Blackpool Tram Acquisition at the National Tramway Museum
Blackpool 645 tramcar has been acquired by the National Tramway Museum in Crich as a possible combined second "Access Tram" and "One Person Operation" tram.
The tramcar has kindly been donated by Blackpool Transport Services.
The transport cost, plus a significant donation to help restore the tram to operational condition have been made by Peter and Susan Whiteley, regular volunteers at the National Tramway Museum.The Museum currently has one Access Tram, which can accept wheelchairs and passengers with walking difficulties, by use of a hydraulic lift, which needs to be pre-booked a week prior to use.
Peter is heavily involved in restorations at the tramway workshop and when asked about his inspiration to investigate further uses for the tramcar, Peter said:
“I realised that the tram would possibly make a good "Access 2" tramcar as it has a flat saloon floor, is 8ft wide and has offset centre doors, which makes the body very strong and maximises space in the saloon.
“It is a large single decker so would retain a significant number of seats allowing it to be used as an Access tram at the same time as a service tram. It is One-Person operated, so will enable a 3- car service when we have crew shortages. It also represents the last 1st Gen UK built/operated tramcar. It ticks a lot of boxes.”
Work will shortly start on a detailed evaluation and costing of the tramcar followed by a full refurbishment and reinstatement of the traction electronics.
Dr Mike Galer, General Manager at the Museum said:
“We are looking into the possibility of having a 2nd tram which is accessible to wheelchair users, and we are very grateful to Blackpool Transport Services and Peter and Sue Whiteley to give us the opportunity of exploring this option with this tram.”
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