Pantograph 167 departs for Crich

Pantograph 167 loaded and ready to leave, on the back of the low loader of Scotts Heavy Haulage in Blundell Street

Pantograph Car 167 finally left Blackpool to return home to the National Tramway Museum at Crich on 29th August. 167 had spent the summer season on loan to Blackpool, arriving at the resort on the evening of 28th April. The tram debuted on Heritage Tour service on Saturday 24th May during the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, and last ran in heritage service on August 25th. 167 has had a very successful extended stay in Blackpool, performing both private hires and also seeing plenty of use on Heritage Tours. In contrast to its last visit in September 2010, when the tram failed and had to be withdrawn from proceedings, this time 167 has performed sterling service throughout its whole stay, and has proved a most valuable attraction each time it has appeared in service on the Promenade.

Unimog 938 pushing Pantograph 167 from Hopton Road into Blundell Street

Unimog 938 being used to propel Pantograph 167 up the rail ramp and onto the back of the trailer

167 being hauled onto Scotts low loader with the tractor unit's telescopic hydraulic arm

Pantograph 167 safely loaded on the back of the trailer of Scotts Heavy Haulage

Scotts low loader taking a short cut across the loading bay of Home Bargains to get onto Hopton Road

Scotts low loader making the tight turn from Hopton Road into Lytham Road

Pantograph 167 heading off down Lytham Road on its long journey back to the National Tramway Museum at Crich