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Blackpool Tramroad And Blackpool And Fleetwood Tramroad
All photographs of this railway in date order.
![Refurbishment and relaying of the tramway north of Blackpool meant that the section to Cleveleys and Fleetwood was closed in winter 2008/09. Here is the section through Cleveleys showing relaying in progress and the maintenance gang's dedicated bus parked alongside. This picture looks north towards Fleetwood. [See image 31563] for the same location around eighteen months later. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/02/2009]](/images/22000/22562.jpg "Cleveleys")
![The Blackpool and Fleetwood tramway relaying is currently (Feb 09)concentrated on the reserved section between the two carriageways in Cleveleys. This view is south towards Blackpool and shows the contractor's rail mounted crane with new track in evidence. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/02/2009]](/images/22000/22563.jpg "Cleveleys")
![It is unusual to see rusty tracks on the tramway to Fleetwood but this section was closed during winter 2008/09 for refurbishment, including track renewal. Rossall School halt is the point where the tramway swings away from the roadside to cross the peninsula and then join the main street through Fleetwood town centre. View north towards Fleetwood.<br>
[See image 44214]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/02/2009]](/images/22000/22575.jpg "Rossall School")
![Most of Blackpool's trams seem to be in garish advertising liveries these days so it was nice to see <I>Balloon</I> double deck car 723 in Corporation Green and Cream, albeit this is one of the modified trams with modern bus windows installed to replace the originals. It is seen here on driver training duty, complete with L plates, heading north from Blackpool passing the Imperial Hotel on the elevated stretch of promenade south of Gynn Square. A new tram stop was later constructed at this point as part of the refurbishment of the tramway. [See image 37614]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/05/2009]](/images/23000/23650.jpg "Blackpool (Wilton Parade)")
![Brush Railcar No. 630 passes the site of what would become a new Wilton Parade tram stop and heads towards Gynn Square with a service for Cleveleys in May 2009. After withdrawal this particular tram was purchased for use at the Crich National Tramway Museum. It has since lost this advertising livery and is operating in Blackpool Corporation green and cream. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/05/2009]](/images/49000/49166.jpg "Blackpool (Wilton Parade)")
![Blackpool <I>Balloon Car</I> No. 712, dating from the 1930s and still in broadly original condition, pulls up at Fleetwood Ferry Terminal on a driver training run. The passenger ferry for Knott End, only a short distance away across the Wyre Estuary, is now operating regularly again and leaves from a jetty just through the arch by the tram stop. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/05/2009]](/images/23000/23892.jpg "Fleetwood Ferry")
![<I>Millennium</I> tram 709 on the level crossing at Broadwater heading for Fleetwood in 2009. Broadwater changed significantly during the tramway refurbishment [see image 38274] but although 709 was one of a number of double deckers selected for modifications to allow them to operate regular services to the new tram stops the conversion wasn't carried out and it remains in the condition seen here but is stored and not in service.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/05/2009]](/images/49000/49584.jpg "Broadwater")
![Heading for the Starr Gate southern terminus No. 707, a 1930s double deck <I>Millennium</I> car with a new body on the original frames, leaves Broadwater tram stop and crosses the busy road before rejoining the independent section of track that runs across fields to Rossall School. This location changed significantly when the tramway was refurbished and a level access tram stop behind the camera position replaced the original. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/06/2009]](/images/24000/24060.jpg "Broadwater")
![Most of the Blackpool tramway follows the main coastal road but at Rossall School the trams veer North East to run across the peninsula and access Fleetwood's main street. Here No. 721, a double deck car in advertising livery heading for Fleetwood, runs into Broadwater, part way along that section of the line.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/06/2009]](/images/24000/24061.jpg "Broadwater")
![Looking towards Cleveleys and Blackpool from the level crossing at Broadwater as rebuilt Balloon car 707 departs for Starr Gate. The tram stop at this time was behind the camera but moved during the refurbishment. [See image 39822] for the same location three years later<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/06/2009]](/images/39000/39821.jpg "Broadwater")
![16 brand new Bombardier trams have been ordered for Blackpool and a new depot is to be built at Starr Gate to maintain them - although it looks like a sitting tenant will have to be evicted first. Rebuilt double-decker 724 is waiting to form a service to Fleetwood and will negotiate the tight turning circle before heading north again.Shortly after this photo was taken this section of line was closed to allow relaying and the construction of the new depot [See image 31269]. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/08/2009]](/images/25000/25005.jpg "Starr Gate")
![Blackpool Transport double deck <I>Balloon Car</I> No. 711 negotiates the sand filled turning circle at Starr Gate to head for Fleetwood. The bridge in the background carries the road over the Blackpool South railway line and marks the entrance to Squires Gate station. Shortly after this image was taken the tracks were lifted to allow a refurbishment in connection with the new tram depot construction. 711 was later rebuilt with wider entrances to be compatible with the new platforms. [See image 54343]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/08/2009]](/images/25000/25075.jpg "Starr Gate")
![Blackpool <I>Balloon Car</I> No. 719 runs down Pharos Street (I wonder where that name came from) in Fleetwood at the start of its run to Blackpool. This is part of the turning circle at Fleetwood Ferry and the tram is about to join the double track section along Fleetwood's main street. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/10/2009]](/images/25000/25691.jpg "Fleetwood Ferry")
![Blackpool <I>Balloon Car</I> No. 717 has been restored to original condition (apart from the pantograph replacing the trolley pole) and makes a fine sight entering the street running section in Fleetwood. Most of the remaining 1930s double deck tram cars have been either completely rebuilt or at least heavily modified [see image 23650]. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/10/2009]](/images/25000/25693.jpg "Fleetwood (Ash St)")
![OMO (One man operated) <I>Centenary</I> tram 647 is about to use the crossover in the foreground to reverse at the Cabin and go back to the Pleasure Beach on a very overcast day. The Cabin Lift in the background takes pedestrians down over forty feet to the lower promenade. 647 worked until the very last day of traditional trams in service, in November 2011.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/10/2009]](/images/25000/25827.jpg "Cabin [Tram]")
![<I>Stop that tram!</I> A Lancashire Constabulary patrol, leaving the nearby police station, overtakes Blackpool No. 707 outside Fleetwood's North Euston hotel. The hotel name betrays its LNWR origins and the building overlooks the ferry and tram terminals, close to the site of the long demolished railway station. This location, previously just for setting down, has become the Fleetwood Ferry raised tram stop for the new <I>flexity</I> tram services. [See image 40940]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/10/2009]](/images/26000/26046.jpg "Fleetwood Ferry")
