Blackpool Day - the aftermath!!

So, the big event of 2010 is over! 18 months in the planning and 4 days in the execution. I cannot say enough thank yous to the many, many people who helped to make the event a success - everyone who did something and made a contibution, right from the person who slogged their guts out for 4 days to the person who moved a chair because it was in the way - every single one made that difference. Thank you so, so much. Highlight of the event has to be the inter museum co-operation when we ran out of milk and an SOS went out to Boyle Street, who very kindly sent some over! Sitting on the top deck of 706 phoning round begging for milk is certainly a bizarre experience.
I think we made some new friends - certainly we have had lots of positive feedback - even from the rather surprised visitor who was visiting Manchester for the day and had come into the park for a wander only to be confronted by 31 displaying Royal Oak - which is round the corner from where she lives! The bus service was very popular and provided lots of good photographic opportunities. Certainly Saturday's photo charter proved a huge success and I look forward to seeing the results of that soon. It was nice to be able to photograph various eras of Blackpool - a vintage roadster overtaking 31 in the sylvan setting surely had to evoke memories of Stanley Park and the semi rural Layton.
A number of firsts and unique situations were also chalked up (well, it would hardly be a Heaton Park event if not):
- the first 3 car electric service since 1997
- the first all Blackpool service since 1988
- representatives from all 3 Blackpool eras and a car in each livery (including all green works). 752 also coupled as a car from the days when illuminations cars did not carry passengers.
- the most Blackpool Trams in service anywhere in the world on that day.
- the only illuminated Tram in Britain in operation.
- the only standard gauge open top double deckers in passenger service in the world.
- 706 and 619 in service the latest they have been in the year in their current condition.
- the first time 4 electric Trams have been on site and operated together at HPT.
- the first time 2 double deckers have operated together at HPT, and the first time in Manchester since Stockport closed in 1952.
- the last time 619 operates in service as 619. Many people spotted the model of Heaton Park 7 on show . . .619 has now been withdrawn from service.
- the 3 Trams back together again - the first time since 1998.
- 1 and 4 reunited (think about it!).
- the first short term loan of an electric Tram from one Tramway to another (131 at Beamish was a few days longer).
- Does 31 count as the most travelled Tram? 3 different Tramways and in 2 different guises in the space of 12 months? (technically 3 guises as it has been 31 twice!)

Also . . .
- 5 different preservation groups all working together and operating vehicles in passenger service. (HPT, LTT, Boyle ST, 364 group, Barrow group)

It was interesting to see 706 - one visitor commented that it would either look really good or totally ridiculous - really good I'm happy to say it was really good. I lost count of the number of people who commented that they were now more convinced that a Balloon would be right for us and those who said they couldn't wait to see it - well it might just be a bit closer than you think and not the one you think . . . .no it isn't 717 or 101. . . .

Well, its now all over - the largest event we have done and hopefully not the last. Full details of next years events will be up soon - possibly scaled down a little and back with avengeance in 2011, but never say die.

Some pics you won't have seen coming soon as well.

John

update 14th Nov

Hi All

So 31 has now operated in pasenger service - a truly momentous occasion. The first double decker on the reopened line and the first in Manchester since the twenties. Thank you to the other crews there today for indulging me in letting me drive the first service on it, which, for the record was 2pm. The car also carried a poppy wreath for most of the afternoon (until it rather unfortunately came loose and dangled in front of the driver's position!). Interestingly, 12 months ago 765 carried the self same wreath on Leeds Day. Which made me think how quickly 12 months has gone by and that the cars in service on that day are now at Beamish and Blackpool.
So for the first time since 1987 we have an all Blackpool fleet. Bizarrely last time we had a Fleetwood car and a promenade car (40 and 600) and this time we have a replica Fleetwood car and a Promenade car - how bizarre. 31 became a Promanade car in this guise, before anyone corrects me!

Interestingly, 31 has operated on 3 Tramways this year and in 2 guises!!

The bus arrangements for Sunday have changed again as well - and for the better.

