Fylde Tramway Society

Illuminations & Rare Crossovers Tour

Saturday 3rd October 2009  -  3.15pm

Balloon 715

On a very windy day in Blackpool, the Fylde Tramway Society held its annual Illuminations Tour of the tramway, on board Balloon Car 715.  With a record 91 tickets sold, the tour participants assembled at Rigby Road at 3.15pm ready for the off.  In the capable hands of driver Rob Bell, we left the depot bound for Fleetwood Ferry.  After rounding the loop, we ran back to Thornton Gate, reversed on the crossover, and then up to Fisherman's Walk (Ash St).  With camers's at the ready, the car reversed once again ready for a short run to Broadwater.  Under the watchful eye's of the crew, 715 cautiously used the crossover.  This pointwork is rarely used, and was a real scoop for the photographers.  Thankfully, everything went without a hitch, and we boarded the tram once more for another run back to the Ferry.  After a refreshment break, we set off for Pleasure Beach, where we rounded the outer loop, then reversed back through the pointwork to stable the car on the short section of northbound track south of the junction.  Following more photo's, we set off for Little Bispham, back to the Beach, Tower, and Depot.

A very full programme, with plenty of unusual photographic opportunities.

During the tour, we passed many trams of interest, all full to capacity.  Vintage interest included Box 40 and Standard 147.  All the Illuminated cars were in service on tours, the Frigate, Trawler and the Western Train.  Brush Cars 622, 630 & 631 were shuttling round the system, but more amazing was the use of 3 twin-cars, 672/682, 673/683 & 675/685, two of which were noted running to Fleetwood.  It was interesting to note that on our second visit to the Pleasure Beach during the tour, the southbound line passed the pointwork was occupied by 2 twin-cars, another tram was at the Inspectors hut, we ran round the outer loop and 4 other cars were stabled on the inner loop, a real hive of activity.  On arrival back at the Depot, we commented how empty it looked, a very pleasing sight indeed!

Once again, a great event, a very healthy number of participants, and the Committee would like to thank each and everyone who came along and took part, and it was also nice to see quite a few 'new faces'.  If this was your first tour with the FTS, then we sincerely hoped that you enjoyed the evening, and would welcome any feedback.  Hopefully see you all on the 8th November!

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