![When current plans come to fruition Fleetwood will be served by new articulated light rail vehicles on all regular services. Blackpool's historic trams, such as restored 717 seen here entering Lord Street, will usually be confined to the central part of the system in Blackpool itself. The former Woolworths store, now empty, fronts onto the street at this point. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/10/2009]](/images/27000/27113.jpg "Fleetwood [Tram]")
![The Blackpool and Fleetwood tramway has been closed over winter 2010/11 while the major refurbishment continues. This is the level crossing at Broadwater, also closed to road traffic at present. [See image 24060] for the same scene prior to this work commencing. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/01/2010]](/images/32000/32509.jpg "Broadwater")
![<I>What a difference a year makes.</I> The turning circle at Starr Gate is being relaid as part of the new tram depot construction work. Concrete troughs have replaced the old bullhead wooden sleepered track. [See image 25075 for the same view just one year earlier.] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/08/2010]](/images/30000/30206.jpg "Starr Gate")
![The new Blackpool tram depot at Starr Gate is making good progress and will be an impressive building, as seen here in this view looking south on the promenade road. It lies just to the seaward side of the turning circle and will house sixteen new Bombardier articulated tramcars. The traditional fleet will continue to be maintained at Rigby Road Depot [See image 30259].<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/08/2010]](/images/30000/30215.jpg "Starr Gate")
![Although a new tram depot is being built in Blackpool [See image 30215] Rigby Road will continue to house and service the heritage fleet. On this summer evening many of the trams are out on the route but some interesting vehicles can still be glimpsed.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/08/2010]](/images/30000/30259.jpg "Blackpool (Rigby Road)")
![<I>Temporary tram terminus</I>. During extensive refurbishments in Fleetwood town centre, and by the Ferry Terminal, trams are temporarily terminating at the Ash St stop at the end of Lord Street. Here a sizeable crowd of Saturday shoppers is waiting to catch a tram back towards Blackpool as double decker 707 reverses over the points. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/10/2010]](/images/31000/31095.jpg "Fleetwood (Ash St)")
![New platforms are appearing all along the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway, including these at Lowther Avenue on the Bispham cliffs. They are part of the wholesale system refurbishment and will provide level access into the trams. Tramcar 711 heads south past the illumination displays as it leaves the original tramstop and runs through the as yet unopened platforms.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/10/2010]](/images/31000/31101.jpg "Lowther Avenue")
![With new platforms under construction in the foreground, tram 762 rumbles across the crossing at Rossall School. 762 is one of the <I>Jubilee</I> class of two trams that were rebuilt with East Lancs bodies and which seemed considerably larger than all the other trams in the fleet. After withdrawal in 2011 it moved to the National Tramway museum at Crich. The large waiting shelter at this tram stop was demolished when the new halt was completed. [See image 22575] for the same view eighteen months earlier.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/10/2010]](/images/31000/31110.jpg "Rossall School")
![Restored Sheffield tram 513 is on long term loan to the Blackpool system from Beamish and is used with other preserved trams in ordinary service on busy days and special events. It was the last four wheeled design built in the UK but only lasted eight years in service before the Sheffield tram system closed in 1960. 513 is seen here running through the new platforms at Cabin.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/10/2010]](/images/31000/31143.jpg "Cabin [Tram]")
![Restored 1937 built Brush railcar 632, owned by the Lancastrian Transport Trust, is seen here operating in Blackpool again as part of the celebrations of the 125th aniversary of the tramway system. During its restoration it has been refitted with illuminated roof mounted advertising boxes, so much more attractive than the overall advertising liveries that have been a feature of recent years. The 73 year old tram is just about to reverse at Cabin and return to the Pleasure Beach and is seen here in the new platforms with the Cabin Lift behind. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/10/2010]](/images/31000/31152.jpg "Cabin [Tram]")
![<I>Boat Car</I> No. 600, painstakingly restored for the Blackpool Tramway 125 celebrations, makes a fine sight as it leaves the stop at Lowther Avenue and heads along the cliffs to Bispham. Seven of these stylish open cars were built in 1934 to replace early open <I>toastrack</I> trams and must have been a real contrast to their predecessors. Three of them are still in regular service as part of Blackpool's heritage fleet. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/10/2010]](/images/31000/31450.jpg "Lowther Avenue")
![Rebuilt double-deck car 724 heads south from Cleveleys town centre on a service for Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The tracks here are on a reserved section in the middle of a dual carriageway but with several crossing points. [See image 22562] for the same location some eighteen months earlier when the line was closed for refurbishment.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/10/2010]](/images/31000/31563.jpg "Cleveleys")
![Brush railcar 632, restored and back in service for the Blackpool and Fleetwood 125 year celebrations, reverses and crosses over to the southbound line at Cabin. Just off picture to the right is a pub known as.....Uncle Tom's Cabin.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/10/2010]](/images/31000/31918.jpg "Cabin [Tram]")
![Car no 672, with 682 trailing, heading south past Blackpool Tower on the 19th of October 2010.<br><br>[Bill Roberton 19/10/2010]](/images/31000/31324.jpg "Blackpool")
![Track is now in place on several roads at the new Starr Gate tram depot, seen here on 27 October 2010. The rails in the foreground are the new running lines, with the depot sidings behind, as seen through the <I>Heras</I> fencing that surrounds the construction site.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/10/2010]](/images/31000/31263.jpg "Starr Gate")
![Good progress at Starr Gate with new track in place on the turning circle while work continues at the new tram depot behind. The <I>sitting tenant</I> is not being evicted either. [See image 38717] for a view of the completed new tram stop. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/10/2010]](/images/31000/31269.jpg "Starr Gate")
![In the shadow of the <I>Big One</I> single-deck car 644 has just turned on the circle at Pleasure Beach, the temporary southern limit of operations while the Starr Gate line is refurbished and the new depot completed. The work carried out here in 2009 can be seen on the tracks in the foreground. 644 carried advertising livery for Farmer Parr's Animal World, and after withdrawal in November 2011 it was retired there as a cafe and gift shop. [See image 40256]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/10/2010]](/images/31000/31291.jpg "Pleasure Beach")
![Another Blackpool and Fleetwood tramway level crossing closed for rebuilding is that at Rossall School, just north of Cleveleys. This picture was taken through the <I>heras</I> fencing at the site looking north towards Broadwater and Fleetwood. [See image 31110] for the same site just three months earlier. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/01/2011]](/images/32000/32523.jpg "Rossall School")
