When do you suspect the traction current was switched off - is this linked to the ‘electrical issue’ which is (allegedly) keeping Tramtown closed to the public?
-
Our new ticketing site is now live! Using either this or the original site (both powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!
Blackpool Heritage Tram Operations Suspended
- Thread starter tram21
- Start date
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R
RailUK Forums
Jonathan Lynch
Member
The overhead within the tramtown exibit in the fitting shop was turned as this was powering the tram lights. But in terms of actually using the overhead for movement of trams. End of the 2023 season When the last tram ran under in that section? All of 2025 was ran from Star Gate and im pretty sure most of 2024 was as well?
HMS and 717 were driven down. They were only towed out of the shed itself.
Topmandog1
Member
i dont know if that can tow? i guess it should be able to, but the unimog can obviously leave the track and is alot easier to turn around for shunting the trams about
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
Tramtown has officially closed, the workshop fitter building has been deemed "Unhabitable"
Paul Galleys Facebook video - Link
Alt youtube link
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
oh yeah they did sorry yeah it was just bolton that was towed
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
the electrical issue is related to the building only i think they said it was roof leakage, i believe the lines have been off since at least 2024, beyond that i have no idea
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
Tramtown has officially closed, the workshop fitter building has been deemed "Unhabitable"
Paul Galleys Facebook video - Link
Alt youtube link
Last edited:
Well, that's it for Rigby Road depot.
www.facebook.com
Everything Blackpool | Blackpool
Everything Blackpool, Blackpool. 183,825 likes · 8,666 talking about this · 1 was here. We are the number one independent tourism page for Blackpool, Britain's most visited seaside resort.
www.facebook.com
Ashley Hill
Established Member
Perhaps they don’t want anything reminding anyone just how nice the old trams were.
A new statement has been released by Blackpool Transport today; some hope is once again shone on things, although Rigby Road seems very definitely finished:
www.blackpooltransport.com
“ A bold vision for the future of Blackpool’s famous heritage trams is taking shape ahead of the launch of summer tours featuring several vintage vehicles.
The ambitious plans include a permanent home for the historic fleet, as well as regular trips on the seafront by some of the heritage trams.
Blackpool Transport’s new Managing Director, Lea Harrison, has said the revitalisation of heritage operations is one of his top priorities, as well as finding a permanent home for an improved heritage tram attraction.
“Despite the fantastic efforts of everyone involved with the existing Tramtown site, a recent survey by an independent structural engineer found the building was unsafe and beyond repair,” he explained.
“However, I would like to categorically state that this is not the end of the line for heritage trams in Blackpool. While it’s sad that we need to say goodbye to the existing building, we also have an opportunity to build a sustainable future for a top tourist attraction featuring our world-famous fleet.
“In the short-term, this may include ‘pop-up’ displays of vintage trams until funding is in place for a fitting home for the entire fleet, and plans for regular heritage tours over the summer months will be announced shortly.”
In the meantime, members of the public can expect to see vintage trams in operation during a series of private tours in May.
The famous ‘Balloon’ tram (number 717) will be running this Sunday (May 3), as part of a tour organised by Fylde Tramway Society, while the Bolton 66 tram will be operated by its owners during a visit by the Electric Railroaders Association from New York on Friday, May 8th.
Tram 717 will return to service on Thursday, May 21, for a trip organised by Trinity Hospice during the national dementia action week.
“Blackpool is as famous for its historic trams as it is for its tower and the Pleasure Beach and we are fully committed to preserving the town’s rich tramway heritage for future generations to enjoy,” Lea said.
“Over the next few months, we will be working closely with the local authority, other stakeholders and partners on more detailed proposals, and we’re looking forward to making further announcements in due course,” he added. “
Ambitious plans for heritage trams remain on track
A bold vision for the future of Blackpool’s famous heritage trams is taking shape ahead of the launch of summer tours
www.blackpooltransport.com
“ A bold vision for the future of Blackpool’s famous heritage trams is taking shape ahead of the launch of summer tours featuring several vintage vehicles.
The ambitious plans include a permanent home for the historic fleet, as well as regular trips on the seafront by some of the heritage trams.
Blackpool Transport’s new Managing Director, Lea Harrison, has said the revitalisation of heritage operations is one of his top priorities, as well as finding a permanent home for an improved heritage tram attraction.
“Despite the fantastic efforts of everyone involved with the existing Tramtown site, a recent survey by an independent structural engineer found the building was unsafe and beyond repair,” he explained.
