Tram Talk

John Woodman The trial run over a 50 mile round trip of a four car unit train powered by hydrogen fuel cells inaugurated a new era on Britain's railways today. The journey, sufficient for a tram train passenger service from Fleetwood to Preston and back, is a significant milestone in the transformation of Britain's rail motive power from diesel to electric but without need for third rail or overhead power collection systems. Much like the move away from diesel (and petrol)

Amid all the camera clicking this weekend recording yet another ostensible commemoration of Blackpool's heritage trams one car was notable by its absence - Standard Car 143. September 23rd 2019 saw this fine restoration make its appearance for the first time on the Promenade in the original open platform condition it was built. Returned to the pre-Luff 1920's livery and with open balcony ends - number 143 fills an important milestone in Blackpool's tramcar history. Siste

Mercedes Citaro 552 seen here on Clifton Street with Veterans Memorial signage on display some years ago. Withdrawn during the past several months due to requirement for driver/crew protection screen additions - the class have returned to service in September with new installed screens positioned at the fare transaction side of the driver's cab..

Well before Blackpool Transport's present management bought into the importance of replacing diesel with electric power (on the buses) - many British towns and cities were operating electric buses with few if any problems. Unseen forces however brought about the demise of the 'trolleybus' as we knew it in favour of the diesel powered vehicle. Bradford was the last UK city to operate trolleybuses but from time to time trials have taken place through industry sponsorship to

The daily headlines across all media point to a hard winter impacting all the country irrespective of geography or politics. Large falls in the financial markets today focus on sectors dealing with the leisure economy - from aircraft manufacturers to hotels and retail. The impact of the pandemic crosses all boundaries and seemingly is set to get worse as we head into the winter months. For transport operators, both large and small, the consequences of falling passenger num

A further visit to the site of the former Wilko store today showed a work in progress in the demolition of the combined store and car park structure. Contractors are focussing on a phased removal of the concrete edifice from the Dickson Road frontage towards the rear of the property which faces on to Blackpool North railway terminal precinct. Understandably road closures are in place given the amount of building material having to be broken up and removed. However traffic

Having had the pleasure of visiting Cork last year (pre-Covid) it was an even great pleasure to read that this second city of the Republic of Ireland is to be favoured with a light rail investment. The city has an impressive central commercial district with wide sweeping boulevard bounded by classic architectural styles from several era. The main Cork railway station carries express trains from Dublin to other connecting towns and communities on the southern and western co

A quick visit to the town centre today revealed the extent of demolition work already well underway on the blot on the landscape structure formerly known as 'Wilkos'. Contractors have gutted the internal area of the retail store and now beginning the process of tearing down the outer facade of the structure facing on to Dickson Road. Inevitably road closures and detours of traffic around this pivotal area are giving drivers headaches, as well as requiring Blackpool Transpo

Following on his remarkable book on the Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramroad and its successor operator - Blackpool Corporation, Brian Turner has turned incisive scrutiny to his home town, Lytham and its colourful tramway in a new book 'Lytham Trams'. published privately. The hardback volume of 224 pages carries the fullest account of the Fylde coast's southerly tram operator, from inception with German technology of the day (originating in Dessau) to closure of the tram service

Splendid display in bright sunshine at Hopton Road and Vambac 304 leading 660. Vambac 304 with end embellishments in the correct style passing Brush Car 290 displayed at the Pleasure Beach by the FHLT. A third Coronation car is now in Rigby Road Depot (in private ownership) being worked on to bring it to display (and potentially operating) condition. Thanks to the hard work and funding from the enthusiast community, and especially the FTT in its present and former title (LT