tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47154504568038022962024-02-07T09:23:18.321-08:00Balloon Car 715's blogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-22867132947210842042011-11-07T05:05:00.000-08:002011-11-07T07:46:02.918-08:00715 - over and out!715 has had a busy year on the Promenade this summer, operating back on loan to Blackpool Transport. Earlier in the summer it was used almost daily until the 'porch door' double decks took over the majority of timetabled duties from July. More recently, 715 has been allocated to Tram Driver Experience (TDE) duties and illumination weekends. <br /><div></div><br /><div>On the final weekend of the traditional tramway, 715 was hired by the LTT on Saturday 05 November and on the following day by the Fylde Trammway Society. On its last day it operated from 1430 to 2200hrs between Pleasure Beach and Little Bispham, including some Foxhall and Cabin turnbacks. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672280493706079730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzvNm2wi2urnpY3yHzpHur64mEUpBk6OKIaiwYr4ktc7ZHGg3RSppg5U7foHqDc6KjeLnsQNkUl3Z6-xDFZ0Lfoar0xG8j27hJZEsRRHd2TJrw9Xpm5O_aAJq1lU7J4aeK8FQiPFExO_5/s400/DSCF2097_715.JPG" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-64920743162649887972011-07-05T13:26:00.000-07:002011-07-05T13:38:42.048-07:00Beauty and the beast!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vIZCHJuKzn9WXqBRim7SwJTWr5b-lFloyCS7EklD3AmqVqouspj-242e5ae0xXUqg509DMZ5EJl20tHgJq8s-f5M0jPp8Bps5wAXm1XlNmHJ9-FRxWPQTRBKREMDEo4lglzhwSRDu_cu/s1600/715_718.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 146px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625970102017163810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vIZCHJuKzn9WXqBRim7SwJTWr5b-lFloyCS7EklD3AmqVqouspj-242e5ae0xXUqg509DMZ5EJl20tHgJq8s-f5M0jPp8Bps5wAXm1XlNmHJ9-FRxWPQTRBKREMDEo4lglzhwSRDu_cu/s200/715_718.JPG" /></a>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.<br /><br /><div>Thank goodness we have 715 to portray the real heritage of the Blackpool tramway...</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-6663234286723245182011-06-28T15:09:00.001-07:002011-06-28T15:54:46.652-07:00Authentic blinds fitted for retro look<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqRCHYgMDxX4XwHAjlKPMVYDzLB0w4J-v3L7XytZSPedDqBNd7mS3Gnq8J4vLdkk8TTCNqMm77zpYe3UqFiJML93GSl-ZHDlh794u53iXL9S8eWk5BSaxOfIAfpJvCeP_9TGx8isOjXbM/s1600/715+d+260611.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623407569114471506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqRCHYgMDxX4XwHAjlKPMVYDzLB0w4J-v3L7XytZSPedDqBNd7mS3Gnq8J4vLdkk8TTCNqMm77zpYe3UqFiJML93GSl-ZHDlh794u53iXL9S8eWk5BSaxOfIAfpJvCeP_9TGx8isOjXbM/s200/715+d+260611.JPG" /></a>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.<br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;"><em>* Picture from John Eyres collection on flickr</em></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-54338815313761765282011-06-25T07:24:00.001-07:002011-06-25T07:30:39.730-07:00Tram tour & Shareholder trip<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnDzns7yq2V6mbTx6QsUDol3aw1bmIl6QtGuxDgksDVhI0yHxGZZRyXsOKb4Zx9bxbysKbyAitRQZRdOOTS5_nmEtCwzxBcuiBm_XHAqBzOvxPOpeZPab-WnudKtb9Bg5-aCfIP1anD-j/s1600/DSCF1598_715.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622164430193263746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnDzns7yq2V6mbTx6QsUDol3aw1bmIl6QtGuxDgksDVhI0yHxGZZRyXsOKb4Zx9bxbysKbyAitRQZRdOOTS5_nmEtCwzxBcuiBm_XHAqBzOvxPOpeZPab-WnudKtb9Bg5-aCfIP1anD-j/s200/DSCF1598_715.JPG" /></a>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.<br /><br /><div>Finally, a big thank you to all shareholders who are involved in 715 and made the preservation and repaint project possible. