These Vintage Seaside Trams were once an iconic part any visit to the popular seaside holiday town of Blackpool, in the north west of England. Their colourful carriages ferried holidaymakers for 80 years, before the tram system was modernised in 2012. Relegated to redundancy, many were snapped up by heritage groups and transport enthusiasts. This particular collection was once stored at a compound in the Fleetwood Docks areas, but all these lovely vehicles have now been re-homed or scrapped.
End Of an era for the vintage seaside trams – Modernisation of the Blackwood tram transport system in 2012
In 2012, the Blackpool Tramway underwent a significant modernisation. Thanks to a government grant, there was ample funding for a complete overhaul. Unfortunately, this resulted in the phasing out of the beloved, but aging, fleet of vintage seaside trams. Classic vehicles, such as the “English Electric Balloons” with their distinctive double-decker design, saw the end of their eight decades service. Although few were retained for a special heritage service, the majority were sold off or scrapped.
A new modern fleet of Bombardier Flexity 2 trams came into service upon completion of the line work. These sleek, low-floor vehicles offered improved accessibility, passenger capacity, and reliability.
The Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust
The Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust (FHLT) was formed in 2011. The Trust’s goal was to establish a tram museum and visitor attraction at Wyre Dock, Fleetwood. Over the following decade, they meticulously collected these vintage seaside trams and other memorabilia related to the Blackpool Tramroad Company. These collections would have been housed inside a purpose-built heritage center. As well as learning tramway’s rich history, visitors would have been able to ride on a restored tram.
However, after a decade of planning and collecting history, the FHLT was unable to secure the necessary funding to complete the project. It was a sad day when the Trust officially ceased operations in 2022.
four Types Of 1930s & 1960s Vintage Seaside Trams
- Balloon Cars:These single-bodied trams, were once a common sight along the Blackpool tram lines. Brought into service in 1934/1935, balloon cars were known for their open-air balconies at either end.
- Balloon Car No. 710 is the purple and yellow double-decker tram. Originally it was open-topped and later the upper floor was enclosed (probably a wise choice given English weather). Number 710 is actually a celebrity tram! Its claim to fame is once featured in a popular soap opera, Coronation Street. It was famously involved in the dramatic demise of a character named Alan Bradley.
- Twin Cars:The clues in the name with this one. These trams are two single-bodied trams, permanently connected, which allowed for increased capacity on busier routes. A special bellows-like apparatus connects the two trams, this allows for some movement between the sections while a weatherproof walkway.
- Twin Car 683 is the cyan and yellow tram in my photo collection.
- Brush Cars:Brush cars were named after the Brush Traction Company, an important tram manufacturer in the early 1900s. Brush cars have underfloor engines, unlike earlier tram designs where the engine roof mounted. Therefore, Brush Cars have a lower center of gravity and a more streamlined appearance.
- Brush Car 637 is the most beautiful tram, featuring hand-painted Blackpool Zoo artwork all over the body.
- Motor Units:These trams housed the powerful electric motors that propelled the entire tram. They would often be coupled with trailer cars, which they would haul along the tramline. Likewise, some operated as a single car tram on less busy routes.
- Motor Unit 678, also known as Railcoach 678, is the black tram tucked down the side of the Blackpool Zoo tram. Originally built in the 1930s English Electric Railcoach 278, it was converted to a Twin Car in the 1960s. It was never permanently coupled to the trailer car, and operated as a single car tram until it was withdrawn from service in 2006.
What happened to the Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust tram collection?
This closure left an impressive collection of ten Vintage 1930s Seaside Trams with an uncertain future. Initially the Trust focused on finding new homes for each tram, sending them to other collectors and heritage groups. Some trams that were beyond repair were dismantled, their parts being used to restore and maintain other vehicles. The last few remaining trams were, unfortunately, scrapped in December 2023.
Motor Unit 678 (Railcoach 678) and Brush Car 637 were both scrapped. Balloon Car 710, Twin Car 683 were re- located and preserved at other heritage trusts or tramways.
