Blackpool's beloved heritage tram heads east for final stage of restoration
Blackpool’s iconic heritage tram, Standard 143 has made its way to the East Anglia Transport Museum (EATM) for the final stage of its restoration.
After a long and meticulous revival process the tram is now safely tucked away in the museum’s depot, ready for the finishing touches.
Over £200,000 has already been invested in bringing 143 back to life, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Fylde Transport Trust.
While much of the restoration work was completed in Blackpool, certain jobs required specialist facilities and expertise, which the team at EATM can provide.
Once these final adjustments are made, Standard 143 will be ready to return to service, delighting tram enthusiasts and visitors alike.
The move itself was a carefully planned operation. The tram left its home at Rigby Road atop a low loader supplied by Reid Freight, travelling safely across the country to East Anglia.
Photographs from the move show the tram being carefully secured and transported, marking an exciting milestone in its journey back to the tracks.
Although fans may have to wait a little longer to see Standard 143 running again in Blackpool, this step brings the tram closer than ever to full operational status.
Its eventual return promises to be a highlight for the Fylde coast’s transport heritage, celebrating both the tram’s history and the community effort that made its revival possible.
A spokesperson from Blackpool Trams on Facebook, said: “Standard 143 made it safely to East Anglia, and it's now tucked up in their depot.”
A spokesperson from East Anglia Transport Museum on Facebook, said: “A very special arrival at the East Anglia Transport Museum!
“We’re delighted to announce that Blackpool standard No. 143 has arrived at the East Anglia Transport Museum safe and sound, 143 is on loan to us from the Fylde Transport Trust and we’re thrilled to be able to share this iconic vehicle with our visitors.
“Our team have been in Blackpool the last few days preparing 143 for the 300 mile journey from the West Coast to the East Coast, this has been a complicated operation expertly carried out by Reid Freight, the care and attention they have given to this unique vehicle has been second to none.
“Built for service on the Blackpool tramway, No. 143 represents an important chapter in British electric transport history. Its arrival adds something truly special to our collection and gives a fascinating contrast to our current home fleet.”
It is the first time since built in 1924 that the tram has left Blackpool in its 102 year history No.143 had operated in passenger service from 1924 until 1957 when it was converted to an engineering tram, assisting with overhead line repairs and being fitted with a diesel engine so it could run without overhead wires.
It was seriously damaged by an engine fire in 1990 and stored with its fate thought to be scrap. The tram joined the collection of the Fylde Transport Trust in 2002 after being withdrawn due to fire damage in 1990.
The Trust raised funds and set about a major restoration project in 2005 and a written agreement with Blackpool Transport that the restoration would be completed in partnership with them.
Since 2019 there have been several false starts to undertake the repair work but with the state of the heritage operation currently the Trust offered the tram to the East Anglia Museum to finally get the tram operational.
Philip Higgs a trustee from Fylde Transport Trust, said: “it was certainly not what was envisaged at the start of the project.
“Blackpool is now deprived of yet another heritage asset to be enjoyed by tourists, locals & enthusiasts alike.
“It is very upsetting to be honest but we have a very good working relationship with the team at the East Anglia museum”.
For more updates and photos of the journey, visit blackpooltrams.com.