![Still a bit of work to do. Scenes like this can be seen along the full length of the Blackpool and Fleetwood tramway as refurbishment and renewal work continues. This is the site of a planned 'Stanley Road' tram stop, looking towards Broadwater and Blackpool. <I>Then and Now</I> comparisons to follow in due course as the line is reopened. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/01/2011]](/images/32000/32601.jpg "Fleetwood (Stanley Road)")
![A recent <I>Then and Now</I> comparison at the Lindel Rd tram stop in Fleetwood looking north towards the town centre. The upper image shows the stop under construction in January 2011 while the line was closed. The lower image was taken from the same spot in August 2013. At this time the tramway had been open again for over a year but the new stop still looks pristine as <I>Flexity</I> 006 calls on a service heading for Starr Gate.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/01/2011]](/images/45000/45075.jpg "Fleetwood (Lindel Road)")
![<I>Almost ready for business</I>. The new Starr Gate Tram Depot is nearing completion and is seen here from the Promenade sea wall. The two tracks on the left are the running lines with a depot access turnout while that on the right is a headshunt that terminates just behind the camera. [See image 31263] of the same location four months earlier.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 20/02/2011]](/images/32000/32852.jpg "Starr Gate")
![With several km of tram tracks being replaced over the winter of 2010/2011, scenes like this, looking south at Gynn Square, are being repeated all over Blackpool. The road network is disrupted too with only northbound traffic allowed on the promenade from the North Pier all the way to Cleveleys. Trams should be running again over part of the system for Easter which, probably to the contractors' relief, falls much later this year.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 20/02/2011]](/images/32000/32859.jpg "Blackpool (Gynn Square)")
![<I>Where is that wiring diagram?</I>. The entrance to Rigby Road tram depot has some intricate overhead catenary and pointwork. As the tramway is closed for another round of winter refurbishment the depot has been temporarily fenced off as seen here. Although the depot is know as Rigby Road, because that is where the main office is situated, the trams actually enter the depot along Hopton Road from Lytham Road. In this view in Hopton Road the line leading off to the left is the rarely used but still maintained and electrified emergency access route that approaches along Blundell Street and Princess Street. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 20/02/2011]](/images/32000/32966.jpg "Blackpool (Rigby Road)")
!['L' Plates displayed but is that for a tram driving licence or a skipper's ticket? <I>Trawler Tram</I> 737, promoting Fleetwood based 'Fisherman's Friend' lozenges, is on training duties at the Pleasure Beach turning circle but being driven from the <I>stern end</I>. After several years out of service the tram was restored for the 2016 illuminations.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/05/2011]](/images/34000/34039.jpg "Pleasure Beach")
![The little used but at one time essential emergency access route to Blackpool (Rigby Rd) Tram Depot. This is the view north along Blundell Street at the end of which the line turns left along Princess Street to access the promenade. This link would be used if something was blocking the main depot access route along Lytham Road. The building on the right is the Blackpool Transport Services main office and the depot itself is behind the camera. The emergency link was disconnected at the Promenade end in April 2013 [See image 42845] as the depot now houses only heritage vehicles. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/05/2011]](/images/34000/34096.jpg "Blackpool (Rigby Road)")
![First of the newly delivered Blackpool Supertrams, photographed during an official ceremony in the new tram depot at Starr Gate on 8 September 2011 [see news item].<br><br>[Tony Roberts (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 08/09/2011]](/images/3000/3722.jpg "Starr Gate")
![An illustration of the rapid transformation that has taken place on the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway in 2011. This is the view towards Gynn Square showing the new tram platforms nearing completion. [See image 32859] for the same location in February 2011.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/10/2011]](/images/36000/36166.jpg "Blackpool (Gynn Square)")
![The rails, poles and catenary are back at Starr Gate, although Blackpool's trams aren't running here yet and the turning circle will no longer be used for public services as it now leads into the new depot via the washing plant. For a Then, Then and Now comparison covering two years at this location [see image 30206].<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/10/2011]](/images/36000/36176.jpg "Starr Gate")
![The turning circle at Little Bispham has not been used much in recent years but in 2011 saw a tram every few minutes as, with the line to Cleveleys and Fleetwood still being rebuilt, it was the northern limit of operations. Tram 647 negotiates the tight curve before returning to Pleasure Beach. Just off shore is one of Blackpool's controversial gas drilling platforms. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/10/2011]](/images/36000/36183.jpg "Little Bispham")
![St Stephens Avenue was a typical rail level tram stop on the Bispham cliffs. It closed two weeks after this photo was taken, being replaced in 2012 by the new stop at nearby Lowther Avenue. Two passengers wait to cross the lines after alighting from tram 643, which was routed to Little Bispham. This tram was also withdrawn in November 2011 and later went to the Broadwater Caravan Park near Fleetwood to serve as a cafe and gift shop.[See image 42562] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/10/2011]](/images/36000/36217.jpg "St Stephens Avenue")
![Another <I>Then, Then and Now</I> comparison showing recent changes at the Starr Gate southern terminus of the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway. This view looks north from the old return loop to the new platforms and the section that is virtually completed now but awaiting the new trams and reopening in 2012. [See image 31269] for the same location in October 2010.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/10/2011]](/images/36000/36260.jpg "Starr Gate")
![At Little Bispham, the temporary northern limit of operating, double deck car 719 has been round the turning circle and rejoins the <I>main line</I> to go back south to Pleasure Beach. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/10/2011]](/images/36000/36325.jpg "Little Bispham")
![Almost ready for passengers, with a road sweeper on tidying duties, is the new two platform terminus at Starr Gate alongside the <I>Flexity Trams</I> depot. The previous tram stop was a simple ground level shelter on the single line turning circle but trams will now reverse here to go north again with separate platforms for alighting and boarding. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/10/2011]](/images/36000/36400.jpg "Starr Gate")
![The Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway closed again after the 2011 illuminations for the final upgrade to the system ahead of the Easter 2012 reopening. During 2011 trams had been limited to the Pleasure Beach to Little Bispham stretch and modified <I>Centenary</I> tram 647 is seen here leaving the turning circle at the northern limit of operations just before the winter closure. The rusty track in the foreground is for Cleveleys and Fleetwood (curving right beyond the tram). 647 was withdrawn from service at the end of the season just over a week later.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/10/2011]](/images/37000/37088.jpg "Little Bispham")
