Blackpool Rigby Road Tram Depot Open Day 2010 (Part 3)

[glenfieldmathk1]

I presume that as the Starr Gate depot is set to hold only 20 trams, including the 16 new flexity's that the Rigby will remain open, I wonder which of the old fleet will be stored at stargate (illuminated ones?).

They are selling/sold many of there trams, but will they keep some older ones?

[dalrigh]

@glenfieldmathk1 I believe they are keeping around 25 heritage trams 9 of which are the widened balloons.

Also it has been reported that there is work being done on Rigby Road over the winter which would suggest they may be keeping hold of it as a working depot.

Not sure if any of the old trams will be kept at Starr Gate.

[screammac]

i think they keep rugby road as the new one will be for the new fleet i think all the old trams shoud be restored and just leve get new one there is no need for a new fllet if disbilled peopil whant to get on way not use ramps like trins or get specil ramps you cant scrap history it just wroung

[dalrigh]

@screammac It would be nice to think that they would keep Rigby Road, possibly as a museum.

I asked one of the staff on the open day about the future of Rigby Road but they were not sure about it's future, and also seem to think that the widened balloons would see little use.

[DickHBox]

@screammac New technology is just as exciting as old, &, which is much more important, far cheaper to operate, in terms of energy use, track & vehicle maintenance, vehicle lifetime, cleaning & accident repairs . As they are easier to get on & off, & much smoother & quieter in use, they are better than the old trams. As someone who has trouble climbing steps, because of age, I welcome a low-level tram fleet.

As to whether Rigby Rd. will become a museum, it would be good.

[dalrigh]

@DickHBox The new platforms that are being built will also serve the old heritage fleet that have been modified.

As for Rigby Road becoming a tram museum that would be great, but with there being a newly built depot this seems unlikely.

[insoucciant]

I worked as a tram driver in the 1960's and the video was excellent. Lots of memories! When I first started,the Marton Tram Depot was still very active. The trams ran inland,and not just on the promenade. When they took them off the Whitegate Drive to South Shore run, they were replaced with buses. The problem was that they attempted to run buses on Tram Timetables,conveniently forgetting that the buses would not be on dedicated Tram Tracks, and were subject to hold ups from cars,etc.!

[dalrigh]

@insoucciant Thanks for your kind comments and glad the video brought back some memories. It's hard to believe the area in which the trams use to cover compare to now, and it's nice to hear about your own experiences. Thank you.

[zicoproudictions]

i didnt know they had open days must make sure i go one day

[dalrigh]

@zicoproudictions This could have been Rigby Roads last open day, as they are opening a new depot at Star Gate.

[IanJelf]

Went to Blackpool on Saturday but wasn't able to be there on Sunday due to work commitments. This rather made up for it.

Many thanks for posting this. Genuinely grateful!

[dalrigh]

@IanJelf Glad I could fill in the missing day with this video, and thanks for your comments.

[myclydebankphotos]

Very interesting video, great collection of trams. Well done.

[dalrigh]

@myclydebankphotos It was a very interesting place to look round, with so much history, it is a shame that there is so much uncertainty about the future of these premises.

[myclydebankphotos]

@dalrigh Yes, I saw they were building new premises when I was on holiday in August. At least you have recorded it for future generations.

[BlackpoolAloud]

Thanks for the video, we went yesterday to the open day and had a wonderful day, big crowds and great weather. Blackpool at it's best.

[dalrigh]

@BlackpoolAloud Yes it a very enjoyable day, weather and the crowds played a big part in it.

[video47]

Excellent, I went there yesterday too, was a good day out.

[dalrigh]

@video47 Yes it was great day out, made even better with the good weather, thanks for your comment video47.