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-15871596633832094712011-06-04T07:22:00.000-07:002011-06-04T07:26:42.735-07:00Into service - but not quite as planned...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaURviXCbvLRZ-Hj5HE5kbz4e0wxYmYh3AIhp5__hf_MN6CuKPXm5NiFLS-F9G5T2gjHIiI4_9CLcwGT-CYhmbNjEx8RwnrkO_7jOP4u69ZhWQwbddh97-YEtVZXYV6MBbUbObBtljnts-/s1600/DSCF1448_715.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614370890642552482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaURviXCbvLRZ-Hj5HE5kbz4e0wxYmYh3AIhp5__hf_MN6CuKPXm5NiFLS-F9G5T2gjHIiI4_9CLcwGT-CYhmbNjEx8RwnrkO_7jOP4u69ZhWQwbddh97-YEtVZXYV6MBbUbObBtljnts-/s200/DSCF1448_715.JPG" /></a>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!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-72435105993154976422011-06-03T13:50:00.000-07:002011-06-03T13:53:13.602-07:00715 emerges from paint shopShareholders and other enthusiasts will be delighted to know that 715 emerged from the paint shop today looking superb in green & off white livery - just as it did 30 years ago. Unfortunately, the blanket ban on depot photographs prevents us from showing you the finished result, but hopefully 715 will be back on the tramway soon. Fleet numbers and crests have yet to be fitted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-55211139257463922882011-05-03T13:18:00.001-07:002011-05-07T01:25:41.964-07:00715 for green & cream repaint<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzn-GwpK7siUQmIIw1nH9OdUiIFAIj_dIJhyphenhyphenwhlFXvo6fi2vtFDnxQHFn3SwkYCNARjQcaxmYeMnvAIXCaMPqXbwdIvcoXwylmJB3FStF44tYL-KwsvNNy3JUWanGOOLB6mlNWubXkxuki/s1600/715_lowres_290105.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602588870516378946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzn-GwpK7siUQmIIw1nH9OdUiIFAIj_dIJhyphenhyphenwhlFXvo6fi2vtFDnxQHFn3SwkYCNARjQcaxmYeMnvAIXCaMPqXbwdIvcoXwylmJB3FStF44tYL-KwsvNNy3JUWanGOOLB6mlNWubXkxuki/s200/715_lowres_290105.JPG" /></a>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.<br />It is planned to use 715 and Brush car 632, both carrying late 1970s livery styles, on an enthusiasts tour on Saturday 25th June, the day prior to the LTT's "Totally Transport" event on South Promenade in Blackpool. Check the LTT's website for details...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-72231133925573421832011-04-22T14:32:00.000-07:002011-04-25T11:30:22.781-07:00715 returns to service for Easter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVZayssoBDjjDUMVweZpy16En64_yDRgNEdwOkf2AYkLapa8dseQRw40wiy3ju1txTabFzenhXqipOGGZEB4A_SynIa3VwXiOdgUrMGpoK5bllDkM7vGHcKmmhbloWb_2qEIiDY1-eO7n/s1600/715_GoodFriday2011.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598525473255955618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVZayssoBDjjDUMVweZpy16En64_yDRgNEdwOkf2AYkLapa8dseQRw40wiy3ju1txTabFzenhXqipOGGZEB4A_SynIa3VwXiOdgUrMGpoK5bllDkM7vGHcKmmhbloWb_2qEIiDY1-eO7n/s200/715_GoodFriday2011.JPG" /></a>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.<br /><br /><br /><div>Over the winter period, the fitting of transponders for traffic light activation on car 715 has been completed. Blackpool Transport has pledged to repaint 715 in 1970s style green & cream livery in time for Totally Transport in late June. </div><br /><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Postscript - 715 operated every day over the Easter weekend.</span></em></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-56329425427136013322010-11-08T10:34:00.000-08:002010-11-08T10:41:59.936-08:00715 tours for shareholders<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSHz8f9ctIUWW7bIYVccCWztqPWD3EXhRXvDL6olBhYNakB4YujFHcoxOMr-y8J6ke0AWlxc-HNyCYa_k4R-atuBwHTp-JxnuhWGfJVYplxTQO3I5PJ0kn6ZRc4SVDYaVmn-4LofeMjax/s1600/715_06Nov.