![Blackpool <I>Centenary </I> Car No. 642 runs north towards Little Bispham near the new Lowther Avenue stop on 26th October 2011. This was the last year that the 1986 built tram ran in ordinary service. It is now part of the Blackpool Heritage Trust collection and has been operated occasionally, still in this overall yellow livery. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/10/2011]](/images/57000/57247.jpg "Lowther Avenue")
![Broadwater level crossing is now complete and open for road traffic although the trams are not running again yet. View towards Fleetwood town centre. [See image 32509] for the same location nearly two years earlier. The tram stop, formerly on the far side of the road, has now been moved behind the camera.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/11/2011]](/images/36000/36344.jpg "Broadwater")
![The new Fleetwood Ferry tram stop under construction outside the North Euston Hotel. It is seen here partly finished and replaced the old tram stop directly outside the Ferry itself. Previously there was just a setting down point here. [See image 26046] for the same location in 2009.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/11/2011]](/images/36000/36351.jpg "Fleetwood Ferry")
![A simple elegance might be the description applied to the new tramstops in Blackpool and Fleetwood. This is Stanley Road, on the south side of Fleetwood, constructed during 2011. In that same year the old Fleetwood Fire Station has been demolished and work started on a new building. [See image 32601] for the same location 11 months earlier.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/11/2011]](/images/36000/36360.jpg "Fleetwood (Stanley Road)")
![New Blackpool and Fleetwood <I>Flexity</I> tram 002, on driver training duties, calls at the new tram stop at Wilton Parade just outside the Imperial Hotel. 001 had just passed the other way bearing 'L' Plates. The new trams are scheduled to be fully in service when the line re-opens for Easter 2012. [See image 23650] for the same location prior to rebuilding work. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/02/2012]](/images/37000/37614.jpg "Blackpool (Wilton Parade)")
![Although the tramway in Blackpool has not yet reopened the new <I>Flexity</I> trams are out and about on driver training runs. 002 pauses at Cabin on one of these duties on 14 February 2012. When the line reopens and these new units are running side by side with the heritage trams on the Pleasure Beach to Bispham section it will be interesting to see which ones the holidaymakers go for. Will they hop on a new tram or hang back for an old one? [See image 31152]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/02/2012]](/images/37000/37624.jpg "Cabin [Tram]")
![A new <I>Flexity</I> tram waits to leave Fleetwood Ferry on Day 2 of scheduled services since reopening of the tramway after refurbishment. Just ahead of the tram is the curve where the first scheduled service on Day 1 was derailed due to a build up of sand in the track. However services were quickly back on schedule.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 05/04/2012]](/images/38000/38262.jpg "Fleetwood Ferry")
![New Flexity tram 001 negotiates Pharos Street in Fleetwood, part of the turnaround loop, and rejoins the double track section with an early evening service to Blackpool on 5 April 2012. The new timetable sees these trams providing a 20 minute interval service between Fleetwood and Starr Gate throughout the day but a 10 minute interval is planned and there will be additional trams on the Cleveleys to Pleasure Beach section.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 05/04/2012]](/images/38000/38265.jpg "Fleetwood Ferry")
![<I>Flexity</I> 010 pulls into the new Broadwater stop on a Blackpool bound service. The stop has been moved here from the other side of the crossing and the lines renewed. [See image 36344]. These long, stylish Bombardier trams have five sections mounted on three bogies.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 05/04/2012]](/images/38000/38274.jpg "Broadwater")
![The new two platform station at Starr Gate sees 011 in the arrival platform and 001 ready to depart for Fleetwood on 5 April. The new corporate lively of maroon and white is very classy but I suspect the <I>Mad Men</I> will already be designing full length advertising liveries.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 05/04/2012]](/images/38000/38285.jpg "Starr Gate")
![View over the shoulder of the driver of a new <I>Flexity</I> tram on Blackpool Promenade on Day 2 of the new services. It is a warm spring evening and a sister unit is heading for Starr Gate as this Fleetwood bound tram approaches the Tower. Some of the recent improvements to the promenade can also be seen. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 05/04/2012]](/images/38000/38673.jpg "Blackpool")
![There are still classic trams operating in Blackpool, but only on special heritage services between Pleasure Beach and Little Bispham. Open top Balloon car 706 runs north through Gyn Square on a Promenade Tour service on 14 April 2012. [See image 32859] for the same view just over one year earlier.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/04/2012]](/images/38000/38398.jpg "Blackpool (Gynn Square)")
![<I>Transformation complete</I>. Tram 008 draws forward at Starr Gate prior to reversing to the new departure platform in May 2012. The changes at Starr Gate, including the new depot, are significant but the old gentleman on the left has survived them all. [See image 25005] for the same location prior to the renewal.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/05/2012]](/images/38000/38717.jpg "Starr Gate")
![Tram 008, heading for Fleetwood Ferry, slows across the level crossing to call at Norbreck on 6 May 2012. To the right of the tram is the Norbreck Castle hotel, a local landmark overlooking the cliffs.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/05/2012]](/images/38000/38724.jpg "Norbreck")
![The traditionally styled Bispham Station building still stands alongside the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway although a new level access platform has been grafted onto the front. This image of Tram 006 leaving for Fleetwood Ferry was taken from the new staggered Blackpool bound platform. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/05/2012]](/images/38000/38743.jpg "Bispham")
![<I>Its started already</I>. Although not all the Bombardier <I>Flexitys</I> are yet in service in Blackpool one has already had advertising vinyls applied over the smart purple and white livery. Its no doubt necessary income, and its not as garish as some recent schemes [see image 24060], but we'll probably not see a plain liveried fleet again. 011 pauses at Cleveleys on its way to Fleetwood on a very wet Saturday in June 2012.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/06/2012]](/images/39000/39248.jpg "Cleveleys")
![Fleetwood Ash St tramstop, or as it is now know since refurbishment <I>Fisherman's Walk</I>, normally only sees through services to and from Fleetwood Ferry but on the afternoon of 16th June it was Fleetwood Carnival and services from Blackpool terminated here. <I>Flexity</I> 010 uses the crossover to run into the Blackpool bound platform and return to Starr Gate. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/06/2012]](/images/39000/39310.jpg "Fleetwood (Ash St)")
![A grey wet day at Cleveleys on 16 June as 010 leaves the town centre heading for Blackpool and 011 comes off the central reservation section heading for Fleetwood. The weather was however merely a foretaste of the dreadful conditions that would be experienced here less than a week later when the Olympic Torch arrived at Cleveleys from Rossall on a vintage tram [See image 39323]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/06/2012]](/images/39000/39352.jpg "Cleveleys")
![The Olympic flame on board Blackpool tram 147 at Rossall School tram stop during part of its round Britain journey on 22 June 2012. It had originally been planned to use the open topped 'boat' tram for the occasion but the weather unfortunately put paid to that idea.<br><br>[John McIntyre 22/06/2012]](/images/39000/39323.jpg "Rossall School")