I shall publish full details on the web later this week

John

Hi All

A few pics for you of Marton 31 in action today. It ran for a private hire celebrating Derek Shepherd's 80th birthday. Derek is one of our longest serving active members and it was something very special to see the likes of such famous Tramway and Light Railway luminaries such as Bryan Lindop, Geoffrey Claydon, Ian Longworth, Tony Depledge and Councillor Keith Whitmore (among many others) at Heaton Park to help him to celebrate. I hope you guys don't mind being mentioned by name but I wanted to show just how well thought of Derek Shepherd is. His most famous achievement is Bolton 66 but he also led the team who built 619. It was a pleasure to see Derek drive the first double deck journey on the Tramway. He was also presented with a model of Bolton 66.

AS dusk sets in 31 poses at Lakeside.

A rather poor photo of 31 and 619.

Derek at the controls of 31, about to start the historic first journey.

A massive thanks also to Beamish Museum for letting us loose with 31!

Blackpool Day update.

There are still tickets available for the photo charter on Saturday 20th - email j.d.whitehouse2@tesco.net Please remember that this is a private hire - if you want to take part, please purchase a ticket.

Sunday is shaping up well. 706 is booked to arive on Friday 19th - anyone around is welcome to come to Heaton Park to watch but please stay well clear of the moves as we have restricted space and don't want to flatten any of you (not until you've paid your fiver on Sunday anyway).

Six buses are pencilled in. The LTT are provisionally sending

Blackpool PD3 529, Lytham PD2 70, Ribble Atlantean 1805 and RE 366.

Blackpool Atlantean 364 from Blackpool Transport and a Barrow Atlantean are booked in also.

There will also be a half hourly service to Boyle Street Museum (hopefully via Bowker Vale) in addition to the Park service.

MDS booksales will be in attendance as will Pete Whiteley's illuminated Trams and Alan Catlow's 5.5mm Trams, not to mention greetings cards from Margaret and Jim Clough.

More soon . . .

JOhn

Back with avengeance!

HI all

Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated and I am, in fact, back!
I shall endeavour to update very regularly to keep you updated on the Blackpool event.
As you probably lknow 31 arrives on the 9th and 196 leaves on the 9th - a 2 car service is pencilled in to say goodbye on the 7th.
Traction poles are now planted on the extension and we await the overhead being erected - most likely before the track is done.

The movements therefore mean that 619 (roll on 2011 - 7 is so much easier to type!) will be the service car on Sunday 14th with 31 on training.

31 takes over as the service car on 28th (if we survive the events of 19th - 22nd).

Will try and post some pics later.

John

WOW - things move fast

Firstly, lets start with a rare view. Its the Sunday of Bank Holiday weekend and yes, that is me Guarding - a shot rarer than the overalls, me with ticket rack and bag!

OK, so since the last post things have moved apace.

August Bank Holiday Monday was the busiest Bank Holiday I have ever seen! There were so many people around at one stage we had to get both Trams out and they ran full for a good couple of hours.

L53 has been to Beamish and back. It ran successfully for four days in glorious sunshine.

Sunday 5th September played host to the Trans Lancs Rally and the now annual Model Tramway exhibition. After a quiet start the day went very well - the depot being packed with visitors nearly all afternoon. The Trams had the busiest day of the year - only eclipsed once at the Arabian Festival a few years ago. We carried about 1000 passengers and both Trams were absolutely full to bursting all afternoon - 196 even carrying full standing loads a la Beamish! Its nice to see just how busy we can be now. A MASSIVE thank you is due to all the staff of the day. Despite being down on staff due to holidays and L53 operating at Beamish we covered every journey and maintained a full service. Musical drivers? Musical bleedin' everything! I shall break with tradition and mention you all - Alan Williams (who didn't know he was D.I. for the day until he arrived!), Dave McFarlane, Iain Hatrick, Tony Molloy, Rebecca Palmer, Martin Bryan, Martin Strickland (experiencing a baptism of fire on his first event day crewing) and Shaul Croshaw who made the mistake of asking if we needed any help and was promptly dragged onto the rear platform of 619.