“However, I would like to categorically state that this is not the end of the line for heritage trams in Blackpool. While it’s sad that we need to say goodbye to the existing building, we also have an opportunity to build a sustainable future for a top tourist attraction featuring our world-famous fleet.
“In the short-term, this may include ‘pop-up’ displays of vintage trams until funding is in place for a fitting home for the entire fleet, and plans for regular heritage tours over the summer months will be announced shortly.”
In the meantime, members of the public can expect to see vintage trams in operation during a series of private tours in May.
The famous ‘Balloon’ tram (number 717) will be running this Sunday (May 3), as part of a tour organised by Fylde Tramway Society, while the Bolton 66 tram will be operated by its owners during a visit by the Electric Railroaders Association from New York on Friday, May 8th.
Tram 717 will return to service on Thursday, May 21, for a trip organised by Trinity Hospice during the national dementia action week.
“Blackpool is as famous for its historic trams as it is for its tower and the Pleasure Beach and we are fully committed to preserving the town’s rich tramway heritage for future generations to enjoy,” Lea said.
“Over the next few months, we will be working closely with the local authority, other stakeholders and partners on more detailed proposals, and we’re looking forward to making further announcements in due course,” he added. “
Last edited:
Topmandog1
Member
This refers to the former fitter workshop tram town has in yes, it was closed for electrical work, which i heard was completed? but now it seems the building is condemned, i mean support is at a all time low, even paul says in the video, don't donate ... the new heritage Manager and MD have alot to do if they want to restore trust
Last edited:
Yes it was out I saw it, went to Bispham then back 11 am -1300 hrs, they were testing the new speed limiter , its doing a private trip next Friday morning for some American enthusiasts according to the mechanic who was there.
While I do not doubt the vision of Lea Harrison I am less than confident about the reality.
Unless the bus parking and workshops are also relocated, which would incur significant cost, the area of the site that can be released for sale is not that large. After allowing for clearance I wonder what the nett proceeds would be?
What other funding would Blackpool Council commit to? Maybe something from the Lottery Heritage Fund but stand-alone what would that buy?
Without significant infrastructure work to connect I think these are the only practical locations
- Within the Starr Gate loop
- inside the Please Beach Loops, more space if one of the car parks was closed
- inside or adjacent to the Little Bispham loop
- Thornton Gate
For an exhibition/museum only the second would potentially attract significant footfall from casual visitors.
Last edited:
Interesting.
I had a conversation last year with a heritage crew member whose view was that the kit fitted to heritage cars was likely to be passive, e.g. a warning rather than intervention where speed limits are concerned, so I wonder what has actually been fitted. I would very much doubt the realistic ability to fit something which would have the capacity to actually limit the speed on a vehicle like 66 (plus of course the position of the authorities stated long ago appeared to be that it wasn’t required at all).
I rather hope that whatever that have fitted is something that wouldn’t completely preclude any visiting heritage cars from using the system in years to come, as that would be a great shame.
66 did the trip for the Americans on Friday, the new "safety device " is a white box and could be seen on the front by the driver, Its only on one end so the tram had to turn at Bispham loop and then had to run round the loop at the depot before re entering the shed , to ensure the end with the box remains at the front. The driver said if the box works as it should another will be fitted to the number 2 cab end.
Any ideas what it was?!
Any ideas what it was?!
Attachments
As kindly pointed out by @Topmandog1 on the other Blackpool trams thread, heritage campaigner Paul Galley has released an update noting that there appears to be minimal progress; video here:
Rigby Road shed appears, frankly, derelict. At this stage one has to start worrying for the safekeeping of the cars still stored there, the current situation is utterly unacceptable and has got vandal/arson attack written all over it - let us hope to high heaven that doesn’t happen. As Mr Galley highlights in his video, there appear to be some increasingly pertinent questions still to be answered as to where the money donated towards Tramtown by the public has gone; oddly enough he seems to very much imply that Blackpool Council don’t seem terribly keen to engage on that issue.
I had assumed that the respective owners of various cars would have been asked to commence their removal by this stage, given BT’s assertion that the building is condemned and will be demolished, but instead the place appears to be frozen in time. Are volunteers accessing the shed and able to undertake any sort of basic maintenance on the trams, does anybody know?
Is there a reliable list in existance of exactly which cars are still the property of BT, as opposed to those owned elsewhere but still stored at Rigby Road?
