It has been a long 8-months with seemingly no visible progress on Standard 143. However, behind the scenes has not been inactive. Work on preparing the double deck Balloon cars with widened doorways for the post-2012 tramway has occupied the workshops over the winter months and there is a growing uncertainty over the role of the 'vintage' trams on the upgraded tramway. Both of these issues have resulted in Blackpool Transport parking up 143 over the winter months.
However, a kit of body parts required to complete the bodywork restoration of 143 now exists and awaits assembly. For example, the open balcony stanchions and panelling, the balcony staircase panelling, staircase grab rails and balcony seat brackets and the end destination boxes.
All of these are ready to be delivered to Rigby Road depot for fitting to 143.
We are currently discussing with Blackpool Transport an arrangement whereby the LTT would contract BTS to do the work over the summer months.
Our preserved Balloon car 715 was admitted to the paint shop today where it will receive late 1970s style green & cream livery, matching our preserved Brush Railcoach 632. It is planned to hire 715 & 632 for a 1970s themed tour on Saturday 25th June - the day prior to the Trust's "Totally Transport" event.
Preserved LTT trams 632 and 715 are currently enjoying a return to use on the tramway, in what could be their last year of regular operation. Both trams are fitted with transponder equipment that allows them to communicate with the traffic light control systems being installed along the upgraded tramway - and in 2010 confined other trams to the Pleasure Beach to Bispham section only.
It has been a long 8-months with seemingly no visible progress on Standard 143. However, behind the scenes has not been inactive. Work on preparing the double deck Balloon cars with widened doorways for the post-2012 tramway has occupied the workshops over the winter months and there is a growing uncertainty over the role of the 'vintage' trams on the upgraded tramway. Both of these issues have resulted in Blackpool Transport parking up 143 over the winter months.
After some delay due to the focus on tramcar restoration projects during 2010, work has started on the lower repanel of Blackpool Atlantean 362. Withdrawn from service back in October 2006, 362 is to be repainted in the early 1990s green and cream livery style, with matt black window surrounds. The framework on 362 is in reasonably good condition, but there is some corroded sections to repair and horizontal timberwork for the decorative mouldings.
