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.