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537250613805326130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSHz8f9ctIUWW7bIYVccCWztqPWD3EXhRXvDL6olBhYNakB4YujFHcoxOMr-y8J6ke0AWlxc-HNyCYa_k4R-atuBwHTp-JxnuhWGfJVYplxTQO3I5PJ0kn6ZRc4SVDYaVmn-4LofeMjax/s200/715_06Nov.jpg" border="0" /></a>Shareholders of Balloon car 715 were invited to have a free illumination tour on the tram on Saturday 6th November, the final weekend of the operating season. The tour followed the inaugural enthusiasts' tour using OMO car 8 which was accompanied by the LTT's Coronation car 304.<br /><br />715 operated North Pier - Bispham - Pleasure Beach - Bispham - Depot for shareholders and their invited guests. Sorry for the short notice given and also for the number of shareholders that couldn't make it.<br /><br />Blackpool Transport has confirmed that car 715 is in the 2010/11 repaint schedule and that further use of 715 is planned for 2011, given the number of Balloon cars likely to be out of service due to doorway modifications.<br /><div align="right"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Photo: Jason Cross</span></em></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-27140058864842913002010-09-05T02:47:00.000-07:002010-09-05T02:57:43.034-07:00715 returns to service - Sat 04 Sept<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsyh4JhM46lP7v0KNsmOI9Zf0QiARa4BZRkT6ZpmN8JFOe-_Rt9bbAvuKUjZq0NfZ231pRe0TiESZpG5g_hvdmvBmIhl7_RTzS-sKwX3Ew_Lrjd8ceqPRCo0fsj7YQE5ZqTH6_O4IHccY/s1600/715_04Sept10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513366267137735954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsyh4JhM46lP7v0KNsmOI9Zf0QiARa4BZRkT6ZpmN8JFOe-_Rt9bbAvuKUjZq0NfZ231pRe0TiESZpG5g_hvdmvBmIhl7_RTzS-sKwX3Ew_Lrjd8ceqPRCo0fsj7YQE5ZqTH6_O4IHccY/s200/715_04Sept10.jpg" border="0" /></a>715 returned to passenger service on Saturday 4th September to provide additional high capacity trams on busy illumination weekends.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Four double deck Balloon cars 700, 713, 718 and 720 are out of service for centre-door modifications and with many other trams sold for preservation and awaiting collection, Blackpool Transport has prepared four trams (Twin sets 671/681, 673/683, 715 and 726) for weekend operation. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-89688095133396209252010-09-02T12:09:00.000-07:002010-09-02T12:15:59.021-07:00715 serviced and panels repaired<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGzdmvZVYGhj3ZeBLUZlUG7vgsTMmvLiWIATTtSQQ_o00_Uf0y6JvD2qBds0AonDh7IfDu4dH3d799P5L8i8xThlk_M-ic5ffHWd1HUj0torZ_i-EmOD8u10vCQXYBbVzIhHfZ_zhNCF_/s1600/715_hoptonroad_02Sept2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512397019592620930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 155px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGzdmvZVYGhj3ZeBLUZlUG7vgsTMmvLiWIATTtSQQ_o00_Uf0y6JvD2qBds0AonDh7IfDu4dH3d799P5L8i8xThlk_M-ic5ffHWd1HUj0torZ_i-EmOD8u10vCQXYBbVzIhHfZ_zhNCF_/s200/715_hoptonroad_02Sept2010.jpg" border="0" /></a>715 has received a full service in the fitting shop and electrical compound. A broken window unit has been repaired, seat cushions cleaned and refitted and some panelling repaired. We are awaiting Blackpool Transport advising us of a repainting date, but it could be that 715 is used on illumination weekends as an additional tram in the interim.