Another massive thank you to all the exhibitors - Steve Smith, Doug and Vera Pritchard, Gerald and Jean Southern, Wilf and Joan Helliwell, Ian Thompson, Keith Gilliver, Pete Whiteley (and Whitleley junior), Eric Hall, Greg Marsden, Ian Johnson, Mark Casson and Mrs. casson (!). Apolgies if I've missed anyone.

And another thanks to all who came down and helped behind the scenes - Marjorie, Jeremy, Andrew, Hilda, Mark, Bob, Terry and Alex who had high tailed it down from Beamish.

OK Oscars over.

The biggest news of all, though is construction starting on the new terminus. The ground has the first layer of ballast and sleepers are due very soon. Moving of track into position should be in the next week or so, then . . . .

For pics of all the above, see the main website at www.heatonparktramway.co.uk

I'm back

Hello, after nearly a month the blog is back - sorry foer the delay but just been so busy, then ill (amn flu) just haven't had chance to update. So Gordon, Andrew et al stop your whinging and here we go.

TRAMS

619 has gone pop again. The Compressor has disgraced itself and is currently in the back of a car awaiting a return to Blackpool - thanks to BT for arranging an rxchange so quickly. There is also a problem with some fuses and switches. It is hoped to have 619 back in service before the exhibition in September.

The bit you never see. 619s railcoach bogie and part of the framework.

The work area with two seats removed to make access easier. The floor plates have been put back in.
Horse Tram to the rescue?
The offensing compressor in the back of Alex's car!

196 is performing well and now bearing the brunt of the service.

752 was out today on guard training duties - as its the only 'standard' handbrake car we have it has been used for training of handbrake procedure.

L53 will leave for Beamish at the end of the month and return a week later.

Rawtenstall 23 remains in the open next to the depot - it is hoped to be able to cover this car a bit better later.

TRACK

We await construction to start on the extension, but this is in the final logistics stages now and should see action very soon.
The depot access point has received attention today and is performing better. We tend to forget that all the double trackwork and points is 105 years old! Interestingly not one of the points matches, leading us to believe that the track in the park was constructed using whatever was left over alnd lying around!

The bit of point you rarely see. The cover is removed for maintenance.

DALEK

Martin has received some attention. The blue hemispheres were very pretty but not robust enough for the knocks and scrapes it gets at HPT, being painted over quite shiny plastic. It has had a new set of unpainted shny black plastic ones put on and paintwork modified to the colour scheme the Daleks appeared in 1974's Death to the Daleks. So far its surviving. I had originally suggested removing Martin but there was such as outcry because of the interest it generates for our younger visitors he got refurbed instead!

Shiny Martin, resplendent in his new livery. One person did suggest Red and cream . . .

TOURS

You will see from the main website that we are planning an illuminations tour on September 28th using Stockport 5, Bolton 66 and Manchester 765. Initially this is open to members of the 3 owning groups (if you are reading this and haven't yet been contacted - you will be soon). We are hoping to open this to all a little later.

Till next time . . .

John

credits

Oops pressed last button before I got chance to add thanks to Andrew Hazlehurst and Martin Bryan for pics.

All change (again)

Well, for the first time since 1987 the service is to be maintained entirely by on loan cars (1985 - 88 was 40 and 600 with 96 arriving in 1988). Oporto and Blackpool is certainly an interesting mix, not to mention the endless comedy value of 196 and 619.

To begin with Ian Johnson's new book on Manchester Pilcher's is now on sale and is rather good.

Here is Ian with the book and the closest we have to a Pilcher, at the moment . . . . .

Here is 765 on Sunday looking rather better for having its numbers redone in gold leaf and repainted yellow lining as well as patched up paintwork.

Tuesday rolled around and late morning we received a phone call to say that 619 had left Blackpool. The enthusiast world seems divided on the subject of the length of its loan - various people have told me that it will be going back to Blackpool by Christmas and other people have told me it will stay in Manchester forever, whilst others seem to think its on loan for anything from 2 to 10 years! The actual agreement? When somebody tells us we'll let you know.

