Centenary 648 joins heritage fleet

Centenary 648 at the Gynn on its first northbound run on the Heritage Tour

Centenary 648 has joined the heritage fleet, and began its first day of use on the Heritage Tours this morning. 648 was originally destined to be part of the National Tramway Museum collection at Crich, however the NTM turned down 648 due to a lack of depot space, so Crich's loss is now Blackpool's gain. The tram is being retained by Blackpool to represent the final form of traditional British tramcar design, and while this just looks like a modern tram to the general public, it is very gratifying that at least one example is being kept in operational condition, and even better that it is going to see further use on the tramway for which it was designed. Unfortunately a problem with the controller meant that 648 had to return to the depot late on Sunday morning.

648 heading north on Heritage Tour service at the Pleasure Beach