Blackpool has had a long tradition of running seasonal illuminated trams.
These trams are rebuilds of conventional redundant older trams.
This is the tram rebuilt to resemble 19th century USA steam engine in 1962 and ran until 1999 then went into store until it's recent restoration.
Here's a quote from the manager of Blackpool Transport Services:-
The Illuminated Western Train tramcar is an icon, both in terms of the world renowned Blackpool Illuminations and also the historic and much loved Blackpool Tramway Experience. It will provide one of the most exciting and tangible links for future generations from all walks of life to enjoy their heritage. With the Western Train, history really will come to life!
Steve Burd, Managing Director, Blackpool Transport
Restoration funded by Heritage Lottery Funds:-
http://www.hlf.org.uk/english/inyourarea/northwest/casestudies/western+train+...
or
http://tinyurl.com/nhh6rn
"Western Train" illuiminated tram is a recent (2009) restoration of a tram of this design from the early 1960's (hence "ABC Television" lettrring on it - a TV company of the 1960;'s who would have paid to have their name on this illuminated tram).
Fleetline119 2 years ago