Balloon 711 departs for Crich

'B' fleet Balloon 711 is pulled out of Rigby Road depot onto Hopton Road by Unimog 938

As part of their celebrations to commemorate 50 years of electric tramcar operation, the National Tramway Museum at Crich are loaning modified 'B' fleet Balloon 711 from Blackpool Transport, in exchange Pantograph Car 167 from Crich will be spending part of the year back in its home town. Balloon 711 was collected by Scotts Heavy Haulage from Rigby Road depot in Blackpool on 8th April and departed for its new summer home at Crich just after midday. This move marks the first time that one of the 'B' fleet Balloons (with modified centre entrances and sliding doors) has left Blackpool since they were converted for use on the upgraded tramway.

Unimog 938 pushes Balloon 711 from Hopton Road into Blundell Street in readiness for loading onto Scotts trailer

Unimog 938 pushing Balloon 711 up the rail ramp onto the low loader trailer of Scotts Heavy Haulage

With 711 tied down to the trailer and the tractor unit hooked up again, Scotts get ready to depart from Blundell Street

Scotts low loader making the turn from Blundell Street into Hopton Road with 711 safely loaded on the trailer

Scotts Heavy Haulage turning onto Lytham Road at the start of 711's long journey to the National Tramway Museum