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-62612562202504209972010-08-11T09:01:00.000-07:002010-08-11T09:06:11.483-07:00Work starts on 715<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MrbLkHE2XhtzJnP5PAkcgJuaRHQydbkwvWgqsDojtk_5Vh1912CWhKw8rUEGzxM7uiTJV-KI0CZmvPV_Xz0W4sGhVDMaTt-5r4LOXH6m3stpJjvfRo8hGHDfQN1DZxY_EXpvOiVosNBQ/s1600/715_02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504184224630439410" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MrbLkHE2XhtzJnP5PAkcgJuaRHQydbkwvWgqsDojtk_5Vh1912CWhKw8rUEGzxM7uiTJV-KI0CZmvPV_Xz0W4sGhVDMaTt-5r4LOXH6m3stpJjvfRo8hGHDfQN1DZxY_EXpvOiVosNBQ/s200/715_02.jpg" border="0" /></a>Work started today on Balloon Car 715's restoration to 1980s condition and return to green & cream livery style. 715 has been transferred to the fitting shop, and following this panelling repairs will be undertaken followed by a full repaint.<br /><div></div><br /><div>It is expected that the tram will be complete for early September, allowing it to operate on busy illumination weekends. Watch this space!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-5044957056972545632010-07-11T03:15:00.000-07:002010-07-11T03:29:38.302-07:00715 update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdO8_WbvxtUKekWoSeg8HWpqC1A7OTVVWmRSYh5x_DhsoInXBfnc2Xg5e_TYnb1x6Jvtp361dLqQlptRLB8ncGaFZ3fYT3T4cOUZxXB0i-HVVzjwMu8mmtJRlkIczDMwWpMpRaKF8BlYRD/s1600/d13300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492593680567840754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdO8_WbvxtUKekWoSeg8HWpqC1A7OTVVWmRSYh5x_DhsoInXBfnc2Xg5e_TYnb1x6Jvtp361dLqQlptRLB8ncGaFZ3fYT3T4cOUZxXB0i-HVVzjwMu8mmtJRlkIczDMwWpMpRaKF8BlYRD/s200/d13300.jpg" border="0" /></a>During June, 715 has been refitted with a full-set of matching seats achieved by swapping over seats from cars 622, 632, 703 and 715 so that the latter three have upholstery types that match. However, once the restoration to green & cream is complete, we will seek to reupholster seats in dark green moquette.<br /><br /><div><div>BTS has announced that 715 may return to action in September and October on illumination weekends. With only 8 cars currently operational (cars 706, 707, 709, 711, 717, 719, 723 and 724) and the number withdrawn or sold, re-activating stored car 701 and 715 is a serious possibility. </div><br /><div>Repainting of 715 in August is still on the cards - but the new bus service changes are requiring the paint shop staff to remove all Metro-Coastline branding off the bus fleet before 26 July. </div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Picture: Jason Cross</span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-45626432211129839622010-05-29T17:01:00.000-07:002010-05-29T17:12:24.206-07:00Start date for work on 715 awaited<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgylNKjHsnnsQS55tLKKXLUfURcSF7Q8chV5PPNvx71Rh7muZsFpbJ_L5v4mLdTRkSQyW6TA6_r_PW4ZNMbbGcG0hQBHfmtu43UsTicuVZk3mQvSPWFwijd9UibQ1l135RQCYLKbF4hXD/s1600/632_fittingshop02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476849059918246530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgylNKjHsnnsQS55tLKKXLUfURcSF7Q8chV5PPNvx71Rh7muZsFpbJ_L5v4mLdTRkSQyW6TA6_r_PW4ZNMbbGcG0hQBHfmtu43UsTicuVZk3mQvSPWFwijd9UibQ1l135RQCYLKbF4hXD/s200/632_fittingshop02.jpg" border="0" /></a>A number of factors have contributed to delays in Blackpool Transport being able to start work on car 715 during May. Firstly, work on preparing and repainting the LTT's other Balloon Car 703 (into Sunderland colours) and Brush Car 632, followed by recent focus of repainting buses in the experimental new fleet colours of black & yellow. 715 was due into the paint shop after work on painting 632 into green & off-white, but instead the Fylde Tramway Society's sponsorship of work on car 147 was slotted-in instead. It is hoped that work on 715 will start early in June - and it will certainly have a good sole-mate in 632 (illustrated) now also depicting the early 1980s livery of the Blackpool fleet.