Hovertram to return to Blackpool

The Hovertram parked up at the Illuminations Tour start point in Talbot Square in 1981

It has been announced that illuminated Hovertram 735 is to return to Blackpool for an extended loan period. 735's current owners, the North Eastern Electrical Traction Trust (NEETT) based near Sunderland, have agreed for the tram to return to Blackpool for an initial 20 year lease period. The Hovertram will require a considerable amount of work before it can be returned to operational condition, although internally the tram is in very good shape.

735 in its final condition, seen during a depot shunt in January 2003, just over a year after withdrawal

The lower deck of 735, showing the offset upper deck lowbridge gangway above the right-hand seats

735 in its original Shell advertising scheme, departing for Illuminations Tour service in Sep 1972