![1960s railway enthusiasts would have alighted here to <I>bunk</I> Fleetwood Shed (Code 24F/10C) which was immediately behind the trees but now lies under industrial units and a new road system. Tram 003 heads towards Blackpool without stopping during a driver training run on 31 July 2012. The well designed arrangements at the new tram stops can be seen in this view. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 31/07/2012]](/images/39000/39783.jpg "Fleetwood (Heathfield Road)")
![Looking towards Cleveleys and Blackpool from the level crossing at Broadwater as <I>Flexity</I> tram 009 departs for Starr Gate. The tram stop has been moved from the other side of the crossing during the refurbishment and now has staggered, level access platforms. [See image 39821] for the same location three years earlier.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 31/07/2012]](/images/39000/39822.jpg "Broadwater")
![One of the Blackpool Flexity trams, no 003, passing Blackpool Tower in September 2012.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery /09/2012]](/images/40000/40427.jpg "Blackpool")
![Blackpool Tram no 010 at Cabin in September 2012.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery /09/2012]](/images/40000/40438.jpg "Blackpool")
![Illuminating scene at Bispham in September 2012.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery /09/2012]](/images/40000/40452.jpg "Bispham")
![It is many years since the <I>Rocket Tram</I> No.732 ran in Blackpool but for 2012 it has been cosmetically restored and put on static display on the Gynn Square roundabout as part of the Illuminations. [See image 40556]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 08/09/2012]](/images/40000/40249.jpg "Blackpool (Gynn Square)")
![Blackpool <I>Centenary</I> tramcar 644 was retired in 2011,along with the rest of its classmates. Since 2002 it had advertised Farmer Parrs Animal World at Broadwater near Fleetwood and has gone there with a view to it becoming a gift shop and cafe. It is seen here on site awaiting conversion to its new role. [See image 31291] for the same tram in service in 2010. <I>Centenary</I> 648 has been retained in the Blackpool and Fleetwood heritage fleet but the other seven tramcars in that class have all found new homes. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 08/09/2012]](/images/40000/40256.jpg "Broadwater")
![Retired from the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway in 2011 <I>Centenary</I> car 643 found a new home at the entrance to Broadwater Caravan Park on the outskirts of Fleetwood to become the site reception/shop/cafe. It was later repainted in traditional green and cream livery but in February 2014 was removed from the site as surplus to requirements. [See image 36217] for this tram in service just prior to withdrawal. Coincidentally, sister tram 644 is performing a similar role at Farmer Parrs Animal World about 200 yards away. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 08/09/2012]](/images/40000/40276.jpg "Broadwater")
![With illuminations displays behind along the cliffs, southbound Flexity tram 012 departs from Lowther Avenue heading for Blackpool town centre on 8 September 2012. [See image 31101] for the same location two years earlier.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 08/09/2012]](/images/40000/40335.jpg "Lowther Avenue")
![Heading for the southern terminus at Starr Gate <I>Flexity</I> No. 008 leaves the Pleasure Beach behind and runs along the refurbished tramway. This section of the Blackpool sea wall has a number of different scupltures, some of which can be seen in this view.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/09/2012]](/images/40000/40285.jpg "Pleasure Beach")
![Although many old trams have left Blackpool in the last year or so a sizeable number are still kept at Rigby Road Depot. Here, from right to left, are engineering vehicle 754, restored Balloon 717, rebuilt Balloon 724, Balloon 700 in the new white and purple livery (having been modified to supplement the new Flexity cars on ordinary services) and two illuminated vehicles.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/09/2012]](/images/40000/40297.jpg "Blackpool (Rigby Road)")
![Another temporary static illuminations exhibit, alongside the tramway in Blackpool, is Brush Railcar 627. This has been specially repainted for the Jubilee and positioned on a temporary piece of track in the middle of the Pleasure Beach turning circle. It is good to see Blackpool valuing these old vehicles although the amount of fencing around the old tram seemed excessive. A modern day successor passes by in the background.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/09/2012]](/images/40000/40315.jpg "Pleasure Beach")
![Blackpool never does <I>ordinary</I> and among the sculptures alongside the tramway on the sea wall is <I>The World's largest glitterball. Flexity</I> 012 heads for Little Bispham past the revolving ball, which is a year round feature and not just for the illuminations.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 11/09/2012]](/images/40000/40529.jpg "Pleasure Beach")
![Now that's what I call a sign! Blackpool, 14 September 2012.<br><br>[Peter Todd 14/09/2012]](/images/40000/40439.jpg "Blackpool")
![Blackpool Tramway's <I>Rocket Tramnik One</I> No. 732 on static display at on an isolated section of track in the middle of the Gynn Square roundabout for the 2012 Blackpool Illuminations. [See image 40249]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/10/2012]](/images/40000/40556.jpg "Blackpool (Gynn Square)")
![Dusk on a fine evening on the Lancashire coast as <I>Flexity</I> 011 waits on the Little Bispham turning circle before heading south for Starr Gate. During the illuminations season the half-hourly evening service to and from Fleetwood is supplemented by further trams turning back here to give a ten-minute frequency through the lights. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 04/10/2012]](/images/40000/40580.jpg "Little Bispham")
![The road layout at the Fleetwood Ferry tram terminus has changed significantly recently. 004 waits outside the North Euston Hotel on a wet November day. [See image 36351] for an earlier view of the same spot.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 06/11/2012]](/images/40000/40940.jpg "Fleetwood Ferry")
![It's not only the national rail network that was closed for Christmas. A film of rust on the rails and locked gates to Starr Gate Depot on Boxing Day morning show that Blackpool trams were not running either. The new Starr Gate tram terminus can also be seen to the left of the fence.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/12/2012]](/images/41000/41501.jpg "Starr Gate")
![Until recently, the tramway civil engineers' sidings and yard were located at Thornton Gate. An intricate track layout remains, with passing loop and turnback siding, but the yard itself is now trackless and being redeveloped and the access point is redundant. <I>Flexity</I> Tram 016 passes the site of the yard as it leaves Thornton Gate for Fleetwood on 16 January.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/01/2013]](/images/41000/41732.jpg "Thornton Gate")
![<I>Tram trap?</I> As <I>Flexity</I> 016 travelled south towards Starr Gate I wondered if the speed enforcement officer in the yellow van was tempted to check tram speeds as well as the passing cars. A 10 minute interval timetable has been maintained by the new trams throughout the winter season and they seem to have generally settled down to give reliable performance, including during the previous week when there was also snow to contend with. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/01/2013]](/images/41000/41843.jpg "Pleasure Beach")
![Passing the Blackpool Solarium, heading for the Starr Gate terminus in January 2013, is <I>Flexity</I> 013 on a service from Fleetwood Ferry. The <I>Art Deco style</I> Solarium was derelict for many years but is now an Eco Centre with cafe, park, exhibition and conference centre. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/01/2013]](/images/42000/42279.jpg "Starr Gate")
