Two Demonstrators in Blackpool

Mercedes Citaro demonstrator BP14 FJZ turning into Market Street on the service 5 to Halfway House

There were an interesting variety of vehicles in use on service 5 in Blackpool today, with two demonstrators being operated alongside the regular Palladium branded Mercedes Citaros. The Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 demonstrator (YX65 RKK) that was in evidence last week was still in use again, in addition to this bus there was a dark grey Mercedes Citaro demonstrator (BP14 FJZ) also operating on the route.

(The photos accompanying this report were all taken on Monday 23rd May)

Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 demonstrator YX65 RKK on service 5 in New Bonny Street

Mercedes Citaro 555 on Central Drive, with the now scaffolding free Blackpool Tower in the background

Third Plaxton Centro painted Grey

Volvo Centro 531 turning into Clifton Street on the service 5 to Blackpool Victoria Hospital

A third Plaxton Centro bodied Volvo B7RLE has been repainted into the Palladium grey and yellow livery. Centro 531 has been seen in use on service 5 this week, and follows on from Volvos 527 and 529 which have already received the Palladium branding.

Newly repainted Volvo Centro 531 on Talbot Road on service 5 to Halfway House

Second Enviro 200 Demonstrator on loan

Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 demonstrator YX65 RKK turning from Talbot Road into Clifton Street

Blackpool Transport are evaluating their second Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 single deck demonstrator of the year. YX65 RKK is currently being used on the service 5, between Halfway House and Victoria Hospital. Another ADL Enviro 200 demonstrator (YX65 RLO) was in use with BTS earlier on in the year, in February.

ADL Enviro 200 demonstrator YX65 RKK on Talbot Road on the service 5 to Halfway House

ADL Enviro 200 demonstrator YX65 RKK heading up Talbot Road towards Victoria Hospital

Cleveleys Connect 23

Newly repainted Dennis Dart V657 HEC on Pheasant Wood Drive in Thornton on the new service 23

Catch22Bus Ltd began operating their new Cleveleys Connect 23 local bus service on Monday 16th May, between Cleveleys Bus Station and the Pheasant Wood Estate in Thornton. Former Diamond Bus Company Dennis Dart V657 HEC has been repainted into an overall turquoise livery for use on the new route, and is planned to be dedicated for service on the 23.

Dennis Dart V657 HEC on Mayfield Avenue in Thornton, outbound towards Pheasants Wood

Dennis Dart V657 HEC on Pheasant Wood Drive on the new Cleveleys Connect service 23

Dart V657 HEC turning from Mayfield Ave onto Bourne Way, with the Pheasant Wood estate behind

723 Pictorial

Balloon 723 at Cleveleys, about to depart on its last Heritage Tour of the day terminating at the Tower

Here are a selection of views of Balloon 723, which was recently repainted into the 1980s style Blackpool fleet livery for use in the Heritage Tour fleet. All the photos were taken during the debut of the newly repainted tram over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

723 parked short of the heritage stop in Pharos Street, enabling a clear side view of the tram to be taken

Balloon 723 heading south on North Albert Street in Fleetwood towards the Pleasure Beach

Balloon 723 on the Pleasure Beach loop, loading up for a trip north to Fleetwood

Balloon 723 at Fleetwood Ferry on a Heritage Tour to the northern terminus of the tramway

A rare gathering of three green and cream Balloons, with 717, 715 and 723 parked at the Pleasure Beach

Balloon 723 passing the Imperial Hotel on its way north to Thornton Gate

Open Top Heritage

Boat 230 passing the Sandcastle Waterpark as it approaches the Pleasure Beach Heritage Tour terminus

The recent spell of fine and settled weather in Blackpool has seen open-top trams in regular use on the Heritage Tram Tours blue timetable days. Marton Box 31 and Boat 230 were in use on the tours on Saturday 14th May. 

Marton Box Car 31 passing the South Pier on a southbound Heritage Tram Tour

May Bank Holiday Heritage

An impressive line-up of green and cream Balloons 717, 715 & 723 at the Pleasure Beach

The Heritage Tram output for May Bank Holiday Monday was duty A: Twin Set 272/T2, duty B: Balloon 723, duty C: Balloon 715, duty D: Centenary 648, duty E: Railcoach 680 and duty F: Balloon 717. The morning started out cloudy and wet, but the poor weather gave way to a lovely sunny afternoon to round off the heritage weekend nicely.

Newly repainted Balloon 723 southbound on North Albert Street in Fleetwood

Balloon 715 passing a Cherry Tree in full blossom at Ash Street in Fleetwood

Balloon 717 heading south past the Imperial Hotel

Centenary 648 passing behind the Metropole Hotel on its way to the Pleasure Beach

Railcoach 680 passing North Pier on an afternoon Heritage Tour

Twin Set 272/T2 heading south passing northbound Fleetwood Box 40 on a private hire