196 basks in the morning sun in a shot which shows its enormous width!

765's lifetrays on the platform ready for transit.

What's that coming over the hill . . . . is it . . . well, you get the idea. Its the l,ongest Tram ever to travel up Middleton Road.

A certain ex-Blackpool driver watches as 619 moves ever closer towards his grasp once more! Expect the footage to appear on a future DVD.

619 touches Manchester rails and so begins life in its new (temporary?) home.

It was pulled out of the way by 752 (old friends) and posed very briefly next to 765. Is it just me or does it look right in the Park setting?

It was then coupled to 765 and propelled into the workshop.

765 then came out and was driven, yes driven, onto the wagon bed. Great care was taken not to lose the earth connection. It was hauled the rest of the way. This move saved about an hour!

And here she is on the wagon. So what's new in Blackpool since she left in 1988? Hmmm...Stockport 5, Sheffield 513 which was there in 1988, then came back! The Trawler, 2 rebuilt illuminateds, fat doors, no cabin loop. I will let you fill the rest in yourself.

Even 765 has impressive length when straddling both carriageways.

Goodbye old friend (for now)

Outside depot in the process of being washed. The car was filthy after a winter of storage and a motorway journey.

Since this photo was taken the car has been fitted with a mini tower and trolley with carbon skid. All is in working order but at the moment the compressor won't play ball, which puts its appearance on Sunday in some doubt. More work on Saturday and we shall see.

31st May

Well, there goes another month!

First of all a Tram rarely featured anywhere (and unlikely to be again for some while) - Rawtenstall 23. Visitors to the shed may have seen bits of it hanging around and 6 is currently fitted with its kick boards, but not many people have ever seen the truck, underframe and roof. These are currently in store and require some attention as can be seen from the angle of the roof. I have been asked not to reveal the location (and if anyone else knows, please dodn't publish it either as it is not accessible to the public and we do not want to cause inconvenience to anyone). It has previously been sheeted up and may move again soon!

Work contines on 765 to prepare it for service in Blackpool. Fun was had today when we realised that the paint just wasn't going to match the colour chart, it looked a reddy colour in depot, but outside it had pink trucks! A hasty dash to the paint shop resulted in now brown trucks and lifeguards - phew! The wrong colour paint acting like a remarkably good undercoat. One of our staff actually did a double take when he spied me in overalls painting! I won't mention Martin's name here, but its a slightly harsh judgement - just like my wallet the overalls do make the occasional appearance!The rather fetching salmon pink trucks.

Brown again!

Joking apart - a quick thank you here, by the way, to the the guys who have been busily away painting and scraping on 765.

Also today we assembled the display boards for the Museum of Museums at Trafford.

Thanks to Andrew for developing the 'house style' for the individual information panels.

So, what's happening in June? More Trams - 619 is due mid-month and we are hoping that 765 will still make an appearance at Totally Transport.

Incudentally to add to last months Tram move tally we have moved Trams in March (6), April (196), May (L53) and June (765/619)!!!

Till next time . . .

Addition!!

Forgot to answer the question posted last week. L53 is moving to make room for 196 which is longer than 765. As the cars are nose to tail in the shed something had to go! L53 is the ideal choice as it will be a fantastic ambassador for the museum.

15/16 May

Saturday was our AGM meeting and the second Saturday of operation. The day was pleasant and warm and the shortest AGM on record - namely because they were relegated to sitting on 765 due to the depot being in use!!
Sunday saw 196 and 765 opeate together for the last time. Just for the record 765 performed faultlessly and was much photographed. We didn't get any buses parked at the depot but there was a frequent service from Boyle Street. A few enthusuasts siezed the day and came to photograph the 2 cars. L53 sat outside to say its goodbyes - it is set to move tomorrow. The car is going on a 3 year loan to Bury Transport Museum at Castlecroft. It will make the occasional appearance elsewhere during this time . . .watch this space.

