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Blackpool Trams
A Brief History |
On the 29th September 1885 the
Blackpool Conduit Tramway was officially opened. The line was set up by private
enterprise, led by Michael Holroyd Smith who helped to form the Blackpool Electric Tramway
Company. The tramway started at Cocker Street, just north of Talbot Square and
stretched all the way to Dean Street, near South Pier. The company owned ten
tramcars, of which two were trailers, and a depot at Blundell Street.
Current collection was by means of a conduit, a conductor rail being laid in a
channel between the tracks. A shoe beneath the tram ran along a slot in the top of
the conduit tube to collect the electricity from the concealed conductor rail. In
1891 two more open top trams were purchased , numbered 9 and 10 and these replaced
the two trailers with these numbers. The company's lease for the line expired in
1892 and Blackpool Corporation took over the tramway.
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The Dreadnought left, gave staunch service on
the Promenade between 1898 and 1934 and car 59 is seen here in 1984 taking part in a joint
Circular Tour. |
| Car 713 passing Rossall School on a rural
section of the route in 1983. Double Deckers were first introduced at Easter 1958. |
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The Western Train is the most ambitious creation from the range of
illuminated trams, in that it is a twin-car unit, built in 1962 using a spare set of
towing gear. It was initially sponsored by ABC television, and now by Lofthouses -
the local makers of Fisherman's Friend cough lozenges. The train comprises two different
types of car: the locomotive is built on 1934 rail coach 209, and the trailer on
Pantograph car 174. |
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| Many publications have been written on the
subject of Blackpool's illustrious trams, not least the two from which the above
information has been taken. No Site on Blackpool would be complete without reference
to the trams, however this Site has been constructed to give a general overview of all
Blackpool's major attractions, therefore, for those visitors wishing to gain more
information on this subject, a visit to Blackpool
Tramways Society
is recommended. Credit must be given to the
two publications from which the information has been taken. These are,
Blackpool's Trams
As popular as the Tower
Phillip Higgs
Published by Lancastrian Transport Group
Printed by Whalley Graphics Ltd, Blackburn |
Blackpool's Century of Trams
By Steve Palmer
Published by Blackpool Borough Council
Printed by UPS Blackpool Ltd
Stanley Road Blackpool FY1 4QN |
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