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Tram Talk

Disclaimer : The opinions and commentary voiced on this page are those of the author and do not have the automatic endorsement of the Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust unless otherwise stated.

Thanks to All BTS Drivers

Blackpool's Bus Scene - Five Years Ago

Apr 26, 2020

Blackpool's Bus Scene - Five Years Ago

The Blackpool Zoo Bus Service Terminus with Solo 240 ahead of Catch22Bus RM An immaculate Routemaster on Service 21 in Blackpool June 2016 Another immaculate 1960s period Blackpool bus at the Cleveleys terminus of Service 21 - the red and white colours hark back to the 1920s when Blackpool Corporation Transport's buses and trams were resplendent in similar colour. Departing from Cleveleys to make a hard right turn over the tramway for the return trip into Blackpool. Bus cou

English Electric Trams in Poland

Apr 25, 2020

English Electric Trams in Poland

The interwar years saw a newly created Poland - riven from the Communist ruled Russian territory and the former Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy. The new state was in need of modernisation of transport infrastructure, particularly in and around Warsaw. British Government credits were available to support new export markets for manufactured products. The English Electric Company saw opportunity for its power generation and electrical distribution systems and with political

BTS Bus Adjustments

Apr 24, 2020

BTS Bus Adjustments

In addition to the severely truncated bus schedules now being operated as a result of the corona virus impact - the handling of fares and transactions have also been curtailed. New protective screens have been inserted over the original design allowing fares and card use. Instead passengers can merely display their card or pass to the driver without any physical handling from the cab. Seat use is prohibited immediately behind and on the nearside area from the driver - to fur

Aachen 1010

Apr 23, 2020

Aachen 1010

One of the more unusual imports in the British Isles involved the upgrade to the Snaefell Mountain Railway trams several decades back. The need to improve the braking and power systems of these veteran trams resulted in a contract being given to London Transport's engineering business by the Manx authorities. Withdrawal of a series of postwar bogie cars by the Aachen system with relevant equipment provided opportunity for the Manx Government to acquire sufficient material

Apr 21, 2020

Lost Tram Depots on the Fylde's Coast - 2

A further grievous loss was the tram depot built by Blackpool Corporation as part of its development of the tramway around the town's eastern district to Marton - and thence by almost circular route back into the commercial and leisure centre at Hounds Hill ending at Central Station. This was completed in 1901. At the time Whitegate Drive was essentially a wagon track surrounded by open fields. This quickly changed following the Corporation's approval of the new line. L

Apr 19, 2020

Lost Tram Depots On The Fylde's Coast - 1

Sticking with the transport museum theme for a moment (see previous Blogs this month) - the omission of a public display of vintage trams (and buses) depicting the transitory story of urban transport over three centuries along the Fylde coast - is a grotesque example of benign neglect by local authorities. Local Authorities now signing up to proposals for a enhanced electric powered light rail system embracing communities from Fleetwood to Kirkham and Lytham (and of course

Really Good Use For Old Tram Depots

Apr 19, 2020

Really Good Use For Old Tram Depots

A working tram depot in The Hague upgraded to create a remarkable assembly of that city's trams displayed to the public and used for tours and special events. Ive visited many towns and cities operating trams or formerly with trams and it is surprising just how many recognise the historic importance of surviving examples sufficiently strong enough to warrant their further use to house representative tram and bus displays. From Prague to Liege, Brussels to Moscow and especia

Farefree Travel ?

Apr 17, 2020

Farefree Travel ?

Transport for London this week has announced no fares will be taken on London's bus network. Jointly TfL has also directed that bus passengers must only use the centre entrance of vehicles. Loading from the front and paying fares by card or cash to the driver is now forbidden as a measure to avoid infection of bus drivers through transmission involving fare payments and proximity to drivers when boarding. The alarming number of deaths by LT staff, particularly bus drivers

The Missing Museum Display

Apr 14, 2020

The Missing Museum Display

Blackpool's Tower, Piers and Trams are forever synonymous with the longevity of this Lancashire seaside resort. Whilst the Piers - all three of them - have survived in the care of successive owners, and the Tower with its equally famous Ballroom are now iconic emblems of Britain's seaside resorts since the late 1800s when railways transformed travel and access for millions seeking seaside enjoyment - Blackpool's trams have fared less well. The once nostalgic ride along the

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