cliffs stop for Pleasure Beach! Thankfully there was a long queue enabling me to cross the road and catch it. Despite the not very encouraging weather Little Willy was joined on prom specials by 602 and 605. Thankfully, what must have been a close decision between sending Boats or Railcoaches out was vindicated by the return of the sun during the afternoon.
Once again Tram Sunday dawned sunny and warm, and 605 was in the procession of trams from Talbot Square to Fleetwood. 600 and 602 were also out on prom specials and managed late afternoon trips to Fleetwood helping to clear the crowds left behind by star of the show (again!), 304.
My homeward day on the Monday saw a damp start to the morning with 626, 631 and 678 out on specials, and the Boats having a well earned rest.
So, the end of a memorable week. Subsequent reports suggest that the four Boats have been regular performers during August and early September. Indeed, although the weather deteriorated as we moved into October, efforts were made to use these whenever possible with 600 and 605 running illumination tours on 15th October. The final use for the 2005 season occurred from car 605 which put in a last brief stint as late as 27th October. 2005 has certainly been a busy year for the four active examples, and now some of them must be clocking up their highest mileages for many years?
Hopefully this marks a change of fortunes for the Boats with the threat of mothballing hanging over them now lifted for the foreseeable future, we can but hope. The trams themselves seem to be in a reasonable condition, especially compared to some of the Balloon cars, and still seem to be reliable in service. The crews appear to enjoy driving and conducting them too, and last but not least the passengers also seem to enjoy the experience of riding on them. As has been said many times before, the Boats tempt people to take a tram ride who would perhaps normally walk or find alternative transport (taxi), and are an asset to BTS and Blackpool as a whole, which should be capitalised on.
I appreciate BTS may have a dilemma regarding putting out advertising contract cars on a regular basis, but on a warm and sunny day a journey on one of the notoriously overheated and sweaty Railcoaches with their severe lack of opening windows is never a pleasurable travelling experience, and will not attract many passengers. Experience suggests the Boat cars are the ideal vehicle for warm and sunny days,
and hopefully the passenger loadings this summer will reinforce the argument.
Most English seaside resorts still have some kind of open top bus service on offer these days. Indeed, a recent visit to Scarborough on a very dank and drizzly Easter Monday earlier this year saw eight such vehicles out on a 5-minute headway, still doing good business. Apart from the City Sightseeing operation, there have been no open top buses in Blackpool since the last of the ex-Fylde Blue Buses were retired a few years ago. However, in my opinion BTS do have the most unique and popular open top vehicles in this country, and they should use them as often as possible, weather permitting of course.
Thanks to BTS and Steve Burd for running the Boat cars again this year. I do hope it has been deemed to be a success? This time last year I was feeling quite depressed about the situation but who knows, more fine weather next year and perhaps 607 can rejoin its sisters on the promenade in another Boat car renaissance.
American Interlude
Three Boat cars are preserved in the United States, with 601, 603 and 606 having been exported in 1971, 1985 and 2000 respectively. Whilst the four active Blackpool based examples have had a busy year, the three American Boats have had a much quieter time.
601 is currently stored out of use at Rio Vista, California. The tram is awaiting repairs to defective motors.
603 has been a stalwart of San Francisco s F line for a number of years, and was converted to comply with US disability regulations during 2002. This involved the removal of a platform bulkhead to allow wheelchair access into the saloon. The car is out of use with underIrame defects but should return next year.
606 is now in store following the closure of the Trolleyville Museum in Ohio. It is hoped that a home can be found for the Trolleyville collection on Cleveland s waterfront.
Fleet Status:
600: Retained in Blackpool. Currently part of the active fleet. Carries original 1934 livery as applied in 1998 when sponsored by FTS.
601: Preserved at Rio Vista,
California, USA. Carries plain 1950s
style livery and original fleet number
226.
602: Retained in Blackpool. Currently part of the active fleet. Carries yellow and black Handybus livery as applied in 1999.
603: Preserved at the Market Street Railway, San Francisco, USA. Carries original 1934 livery and original fleet number 228.
604: Retained in Blackpool. Currently part of the active fleet. Carries 1990s style green and cream fleet livery as applied in 1999.
605: Retained in Blackpool. Currently part of the active fleet. Carries 1940s style wartime green and cream livery, as applied in 1999.
606: Preserved at Trolleyville USA, Ohio. Carries yellow and blue Seagull Coaches livery as applied in Blackpool during 1999.
607: Retained in Blackpool. Currently stored as part of the mothballed fleet. Carries Travelcard advert livery, as applied in 1997.
Note: All cars have EE 327 (4Ohp) motors. 600, 606 and 607 fitted with EE DB 1 controllers, 602, 604 and 605 have EE 76 controllers from scrapped OMO cars. 601 and 603 retain 8TH B18s (601 - retro-fitted in place of EE DB1 sin 1971). 229, 230, 231 and 234 were scrapped in 1968 prior to renumbering
FTSwebmaster - May 10, 11:26