![Easter 2013 saw the return of heritage trams to the Blackpool system and, for the first time since the system refurbishment, some heritage trams ran through to Fleetwood. Most reversed at Bispham however, including Bolton No.66 seen here crossing over to head south for Pleasure Beach passing a northbound Flexity.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/03/2013]](/images/42000/42542.jpg "Bispham")
![Blackpool <I>Centenary</I> car 643 was repainted in a traditional Blackpool Transport green and cream livery for its role as the site reception office/shop at Broadwater caravan park. In this livery it fitted in to its surroundings much better than it did on arrival in 2012 [See image 40276] but in early 2014 it was deemed surplus to requirements and removed from the site.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/03/2013]](/images/42000/42562.jpg "Broadwater")
![Most of the recent UK tram news has been about new lines and systems but in Blackpool a section of track was removed in April 2013. This is Foxhall Square where the emergency connection along Princess St and Blundell St to Rigby Rd left the Promenade. Now that only heritage trams use that depot the back up link is considered unnecessary and track lifting has started. The line of fresh tarmac seen here follows the curve of the lifted tracks but all trace will go when the re-surfacing is complete. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 24/04/2013]](/images/42000/42845.jpg "Blackpool (Foxhall Square)")
![Balloon Car 701, seen here outside Rigby Rd depot, was fitted with a snow plough over winter 2012/13. It was used on clearing duties on a couple of wintry days in January but later reverted to standard guards. What looks like engineering department paintwork was actually the base of a previous advertising livery but very appropriate for a tram not in passenger service. It was later reliveried and now forms part of the heritage fleet [See image 51396] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 24/04/2013]](/images/42000/42861.jpg "Blackpool (Rigby Road)")
![<I>Tracks to Nowhere - Yet</I>. In Talbot Square by the North Pier tram stop a new junction was installed in the refurbished tramway for a planned (but until now unfunded) branch to Blackpool North railway station. <I>Flexity</I> 009 passes over the pointwork of the projected North to East chord of a triangular junction. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/05/2013]](/images/43000/43082.jpg "Blackpool (North Pier)")
![More <I>future proofing</I> on the Blackpool tram system. These points and crossover are intended to create the south to east chord of a triangular junction with a branch that will run along Talbot Rd to Blackpool North railway station. There were no funds for that at the time but when it is built the costs, and disruption to existing services, will be considerably reduced by the trackwork having been already installed. <I>Flexity</I> 010 slows for the North Pier stop on its way to Fleetwood in May 2013. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/05/2013]](/images/43000/43092.jpg "Blackpool (North Pier)")
![Prior to the system refurbishment the tram tracks in Fleetwood ran straight along Lord St but the new level access stops require the tracks to deviate into and out of the platforms. View over the shoulder of a Flexity driver heading for Fleetwood Ferry in June 2013.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 24/06/2013]](/images/43000/43538.jpg "Fleetwood [Tram]")
![<I>Then, Then and Now</I> at the new Stanley Road tram stop in Fleetwood as <I>Flexity</I> 015 approaches the town from Blackpool. [See image 36360] from 2011 since when the stop has been completed, as has the new Fleetwood Fire Station.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/08/2013]](/images/44000/44155.jpg "Fleetwood (Stanley Road)")
![I've driven past this car showroom many times without knowing its<br>
provenance but with the aid of an old book I realised that it was the original Blackpool & Fleetwood Tram Depot. The outside is covered in cladding but two holes have been left to show the inscribed stones underneath. An enlargement of the stone on the left is reproduced here (the other says <I>Jubilee 1897</I>). The depot had a capacity for 41 trams but finally closed in 1963. [Update: During 2016 the old tram depot was demolished but I understand the plaques have been saved.] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/08/2013]](/images/44000/44169.jpg "Fleetwood (Copse Road) Tram Depot")
![The quality of finish on the new Blackpool and Fleetwood tram stops is a complete contrast to the old system. <I>Flexity</I> 013 slows for the Rossall School stop on a service from Fleetwood. [See image 32523] for the same location in 2011 (and earlier). <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/08/2013]](/images/44000/44214.jpg "Rossall School")
![Pulling away from the penultimate northbound stop, <I>Flexity</I> 002 moves back towards the centre of North Albert St in Fleetwood town centre on 10 August and heads for Fleetwood Ferry, closely followed by a Blackpool bus. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/08/2013]](/images/44000/44257.jpg "Fleetwood [Tram]")
![<I>Flexity</I> 011 makes its way along North Albert St in Fleetwood town centre on 10 August heading for Blackpool Starr Gate. The tram is just passing one of the numerous crossovers that allow flexible working when the main running lines are disrupted for any reason. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/08/2013]](/images/44000/44454.jpg "Fleetwood [Tram]")
![Although the loop directly outside the Fleetwood Ferry entrance is still used by occasional heritage tram services the actual tram stop is now round the corner and built for level access to the Flexity trams. 015 passes through the loop as it sets off for Starr Gate. [See image 23892] <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/08/2013]](/images/45000/45592.jpg "Fleetwood Ferry")
![Blackpool Flexity tram 016 photographed on 23 September at the Cabin tramstop.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 23/09/2013]](/images/44000/44790.jpg "Cabin [Tram]")
![A cold and breezy November morning sees a near deserted promenade at Blackpool as <I>Flexity</I> 008 heads north towards the Central Pier near Manchester Square. The 10 minute interval service between Starr Gate and Fleetwood is maintained until the illuminations close but supplemented by shorter workings on the central section at busy periods. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 13/11/2013]](/images/45000/45328.jpg "Blackpool (Manchester Square)")
![With a familiar (if partly shrouded) landmark dominating the promenade backdrop, <I>Flexity</I> 001 leaves the Tower tram stop heading south on a bright February morning.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/02/2014]](/images/46000/46461.jpg "Tower (Blackpool)")
![<I>Flexity</I> tram 013 swings round the corner into the Fleetwood Ferry stop on a service from Starr Gate on 27 February. The Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway is double track along its entire length apart from this loop at the northern terminus.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/02/2014]](/images/46000/46475.jpg "Fleetwood Ferry")
![Blackpool tram 013 on a service from Starr Gate pauses briefly at Fleetwood Ferry on 27 February 2014 before returning south. Heritage tram services ran to Fleetwood again over the Easter weekend and are scheduled to operate on other Bank Holidays in 2014. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 27/02/2014]](/images/47000/47116.jpg "Fleetwood Ferry")
