Latest Event NewsLatest event news will appear here as it is confirmed:
Rack 2 and 167 Arrive
Two more visitors from Crich have arrived with Blackpool & Fleetwood Rack 2 and Pantograph 167 arriving on Thursday 2 September completing the three arrivals from the TMS - both cars last visited for the 1998 Tramoad Centenary. Rack 2 will be restricted to tours only as it is not permitted to operate in normal passenger service due to its now non standard layout.
Sadly the Lancastrian Transport Trust has been advised that the outstanding mechanical work on its newly restored Standard car 143 will not be completed in time for the events - however the car will hopefully be on static display. OMO 8 is scheduled to move shortly and subject to satisfactory commissioning and testing will make a welcome return after 18 years absence.
Standard 143 Arrives (19 Aug)
Lancastrian Transport Trust's Standard car 143 has arrived at Rigby Road Depot for commissioning ready for the 125 events. In December 2005 LTT commenced stripping the body of fire damaged Engineering Car 753 - the first steps in a near five year programme to restore the car to near original appearance. A underframe; new platforms and a new top deck have been incorporated. The trucks have been overhauled by Blackpool Transport and the complex move was expertly managed by Scotts Heavy Haulage. Pictures of the restoration can be seen here.
Changes to Visitors from Crich (17 Aug). The following statement has been provided by Blackpool Transport:
" On Monday 16th Aug, Johannesburg 60 was loaded aboard a lorry at Crich and set off for Blackpool. Soon after departure from the Museum, severe damage was sustained to this car due to overhanging trees. The car had to be returned to the Museum forthwith as it was no longer in serviceable condition and Oporto 273 made the trip instead. Due to the great likelihood of damage to further double deck tramcars, it was decided that it would not be possible to send any Crich double deck trams (Johannesburg 60, Blackpool 40 & Leeds 399) in support of the 'Blackpool 125' Celebration.
In order to compensate for the shortfall in cars to Blackpool from Crich, it was suggested that consideration be given to sending Blackpool & Fleetwood Rack 2. This was agreed. Sadly the only other available single deck cars on offer were Cardiff 131 and the Blackpool Electric Loco. We turned down this offer as the costs of bringing them to Blackpool could not be justified on the basis that the Company would be unable to recover its overheads commercially from non passenger cars. The Locomotive would not even be able to operate on the Blackpool system. Blackpool Transport fully appreciate the unfortunate position that the TMS found themselves in. We cannot fault their helpfulness and fully commiserate with them on the highly regrettable damaged sustained by Car 60"
Porto 273 Arrives (posted 17 August).The first ever foregin tram has arrived in Blackpool. Porto 273 arrived late on Monday 16 August and was unloaded on Tuesday morning. This American design, Portugese built and Crich restored car will provide a cosmopolitan feature to the event and is sure to turn heads on the Promenade.
Statement from Tramway Museum Society - possible change to visiting trams. See Crich blog for full statement (posted 16 August)
LCC 106 unavailable (posted 30 July 2010)
Blackpool Transport has advised that LCC 106 is no longer available due to a mechanical defect - further details to follow.
Marton Box 31 Resplendent (posted 30 July 2010)
Marton Box 31 has been fully repainted into 1920s livery prior to its move to Blackpool. Photos here.
Pantograph 167 back in service at Crich (posted 30 July 2010)
Pantograph 167 returned to use on Monday 26th June after repaint and truck overhaul prior to its visit in September.
Manchester 765 Arrives (posted 16 June 2010)
Manchester 765 has now arrived in Blackpool from Heaton Park for its summer long stay - the first of the vintage cars booked for the event. Click here for a profile
Brush 632 Nearly Ready (posted 16 June 2010)
LTT's Brush car 632is nearly ready for its launch over totallyTransport weekend. It will feature on an LTT running day on Saturday 26 June and will hopefully be in service on the event day itself (Sunday 27 June). www.totallytransport.info. 632 has now received its 1970s roof boxes ready for adverts for Trams Magazine and the Blackpool Tram Shop.
VAMBAC 11 visit off (posted 16 June 2010)
Sadly Blackpool Transport has advised that the visit of VAMBAC 11 has been cancelled.
See News Archive for earlier posts