<br /><div></div><br /><div>On Monday 7th June, car 703 will operate a non-passenger carrying run for photos only. 715 subscribers are welcome on the vehicle that will accompany 703 which will leave Rigby Road depot at 14:00. Perhaps a good time for a shareholder meeting? Email: <a href="mailto:philip@ltt.org.uk">philip@ltt.org.uk</a> if you can attend. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-86358881889077107672010-03-14T12:53:00.000-07:002010-03-21T12:42:51.988-07:00Work starts on 715 in May<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WbC0ArsvcbVrrzPbmUSN4fLZGYGb-HmukjYRnfLetwhP0QAuX3FKB8Onix7Fnltutfx9m4FYwSF8E1XtuI7oNPoBORKd_n7l78MN_YmgXErQAsBRiWNKLcHLPZoiIfCPeaatVz5oCUJq/s1600-h/715_march10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448583246446654482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WbC0ArsvcbVrrzPbmUSN4fLZGYGb-HmukjYRnfLetwhP0QAuX3FKB8Onix7Fnltutfx9m4FYwSF8E1XtuI7oNPoBORKd_n7l78MN_YmgXErQAsBRiWNKLcHLPZoiIfCPeaatVz5oCUJq/s200/715_march10.jpg" border="0" /></a>Work on 715 can start in mid-May to repaint the tram back into its 1981 green & cream livery. Blackpool Transport has agreed to some panelling being tidied up and new fibreglass domes being fitted before repainting. It is expected that the tram will be ready by late June. A shareholder meeting is being planned to coincide with a tram tour on the vehicle before work starts.<br /><br />Alongside this view of 715 is the remains of sister car 722. Thankfully, 715 will be spared this fate.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-73776220570149083582010-03-04T05:01:00.000-08:002010-03-04T05:09:18.443-08:00Throwback to 1981<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgpEBPsscRB7DenaW1mLl0w_ZrWqXuFailrdG5Jm-BXkE_dDwn_2w5iaNgyN5pRUpGiAmOGcPo7diiEgtFGBcuBBL63qljTOIog1c3CKW2Yu4AsW9wn5-3VNzgTwyeaXvZZIpNYbX8JOv/s1600-h/Tram+715.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444765015031887666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgpEBPsscRB7DenaW1mLl0w_ZrWqXuFailrdG5Jm-BXkE_dDwn_2w5iaNgyN5pRUpGiAmOGcPo7diiEgtFGBcuBBL63qljTOIog1c3CKW2Yu4AsW9wn5-3VNzgTwyeaXvZZIpNYbX8JOv/s200/Tram+715.jpg" /></a>I've just found this photo in my collection of 715 after being shunted out of the paint shop in the summer of 1981. It had just been repanelled but still awaited headlamps & tail lamp glasses to be refitted. It's not the best of shots - but then it was taken with a basic camera and I was only 14 years old at the time!<br /><br /><div><div></div><div>This is the guise that it is intended to return 715 to upon repaint. It is currently awaiting the planned work and repaint back into green & cream with completion intended ready for the "Totally Transport" weekend at the end of June. </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-76906416285386436682010-02-05T06:40:00.000-08:002010-02-05T06:55:33.089-08:00715 Share Certificates - in the post!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLcJSrjxapsoRX7nPu53IneLVzoK_va8AdeQsPa4fKaiTnQgJB__r5MitiCtf4tBT8iazny1UF0ZWFdxOLyaeSi8Y7T855rqB2QlhzIdjAUTGohkdBwN6ccR_sPv07XH1AiBHrYo01KM2/s1600-h/715_certificate.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 139px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434772723708720482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLcJSrjxapsoRX7nPu53IneLVzoK_va8AdeQsPa4fKaiTnQgJB__r5MitiCtf4tBT8iazny1UF0ZWFdxOLyaeSi8Y7T855rqB2QlhzIdjAUTGohkdBwN6ccR_sPv07XH1AiBHrYo01KM2/s200/715_certificate.jpg" /></a>£8,500 has now been raised or pledged towards the acquisition and repainting of Balloon Car 715, which is currently the only member of the once 14-strong second series Balloon cars to pass into preservation.