Doesn't this picture of 715, awaiting entry into service one morning, put into context the drastic rebuilding of the Balloon car class over the past few years? 715 looks like the iconic Blackpool tram that is still the subject of picture postcards and reflects the image of the tramway that people can relate to. 718 behind is, perversely, to be one of the retained "heritage" trams with its all-over contravision advertising, rebuilt ends, porch doors and bus style interiors! Good old british heritage.
Fitted in time for 715's operation on the day of Totally Transport, Sunday 26th June, were white on black destination blinds. Both blinds were salvaged from Twin cars when they were fitted with fluorsecent blinds some years ago. It adds further to the retro-1970s look of 715.
Blackpool Transport crests, the correct fleet numbers fitted and bumpers were painted green in time for 715 to make its debut on a tram tour and shareholders trip on Saturday 25 June. Although painted in the pre-1977 shades of green & cream, 715 is now looking superb and a big change from the gaudy "Metro Coastlines" light blue & yellow. During the day, the LTT's Brush Railcoach 632 operated alongside 715 between Pleasure Beach and Little Bispham.
715 returned to service on the Promenade today, gleaming in green & cream but not quite as we expected. Unfortunately, the tram has been repainted in the pre-1977 shades of green and cream, not the post-1977 green & off-white as requested to match our Brush car 632. Also, the bumpers, lifeguards and trucks remain unpainted and incorrect fleet numbers have been applied - not the ones being supplied by LTT!
After several days of operation between Easter and the May Bank holiday weekend, 715 was admitted to the paint shop on Tuesday 3rd May for a repaint back into 1970s style green & cream livery. The view shown illustrates 715 back in January 2005 when it was receiving its first all-over advertising livery for the Pleasure Beach "Mystique" show.
Preserved Balloon car 715 became the first 'un-refurbished' Balloon car to operate on the Blackpool tramway in 2011 on Good Friday, after winter hibernation since November 2010. It was one of only five Balloons to operate - cars 711, 715, 717, 719 and 723 on the first passenger carrying day resulting from the winter closure. However, trams are only operating between Pleasure Beach and North Pier.