L53 makes the fifth Tram move so far this year - with may more to come. I don't think I'm saying too much if I point out that there will be no less than 16 possible Tram moves which we are involved with this year. What are they? In no particular order and not all confirmed . . .

1. 6 to Beamish

2. 196 to HPT

3. 623 to Trafford

4. 702 to Trafford

5. L53 to Bury

6. 765 to Blackpool

7. 619 to HPT

8. 706 to HPT

9. 706 from HPT

10. 6 to HPT

11. 196 to Beamish

12. 765 to HPT (provisional)

13. xxx to HPT (provisional)

14. ?????

15. L53 to ???

16. L53 to Bury

Which interestingly makes 752 the only constant this year at HPT!

1. The morning line up. By the end of 2010 no fewer than 10 passenger Trams will have waited here for service since 1980. Not bad going eh? Oh, and that includes a Horse Tram in case you were wondering. 11 Trams if you include 752.

2. 765 at rest - the final time in 2010.

3. L53 basks in the late afternoon sun - the last time for??

Last few weeks

25th April

L53 ran for the last time. The weather was atrocious and by mid afternoon we had to abandon the Horste Tram due to the horses hooves slipping on the moss which seems to like growing in the gap between tarmac and rail. 765 and 196n had intermittently shared the service but 765 had to deputise for L53 so both cars were out. They ran in tandem with 765 at the Lake end. In order to avoid constant point changing in the wet all cars used the left side at Middleton Road and centre crossover, giving the rare chance to see cars coming wrong line with their trolleys on the right then correcting themselves at centre crossover!

L53 in the wet. Its so poor you can even see the red light on L53. Here's a bit of useless knowledge - the front warning light in L53's day was red whilst the rear green!

The morning line up.

Bank Holiday was reasonably busy with Monday seeing a few full loads.

This weekend saw the first of the Saturday services.

Today saw all cars outsidew whilst L53 had its brakes checked over - why outside? Its easier to twist the body and do it from above! The car has now been checked and cleaned in readiness for moving to Bury. The following photo will only be possible once more.

Next weekend sees a 2 car service on Sunday in connection with Boyle Street's rear engine celebration event. If all goes to plan there will be several buses parked at the Tramway and a bus service linking Boyle Street and The Tramway. This is likely to be 765's last outing before Blackpool.

Enjoy!

18th April and Beamish

Wow, what another fabulous week.

Power from the Past was tremendous and all the organisers, staff and participants at Beamish deserve a massive thank you and congratulations for a stunning event. The combination of 4 operating railways (including passenger rides on the full size demonstration line), a plethora of steam vehicles and the visiting Aidensfield Bus (yes the one from Heartbeat!!!) made a truly enjoyable event. Not to mention Trams from 3 museums - well done for getting that together! The combination of 4, 6 and 131 was tremendous and probably quite unique as it is unlikely to happen ever again.

It was nice to see our Leeds 6 in an authentic street, giving just a hint of Leeds suburb! To see it perform on the 1.5 mile circuit is nice to see (especially crammed to capacity!) as you don't always feel you can get the best out of cars on our current (but not for long) short line. 6 is also displaying 'on loan' notices in the cab window.

The unusual sight of 6 descending Pockerley bank. Is this a foretaste of what any future Heaton Park extensions could look like?

6 and 16 at Pockerley stop.

6 sandwiched between Beamish buses!

There will be a photo CD of 6's holiday at some point.

Today the service was maintained by 196 with 752 making an appearance on guard training. With 765 out of action it stood in pretending to be a hand brake passenger car!

That's all for now.

John

11th and beyond

196 has nicely settled into its role as service car, carrying a few 3 bell loads on Sunday.

A few pics for you to enjoy courtesy of Andrew Hazlehurst. An unusual shot of 196 approaching Lakeside.

A host of . . . .

Anyhow, off to Beamish tomorrow to see 6 in action alongside Cardiff 131 and Blackpool 4.

See you there!!!

