Balloon 715 Swan Song

Setting the points so that 715 can enter the loop for its break at Fleetwood Ferry

This weekend (24th/25th September) is the last time that Balloon 715 will be in use on Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours for the foreseeable future. It has been several decades since 715 last received a major overhaul, and it has been decided that now is the right time to retire the tram from active use, pending such time in the future that it can be refurbished. After its withdrawal from use, 715 will be stored on static display in Rigby Road tram depot. The photos in this post were taken during the 14:40 Coastal Tour from North Pier on Friday 23rd September.

Balloon 715 parking up on the loop at Fleetwood Ferry on 23rd September

Balloon 715 heading along North Albert Street in Fleetwood

Flexity 018 passing Balloon 715 at Fleetwood Ferry

715 rounding the curve from North Albert Street into Lord Street in Fleetwood

Balloon 715 heading south on the tramroad at Rossall on 23rd September

Balloon 700 and Flexity 011 in Fleetwood

Flexity 011 and Balloon 700 at Fleetwood Ferry on 17th September

Balloon 700 and Mazuma all-over advert Flexity 011 met in Fleetwood on 17th September. 700 was visiting Fleetwood during the 14:05 Coastal Tour from North Pier, and while it was laying over at the Ferry loop, Flexity 011 passed by on its way to Starr Gate, enabling a nice side by side photo opportunity.

Mazuma advert Flexity 011 on North Albert Street in Fleetwood

Mazuma advert for Flexity 011

Flexity 011 in Fleetwood showing its new overall advert for Mazuma Mobile

Flexity 011 has received a blue overall vinyl wrap advert for Mazuma Mobile. There was a launch ceremony at the North Pier heritage stop on Tuesday 13th September, with local professional boxer Jack Catterall. The tram entered its first full day of passenger service with the Mazuma advert on Wednesday September 14th. (Note - 3 more photos added on 15th Sep.) 

Flexity 011 heading north at Fisherman's Walk on 14th September

Flexity 011 on North Albert Street in Fleetwood

Flexity 011 passing the Pharos Lighthouse in Fleetwood

Flexity 002 and 011 at Victoria Street tram stop in Fleetwood

Flexity 011 at the Fleetwood Ferry stop in Bold Street

A close-up of the Mazuma advert on the centre section of Flexity 011