Again, a desperately sad situation to see such an iconic slice of the town’s heritage being left to rot. I continue to hope for some level of positive outcome.
Rigby Road shed appears, frankly, derelict. At this stage one has to start worrying for the safekeeping of the cars still stored there, the current situation is utterly unacceptable and has got vandal/arson attack written all over it - let us hope to high heaven that doesn’t happen. As Mr Galley highlights in his video, there appear to be some increasingly pertinent questions still to be answered as to where the money donated towards Tramtown by the public has gone; oddly enough he seems to very much imply that Blackpool Council don’t seem terribly keen to engage on that issue.
I had assumed that the respective owners of various cars would have been asked to commence their removal by this stage, given BT’s assertion that the building is condemned and will be demolished, but instead the place appears to be frozen in time. Are volunteers accessing the shed and able to undertake any sort of basic maintenance on the trams, does anybody know?
Is there a reliable list in existance of exactly which cars are still the property of BT, as opposed to those owned elsewhere but still stored at Rigby Road?
Again, a desperately sad situation to see such an iconic slice of the town’s heritage being left to rot. I continue to hope for some level of positive outcome.
Last edited:
Leedsbusman
Member
To clarify the depot isn’t at risk of demolition just the workshop most recently used for Tramtown.
Is that the case though? My understanding was that the whole building is at risk - which ‘workshop’ are we talking here; Tramtown surely encompassed the whole tramshed? All so very unclear! Regardless, BT want to flatten the sheds for e-bus charging, so I’d suggest it’s very much at risk?
Worf
Member
- Joined
- 12 Aug 2017
- Messages
- 162
Leave something to go derelict and open to vandalism.
Property "unexpectedly" burns down.
Demolish remains very quickly because they are "dangerous".
Redevelop the site.
Seems par for the course these days.
Property "unexpectedly" burns down.
Demolish remains very quickly because they are "dangerous".
Redevelop the site.
Seems par for the course these days.
Remove the bloody trams first though, at least!
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
My understanding is that the whole fleet, excepting the ‘wide’ balloons, was sold off and so much/most of what is currently residing in Rigby Road belongs to various other owners. Clarification seems hard to come by, however.
Leedsbusman
Member
Yes. The tramshed was closed off sometime ago but is not under threat of demolition. Tramtown used the Fitting Shop during 2025 which has been planned for demolition for several years now as part of the electric bus plan, which does not include the tram depot.
Ah, I see. Rather begs the question why is it closed, then? The full shed building was incorporated in the depot tours previously, so why not reopen it?
Leedsbusman
Member
The depot was closed for safety reasons back in 2023 due to concerns about the wiring and structure (roof). It was remarkable they ever allowed the public round given its condition. I believe the ambition remains to secure funding to rebuilt it as a permanent visitor attraction. After the depot closed, Tramtown decamped to the Fitting Shop after the staff there had been stood down which was always going to be short term as that building and the paint/body were already condemned. There was a brief dalliance with keeping the Fitting shop and knocking down just paint/body but they condition of the fitting shop and the need to integrate an new external wall where the PS/BS meant this wasn’t progressed.
Despite some doom sayers BTS are not evicting trams nor abandoning heritage. It needs considerable funding.
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
Again not so. The fleet in the depot includes the ‘B fleet’ and Heritage Tram Tours cars owned by BTS or private owners. Several FTT owned trams are on site, plus Bolton 66, 680 owned by Bolton 66 trust and Heston Park reap. 663, 704 the tram power thing, the replica tank tram and Lytham 43 are privately owned.
Bolton is now up at Starr Gate, along with 717 and the Frigate - unless they’ve sent it back to Rigby Road, which seems unlikely? That appears to be about the current scope of heritage ops.
Leedsbusman
Member
66 moved to Starr Gate in April I believe. I assume it’s still there with 717 and 736.
Topmandog1
Member
Heres a up to date list of trams inside Rigby road - link
Here is a list of trams Fylde Transport Trust Own - link
this site is up to date and im guessing the first link is ones heritage own/look after
== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: ==
like @Leedsbusman said the issues with the roof and such
here is a link to a 5 year plan they uploaded in 2023 that shows them wanting to re add doors to the front and turn part of it into a museum - link
but i fear it may never happen now
edit - also an article on it from BritishTramsonline - link
66 moved to Starr Gate in April I believe. I assume it’s still there with 717 and 736.
They are the 3 with the new safety devices fitted,so most likely to be the ones used when services re commence.
The "safety devices" are portable.