John

Easter weekend

Sorry, no pics this week. Just didn't get round to it!
Easter Sunday was quite busy and a 2 car service was run for most of the day, though 765 did have to undergo a couple of hasty repairs. Oporto 196 really stole the show, though. Well, w've done it. A Tram on loan from another museum in service - just 6 to enter service at Beamish and the 'swap' will be complete! THis is the first guest Tram at HPT since 600 left in 1997 and the sixth electric Tram to operate (the seventh Tram). It is the first of 3 guests to run this year and by the end of the year 7 different Trams should have operated (possibly 8, actually) if all goes to plan . . .
Monday was much quieter and the weather was much duller. 196 has certainly settled in though.

765 is now out of service again to allow its freshening up for Blackpool to continue.

The pattern for the rest of the spring/summer will (should) be as follows:
April - 196 (L53 on private hite on 25th April, its last appearance at HPT)
May - 196. 765 should be avaialable from mid-May. L53 leaves HPT on long term loan.
May and June Saturday service - 1 - 4 with 196.
June - 619 arrives, 765 to Blackpool.
June, July, August 2 car service.
September and beyond . . .?
November 706, still a long way to go here folks.

Enjoy!

John

I shall leave the weekend festivities report to the official blog, but I will just say thank you and well done to all the HPT staff. And thank you to all who came and supported us.

So, on to this week.

6 moved to Beamish on Tuesday.

6 on Middelton Road, ready for its journey North.
6 at around 7pm sat on the depot access track at Beamish.

196 arrived at HPT on Thursday.

At the compulsory stop on its first run.

Climbing our hill - not exactly Pockerley bank is it? The eagle eyed will spot the bunting on the trolley, to match our other cars for the 30th year.

196 was commissioned and staff trained by 6pm. It will see its public service debut this weekend and will be in service Easter Sunday and Monday. Why not come along and see its first day of operation?

Whilst consuming copious amounts of tea we pondered, when was the last inter museum Tram swap and when was the last Tram on loan to another museum? (apart from L53 to Beamish last year)

Enjoy.

April 1st

Oops, try again.

I shall leave a full report of the weekend's events to the main website. Just to say, however, well done and thank you to all the HPT staff and thank you to all who attended and supported us.

6 moved successfully to Beamish on Tuesday and duly touched Beamish rails at around 7pm!

Here it is about to set off on Middleton Road.

Here it is shortly after unloading.

196 arrived at Heaton Park this morning at 8.30. It was unloaded and fully commissioned by 1 and by 6 five members of staff had been trained. Just for the record the weather was sunny, snow and hail at various times during the day.

At the compulsory stop on her first run.

Climbing the hill - somewhat kinder than Pockerley bank on its home system!

So it will be in service Easter Sunday and Monday. We should have a 2 car service for at least part of Sunday.

This swap (the first inter museum electric Tram exchange of this millennium?) raises a few questions. When was the last time there was an inter museum electric Tram swap? Has there ever been one or were any others just loans? On loan to Blackpool doesn't count.

Hmm . . . .

JOhn

1st April

Well, what a full week!

Tuesday 23rd March

Sunday was a lovely busy day with 765 back in service and 6 on training duties. The 2 cars are seen here passing at Depot. This scene will only be possible twice more (27th and 28th) before 6 goes to Beamish and when it returns, 765 will be gone. Who knows what will happen after the 2010 season yet so this could very well be the end of an era. 765 and 6 have been the sole passenger cars since 600 went demic in 1997. 13 years!!! (L53 doesn't count, by the way).

Depot Dalek - Martin in refurbished condition on patrol outside the shop today while heavy cleaning took place inside the depot. It is planned to have a Depot Dalek this year for that extra bit of lunatic PR.

And finally . . .what we've all been waiting for. 752 has the last of its bulbs tested as it is being prepared to be Heaton Park's first illuminated Tram and the first in the Manchester area since ??? Interestingly one of the team behind 752's new role was responsible in part for 752's sister car, grinder 2 being illuminated at Crich way back in the 1960s. Hmmm.

Looking forward to this weekend already.

Check www.heatonparktramway.org.uk for latest info and possible running order.

John