<br />Shareholder certificates have now been printed and will be posted over the next few days to all shareholders. A copy of the Shareholder Agreement can be found by clicking on the link opposite.<br />A big thank you for all contributors and now shareholders in this iconic piece of Blackpool's tramway heritage. A meeting of shareholders will be held soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-34270249461648690502010-01-09T05:56:00.000-08:002010-01-27T09:18:58.478-08:00Own a share in a Blackpool Icon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuonYfkbuPQKkh_mgwLjp7QSl6X1jZmYlPCkW8tsMqVVwd4ZNjMospg33G7xlf6qYfDOMvMdK3YzKMRFSX84NipFmz2Cp4dvpQlXlcGUV2mqvMuQVxkxwLJONBUNV2_bW4ZEGFvfJCpQf/s1600-h/715.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430304550757157186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuonYfkbuPQKkh_mgwLjp7QSl6X1jZmYlPCkW8tsMqVVwd4ZNjMospg33G7xlf6qYfDOMvMdK3YzKMRFSX84NipFmz2Cp4dvpQlXlcGUV2mqvMuQVxkxwLJONBUNV2_bW4ZEGFvfJCpQf/s200/715.jpg" border="0" /></a> The double deck "Balloon" tram is one of the icons of Blackpool and the LTT are giving you the opportunity to own shares in one of the cars acquired for preservation. Selling of shares in tram 715 will finance the restoration of the tram and repaint back into green and cream livery so that the tram can operate in this guise during the 125th anniversary year of the tramway.<br /><br />Shares are being sold at £500 each but half shares at £250 are also available. If you are interested in acquiring a share then click on the link below to view and print off a shareholder application form. Each shareholder will receive a shareholder certificate and it is intended to arrange special tours using the tram, including a shareholders' "Illuminations tour" for their friends and family.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ltt.org.uk/715_shareform.html"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Click here to buy a share in Blackpool's Tramway heritage</strong></span></a><br />or for further details email <a href="mailto:philip@ltt.org.uk">philip@ltt.org.uk</a> or call Philip Higgs on 07880 507636.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4715450456803802296.post-32619102024544356612010-01-08T12:29:00.000-08:002010-01-08T12:36:07.297-08:00715 acquired for Preservation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLU2zfqfzFs1DSyEtXN49A-xAjKzpKOz68ODJ2X3bYmLLg5AEaAHxIfU03HV9Fb-jvLbKyiT0PBCPiWVQALzARGucmW0sc0v5XNBRL-F4ysbZga92rBEDPnCT3ye3RNc0htNsQpLjMlTu/s1600-h/715+postcard.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424470079916152370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLU2zfqfzFs1DSyEtXN49A-xAjKzpKOz68ODJ2X3bYmLLg5AEaAHxIfU03HV9Fb-jvLbKyiT0PBCPiWVQALzARGucmW0sc0v5XNBRL-F4ysbZga92rBEDPnCT3ye3RNc0htNsQpLjMlTu/s200/715+postcard.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Lancastrian Transport Trust has agreed the purchase of Balloon Car 715 from Blackpool Transport. However, in a radical move the LTT are to invite tram enthusiasts to become shareholders in a project that will return 715 to green & cream livery in the condition it emerged back in 1981. In this guise it will remain at Rigby Road depot and available for use until the end of 2011.<br /><div><br />Details of the specific work to be undertaken on 715 are still being discussed with Blackpool Transport but a budget of £7,000 has been earmarked. Once the offer of becoming a share owner in 715 is finalised, details will be published on this blog, allowing interested enthusiasts to own part of a Blackpool icon. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com