Friday, 8 May 2026

Bolton 66 on hire to American enthusiast group

Bolton 66 passing Flexity 006 near Central Pier
Bolton 66 operated a private hire on 8th May for the Electric Railroaders Association from the USA, who are on a two week tour of the UK. The tram ran from Starr Gate to Little Bispham turning circle and return with stops along the way.

Bolton 66 heading north near Manchester Square

Bolton 66 approaching Central Pier
Bolton 66 and Flexity 013 passing each other near the Gynn
Bolton 66 making its way north along the Promenade

Sunday, 3 May 2026

Balloon 717 visits North Station twice during FTS tour

Balloon 717 at North Station after its first trip along the Talbot Road line

The Fylde Tramway Society hired Balloon 717 for a tour of the Blackpool tramway on 3rd May as part of their annual convention weekend. The tour of the system departed from the North Pier loop at 1300, before heading up Talbot Road to North Station, then to Thornton Gate, returning to North Station again, south to the Pleasure Beach, then to the Cabin where the tram reversed and headed south to Starr Gate, then back north to Little Bispham, with the tour concluding at the southbound North Pier heritage stop at 1630. The photos shown here were taken during the most interesting parts of the tour, these being 717's first trips along the Talbot Road line to North Station.

Balloon 717 heading up Talbot Road for the first time on the tour, with BTS bus 453 behind
Balloon 717 at North Station alongside Flexity 013 which was about to leave for Fleetwood Ferry
Balloon 717 leaving North Station on its way to Thornton Gate
Balloon 717 crossing over the junction with Dickson Road
Balloon 717 passing Flexity 006 on its way south to Starr Gate
Balloon 717 entering Talbot Square after its second visit to North Station
Balloon 717 turning left out of Talbot Square onto the Promenade

Friday, 1 May 2026

Voodoo Blue Transporabus E400 on Service 21

Transporabus ADL E400 LJ09 OLG near the Cabin on service 21 to St Annes on 30th April
The first Transporabus double decker to receive their striking new Voodoo Blue livery was noted in service on the Fylde Coast this week. ADL Enviro400 LJ09 OLG was spotted in use on route 21 to St Annes on Thursday 30th April wearing the stunning new colour scheme.

LJ09 OLG approaching the bus station on Rough Lea Road in Cleveleys

A rear view of LJ09 OLG at the South Pier in Blackpool
ADL Enviro200 MMC X21 RVK at Cleveleys in September 2025
Volvo MCV Evora BD74 FKE crossing the tram tracks at Cleveleys in September 2025