To boldly go where no tram has gone before!

Today saw a major step forward with Blackpool Rocket 732. Having been in the trust's care for 10 years the rocket was moved from Rigby Road to the lights dept at Squires Gate.

This is so further progress can take place on plans for the Rocket to be static in the lights Centenary in Blackpool this year.

As can be seen a lot of work was needed to be able to move 732 including the removal of the rear platform. This was badly damaged in various shunts over recent years and so with the impossible task of moving the tram with this on the decision was made to remove this, as well as the skirting which would foul the low loader. This will be replaced on removable sections for future transportation.

The controllers etc will be recovered and so can be displayed in the future.

A big thank you to David Umpleby who has supervised the move from the LTT's perspective and to Richard Ryan, Illuminations Director for making this happen.

Veteran Lytham 19 gets a further health check!

An impressive line-up of local Lytham St Annes buses last week with 19 on the lift for MoT preparation

At 66 years of age, Lytham 19 is no spring chicken of a bus. Indeed, from November 2012 it will qualify for MoT exemption - the equivalent of a free bus pass! Nevertheless, No.19 passed a further health check today after being subjected to its annual medical and its last official MoT test. Although many of 19's outings are in connection with private hires for Classic Bus North West, the company maintain & inspect the vehicle throughout the year and fund all maintenance and repair work on the bus. However, mileage is restricted and 19 rarely ventures away from the Fylde coast but today it stretched its legs for the 130 mile round trip to Martins of Middlwich for its MoT - our local VOSA testing station at Kirkham being fully booked for MoT slots until mid July!

Olympian 401 next for MoT prep

401 on the vehicle lift at our Brinwell Road depot - 28 May 2012

Following the successful MoT pass of Lytham PD1 No.19, our veteran from 1946, the next vehicle to be assessed for MoT preparation is former Blackpool Transport Leyland Olympian No.401. New in March 1983 as Trent 701, this vehicle was operated by Blackpool Transport from 1997 to September 2010 and was acquired for preservation in January 2012. Current plans are to get 401 through a Class VI MoT test and then arrange a full repaint.

MoT prep for Routemaster 521

Routemaster 521, formerly RM1583, following its arrival back at the BusWorks and prior to being lifted.

Former Blackpool Transport Routemaster 521 has moved to the BusWorks site for MoT preparation work after an absence off the road since October 2010. Still looking shiny with its 2004 applied paintwork, 521 will be submitted for a Class VI psv test during mid June. Whilst off the road, several parts have been removed to keep other Routemasters on the road, earning their keep on hire work but now it is definately time to get this Routemaster operational again.

Blackpool PD3 outings

Front and back picture of 516 and 529 at Brinwell Road depot

Extrcting Blackpool PD3 516 from Brinwell Road depot allowed us the opportunity to get this picture of 516 and 529 together. Due to other commitments, 516 has spent most of 2010 and all of 2011 off the road but soon the bus will be re-submitted for an MoT Class V. 529 meanwhile has recently passed another Class VI PSV test at Kirkham's VOSA station, following some structural repairs to the platform step riser.

Fylde 79 restoration progress

Some further steps forward on the restoration of Fylde Atlantean 79 (HRN99N) have been made in recent weeks and during a shunt at the BusWorks site to move Ensignbus sponsored restorations of RTW335 & Metropolitan MD60 into the newly designated workshop area, 79 was captured on camera. The extent of the strip down can be seen and the next stage is to grind off the corroded steel "top-hat" sections for replacement. The BusWorks has commissioned a local fabrication company to make the replacement Northern Counties style top-hat sections.

Ribble 1997 out on test

Former Ribble Bristol VRT 1997 (OCK997K) has been out on test runs today after its accelerator and fuel supply problems were remedied earlier in the week. Effort is now being focused on this bus to allow it to return to use in 2012.