Work starts on 715 in May

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.

Alongside this view of 715 is the remains of sister car 722. Thankfully, 715 will be spared this fate.

Throwback to 1981

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!

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.

715 Share Certificates - in the post!

£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.
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.
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.

Own a share in a Blackpool Icon

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.

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.

Click here to buy a share in Blackpool's Tramway heritage
or for further details email philip@ltt.org.uk or call Philip Higgs on 07880 507636.

715 acquired for Preservation

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.

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.