![A southbound tram service has just left Fleetwood Ferry on 14 June and passes along Pharos Street on its way to Starr Gate. <I>Flexity</I> 004 is still on the turnaround loop, prior to rejoining the double track section along Fleetwood's main street. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 14/06/2014]](/images/48000/48129.jpg "Fleetwood Ferry")
![August Bank Holiday means Heritage trams in Blackpool. Open top <I>Balloon</I> 706 <I>Princess Alice</I> has just arrived at Bispham station and is now drawing forward to reverse and return to Pleasure Beach. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 23/08/2014]](/images/48000/48455.jpg "Bispham")
![Reversing the trolley pole was once a common tramway scene but now rarely seen due to the almost universal introduction of pantographs. Heritage <I>Open Balloon</I> 706 is on the centre road at Bispham. In the upper picture the conductor is removing the insulated hooked pole from a cabinet in the tram body. The lower image shows the sprung trolley pulled down and <I>walked round</I> to the rear to be put back on the wire. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 23/08/2014]](/images/48000/48516.jpg "Bispham")
![<I>Western Locomotive</I> 733 and its carriage 734 stand on the Pleasure Beach loop prior to working through the illuminations to Little Bispham on 5 November 2014. The illuminated Western Train was stored from 1999 but restored to service in 2009 with the help of a £278,000 lottery grant. The driver sits in the <I>smokebox</I> and the black painted pantograph can just been seen on top of the <I>cab</I>.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 05/11/2014]](/images/49000/49331.jpg "Pleasure Beach")
![Early evening at Fleetwood Ferry in November 2014 as <I>Flexity</I> 004 waits in front of the North Euston Hotel prior to returning to Starr Gate. [See image 40940]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 05/11/2014]](/images/49000/49352.jpg "Fleetwood Ferry")
![Brush Railcar 627 has been on static display at the Pleasure Beach turning circle for a couple of years but in a colour scheme commemorating the Jubilee [See image 40315]. In 2014 however it was restored to Blackpool Green and Cream and the windows now display old photographs of the tramway. 627 is seen here during the last week of the 2014 illuminations season.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 05/11/2014]](/images/49000/49382.jpg "Pleasure Beach")
![Blackpool <I>Flexity</I> 012 heads along the elevated north promenade at Blackpool. Below the promenade the collonades on the <I>Middle Walk</I> can be seen and also the more exposed <I>Lower Walk</I>. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 21/02/2015]](/images/50000/50440.jpg "Blackpool (Wilton Parade)")
![High tide at Blackpool as <I>Flexity</I> 003 leaves North Pier heading for Starr Gate. 21st February 2015 saw the highest astronomical tides for around nineteen years but fine weather meant Blackpool promenade was unaffected and tram services ran normally.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 21/02/2015]](/images/50000/50448.jpg "Blackpool (North Pier)")
![Starr Gate bound <I>Flexity</I> 002 leaves the Blackpool coastline briefly to go behind the Metropole Hotel before calling at the North Pier tram stop. The long overhang at the front of the Bombardier trams is very noticeable in this side view. North Pier also had its own tramway, but only from 1991 to 2004 when it was unfortunately closed and then scrapped.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 21/02/2015]](/images/50000/50458.jpg "Blackpool (North Pier)")
![The <I>Gold</I> Blackpool Heritage timetable on 24th May meant six classic trams were in service, including <I>Balloon</I> No. 701. The red and white double decker is seen here on the cliffs approaching Little Bispham station with one of five services that worked through to Fleetwood. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 24/05/2015]](/images/51000/51396.jpg "Little Bispham")
![Blackpool <I>Standard</I> No. 147 accesses the turning circle at Little Bispham with a heritage tour while the conductor resets the points for the through line. Looking at this traditionally designed tramcar from the 1920s it is easy to understand the impact of the streamlined <I>Balloons</I> that were brought into service less than ten years later [See image 25693]. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 24/05/2015]](/images/51000/51406.jpg "Little Bispham")
![The graceful lines of Blackpool <I>Boat Car</I> No. 230 are seen to good effect in Pharos Street at Fleetwood as it pauses at the heritage tram stop before returning to the Pleasure Beach. The hardy souls on board this service were well wrapped up. The modern building at the end of the street stands on the site of Fleetwood Railway Station, closed in 1966. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 24/05/2015]](/images/51000/51467.jpg "Fleetwood Ferry")
![Bolton 66, a regular performer on Heritage services in Blackpool since 1981, climbs past the Cliffs Hotel stop between Gynn Square and the Cabin in May 2015. It ran in Bolton from 1901 to 1946, spent time in use as a summer house and then <I>chicken hut</I> but was purchased by the Bolton 66 Trust in 1963 and restored.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 24/05/2015]](/images/51000/51860.jpg "Cabin [Tram]")
![On a driver training run (note the L Plate in the <I>smokebox</I> window) illuminations tram 733 and its trailer 734 pause at Bispham station on 12 August. As they headed off to the turning circle at Little Bispham they passed <I>Flexity</I> 002, unusually parked in the turnback siding as it too was being used for driver training. [See image 49331] for 733 on its more traditional duties. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/08/2015]](/images/52000/52249.jpg "Bispham")
![<I>Running the gauntlet at Bispham</I>. Flexity 016 slows for the Bispham stop as it passes a couple of sinister onlookers. The large illuminated tableaux start at this point and stretch down to the Cabin area of Blackpool. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/08/2015]](/images/52000/52573.jpg "Bispham")
![Bolton No.66, a regular on Heritage services in Blackpool, is seen with Blackpool North Pier in the background. The trolley pole isn’t normally reversed here – heritage services usually continue to Bispham.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 17/09/2015]](/images/52000/52790.jpg "Blackpool (North Pier)")
![A <I>Flexity</I> tram approaches the North Pier stop in Blackpool as it runs south behind the Metropole Hotel. Beyond the Metropole the collonades of the Middle Walk can be seen below the tram tracks. [See image 43082] for a ground level view of the same location. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/01/2016]](/images/53000/53945.jpg "Blackpool (North Pier)")
![A <I>Flexity</I> tram heads south towards Blackpool Central Pier from the Tower tram stop. On this bitterly cold January day the promenade is quiet and presents a completely different picture from what would be seen in summer months. [See image 46461] for a ground level view of the same location. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/01/2016]](/images/53000/53951.jpg "Tower (Blackpool)")
![<I>Flexity</I> tram making its way towards Starr Gate calling at the North Pier tram stop. Although there is a passing loop and crossover at this point the northbound platform is just out of sight, near the top right of the picture by the war memorial. [See image 53945]<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/01/2016]](/images/54000/54022.jpg "Blackpool (North Pier)")
![<I>Flexity</I> tram heading south on the Promenade at Blackpool, as seen through the glass floor of the Tower. The tram is passing the <I>Comedy Carpet</I>, a large mosaic of catchphrases and jokes by famous comedians. Footnote: Ruggish? - The Eric Morecambe response to 'What do you think of it so far?'<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 16/01/2016]](/images/54000/54119.jpg "Tower (Blackpool)")
