Crowds Flock to Totally Transport

Sunday was the seventh annual totally Transport event on New South Promenade and the event due in the crowds during the day. Around 370 vehicles took part - only slightly down on last year despite the huge fuel prices increase that hard pressed owners have to absorb.

Back to its established site from Star Hotel down the Promenade to just north of Starr Gate the Classic Cars and Buses organised by LTT were joined by no less than 204 classic minis at the end of the Blackpool Mini Run. 
Seafront 12 was extended to the event and featured Lytham 19, Blackpool 529, Open Top Bristol VR WTG360T and visiting Kelvin Scottish Routemaster 1929, restored by Busworks in 2010. Record passenger numbers saw some heavy loadings.

Entertainment and trade stalls on Solaris field; model trams in the Solaris centre and the operation of vintage trams by Blackpool Transport completed the line up - albeit the latter were somewhat divorced from the event as the tramway through the event site remains closed.

Thanks to those who took part as exhibitors or volunteers and particular thanks to those who visited.  

715 tours for shareholders

Balloon 715 joined the LTT's other operational 1970s liveried Brush Railcoach 632 on a tram tour prior to the annual Totally Transport event on Saturday 25 June. 715 was preserved thanks to the contribution of several shareholders and, now complete with correct fleet numbers and crests, the car is looking super.

Balloon 703 aka Sunderland 101

Commissioning work on Balloon 703 at Beamish took a back seat while their team completed the overhaul of Newcastle 114. With this now back in service, 703 - or Sunderland 101 as it is now known - is back under preparation and this latest update on the Beamish blog shows the car lit up while work continues on mounting the trolley. Hopefully 101 will be ready for the Power from the Past Event between 1st and 4th September.

715 back in service

LTT's Balloon 715 has returned to use this morning leaving Depot at 1120 for Cabin on specials. The car emerged from the paint shop on Friday and is now resplendent in green and cream for the first time since 2005. 715 was the last Balloon to receive the 1990s livery in 2001 and last carried the 1970s livery in 1986 after a repaint in August 1981.