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THIS BLOG WILL RESUME LATER IN THE YEAR.
Monday, 6 June 2011
Sunday, 16 January 2011
16th January 2011
Well, here we are again. This time last year we were frozen to death and having to abandon services - this year its 10 degrees and absolutely chucking it down - open top Tram indeed!
A wonderfully atmospheric shot of 31's headlight shimmering in a puddle!So apart from the 6 people we carried today what news of everything else?
The big news is HPT 7 (ex Blackpool 619). The ends have been rubbed back and one side has had the rust thoroughly ground off on the metalwork. The decorative metalwork is off the same side and being sanded down. Next job is to extend the trolley pole then painting can begin in earnest from the top down. Target roll out date is the Sunday before Easter. It is not intended to touch the interior roof or attend to the seats at this stage - the ongoing task of varnishing them will continue during the week through the summer.
From top: Don't lean back! The platform gates removed. 619 is no more. Looking every bit the toastrack - metalwork removed. The platform gates are primed.
Monday, 22 November 2010
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
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
Sunday, 14 November 2010
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
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
Saturday, 13 November 2010
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 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
Sunday, 31 October 2010
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
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
Thursday, 9 September 2010
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
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