![What a contrast. Two Blackpool <I>Balloons</I>, both on driver training duties, meet at Bispham on 29th February 2016. 717 <I>Walter Luff</I> on the right is in almost original condition with roof lights, sun visors, skirts and tip seats. 711 is heavily modified with no roof lights or skirts but rubber surround <I>bus windows</I> fitted. Most significantly 711 is also a <I>wide body</I> with the entrances extended so that it can operate from the new tram stops when required to supplement the <I>Flexity</I> fleet. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/02/2016]](/images/54000/54343.jpg "Bispham")
![After a long campaign by local residents a new tram stop has been authorised at Norbreck North and is scheduled to open for Easter 2016. On 29th February 2016 finishing work was taking place as seen here from a Fleetwood bound tram. The new stop breaks up the long stretch between Norbreck and Little Bispham. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/02/2016]](/images/54000/54358.jpg "Norbreck North")
![<I>Centenary</I> tram 641 has replaced Brush Railcar 627 in the static display area at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach turning circle [See image 49382]. The tram is in a vivid livery based on the Blackpool FC tangerine strip with numerous pictures from the club's history displayed on the panels. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/02/2016]](/images/54000/54454.jpg "Pleasure Beach")
![<I>Flexity</I> 005, newly arrived from Fleetwood at the Starr Gate terminus on 29th February 2016. The new depot can be seen behind and the line through the washing plant follows the route of the old turning circle. This however is now entirely inside the secure depot area and 005 will draw forward and then come back into the opposite platform before commencing another run to Fleetwood Ferry. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 29/02/2016]](/images/54000/54460.jpg "Starr Gate")
![<I>Then, then, then and Now at Starr Gate</I>. Flexity tram 014 is stabled on the old turning circle at the Blackpool Tramway southern terminus on 9th September 2016. [See image 36176] from 2011, before the tramway reopened after refurbishment. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 09/09/2016]](/images/56000/56500.jpg "Starr Gate")
![The stylish illuminated tram F736 <I>HMS Blackpool</I>, is modelled on the Royal Navy warship of the same name. It first ran in 1965, based on a 1928 <I>Pantograph</I> tram chassis. It was re-bodied in 2003 and is seen at the Pleasure Beach turning circle during the last week of the 2016 illuminations season. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/11/2016]](/images/57000/57072.jpg "Pleasure Beach")
![<I>Stern</I> view of F736 <I>HMS Blackpool</I> on the turning circle at Pleasure Beach in between illuminations tours to Little Bispham on 2nd November 2016. Apparently the helicopter has experienced difficulties while taking off due to the overhead catenary wire but a solution is being worked on. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 02/11/2016]](/images/57000/57093.jpg "Pleasure Beach")
![Norbreck North tram station only opened in March 2016 following a campaign by local residents. [See image 54358] taken during construction. The original stop closed in 2011 and, because this new station was constructed separately from the rest of the tramway upgrade, we know that this simple facility cost the tidy sum of £290,000. <I>Flexity</I> 002 <I>Alderman E. E. Wynne</I> calls at Norbreck North while heading south along the cliff top section.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 10/12/2016]](/images/57000/57502.jpg "Norbreck North")
![<I>Thunderbirds - Blackpool style</I>. Unimog Road-rail vehicle No.939 is part of the tramway service fleet. It was turned out on Easter Monday 2017 to tow <I>Wide Balloon</I> 719 from Bispham where it had failed. 939 is seen here growling through Lowther Avenue taking 719 back to Rigby Rd workshops for attention.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/04/2017]](/images/59000/59058.jpg "Lowther Avenue")
![<I>Centenary</I> car 648 passes the old Miners' Convalescent Home at Bispham on 170417. For a long time these stylish single deckers ran with modified bodywork [See image 37088] but 648 has been restored to its original condition and looks much better for it. This elevated vantage point is often blocked off for the illuminations tableaux but is open at this time of year. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/04/2017]](/images/59000/59081.jpg "Bispham")
![Contrast in comfort. Whilst the drivers of <I>Flexity</I> trams are seated in armchairs in the spacious cabs the driver of Brush Railcar 631, seen on a heritage service at Norbreck on Easter Monday 2017, is stood in a very confined space. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/04/2017]](/images/59000/59112.jpg "Norbreck")
![Balloon 701, in eye catching red and white livery, uses the crossover at Cabin to regain the southbound line after an Easter weekend heritage trip from Pleasure Beach. The current paint scheme is certainly an improvement on that previously carried [See image 42861].<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 17/04/2017]](/images/59000/59452.jpg "Cabin [Tram]")
![Most of the Blackpool Tramway runs alongside (or along) the road but the stretch between the Rossall School and Heathfield Road stops is on an independent alignment. <I>Flexity</I> 009, heading for Fleetwood, runs between the houses and across South Strand level crossing as it approaches the stop at Rossall Square on 12th August 2017. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/08/2017]](/images/60000/60495.jpg "Rossall Square")
![The modern tram stop at Rossall Square has been shoehorned in between the houses and there are no shelters or seating on the narrow platforms. <I>Flexity</I> 007, heading for Blackpool, slows to call on 12th August 2017.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 12/08/2017]](/images/60000/60533.jpg "Rossall Square")
![Historic trams on a wedding hire in Blackpool on the 15th of September.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 15/09/2017]](/images/61000/61610.jpg "Blackpool (North Pier)")
![Historic trams on a wedding hire in Blackpool on the 15th of September.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 15/09/2017]](/images/61000/61723.jpg "Blackpool (North Pier)")
![The modern Starr Gate Depot on the Blackpool Tram network.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 17/09/2017]](/images/61000/61699.jpg "Starr Gate Depot")
![A modern Flexity tram passing the Pleasure Beach - 17th Sept.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 17/09/2017]](/images/61000/61712.jpg "Pleasure Beach")
![Tram access to the modern Starr Gate Depot in September 2017.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 17/09/2017]](/images/61000/61781.jpg "Starr Gate Depot")
![<I>Flexity</I> 002 heads south along the Blackpool Tramway passing the Norbreck Castle Hotel as it approaches the Norbreck tram stop. 18th October 2017. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 18/10/2017]](/images/61000/61408.jpg "Norbreck")
![The 2017 Blackpool Illuminations final night is Sunday 5th November. A few evenings before that the <I>Western Train</I> takes another tour from Pleasure Beach to Little Bispham, seen here near Wilton Parade heading north. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 01/11/2017]](/images/61000/61501.jpg "Blackpool (Wilton Parade)")
![This is Talbot Square in Blackpool, with the North Pier just behind the camera, on 24th January 2018. Talbot Road runs from here to Blackpool North station, a distance of just under 700 yards. Talbot Road is presently closed while new tram tracks are laid to North Station, partially reinstating a long lost Blackpool tram route. Further progress photos to follow as the project takes shape. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 24/01/2018]](/images/62000/62682.jpg "Blackpool (North Pier)")
