Tram Story

by Vincent McKenna

It is 6:45am and the alarm rings, which means it’s time to get up for another ordinary day at the office, well no not today, because today I am having a special day out in Blackpool with my mate Les on a Tram Training Experience, please let me explain.

It all started at the North West CPT Dinner dance in January earlier this year, when one of the prizes in the charity auction that night was “A Tram Training Experience” donated by Blackpool Transport. Well as the night drew on and the wine flowed the auction commenced, and before I knew it I had bought this unique prize.

As chance would have it my best friend was born and bred in Blackpool and although he has lived in Manchester for over 35 years he returns to the town every week to visit his mother (92 years young now), he is also a keen enthusiast of public transport and has already spent a day driving a steam train, so this prize seemed an ideal gift for him.

The day after the auction I was speaking to Mr. Trevor Roberts (MD Blackpool Transport), and I was explaining to him that I would be giving the “Experience” to my friend as a gift, but he insisted that I join my friend on the day making it a double “Experience”.

So here I was at 8:00am in the morning travelling to Blackpool with Les. We arrived at Rigby Road bus and tram depot at 9:00am and I must admit to feeling a little trepidation of what was to come during the day.

We were greeted at reception by the instructor Martin Flemmington and taken to a meeting room for the first part of our practical training. This took approx. 1 hour and explained the do’s and don’ts, tram traffic signs, emergency procedure, what to do if you derail the tram and such like. Martin then went on to explain the route we would be taking, and although I had expected we would only be allowed to drive along the small stretch of track that is fenced, I was somewhat surprised to hear that we were going to drive the full length of the promenade from the Pleasure Beach to Bispham including sections of the track on the main road, now I’m worried.

Martin then took us on a tour of the tram depot, and it didn’t take long for him and Les to start reminiscing about the old days and how things have changed as we walked amongst the vintage trams of a bygone age. You very quickly get the impression that Martin likes his job and his trams. It is very interesting to see the trams in various states of repair and reconditioning, all the work is completed in house using skills that have mostly disappeared. They even have their own forge and the biggest lathe I have ever seen, with much of the equipment as it was fifty years ago.

Time had come to actually take out a tram; our vehicle for the day is to my surprise “The Fishermans Friend” which is shaped like a trawler. Martin takes us out of the depot on the small journey to the prom, parks up and hands the controls to us, I quickly nominate Les as designated driver. Full of confidence Les takes control and off we go towards Bispham. Up one notch of speed then two then three, power off, cruise, note the signs, watch for pedestrians, slow at stops all our earlier training put to the test Les takes this all in his stride and we reach Bispham still in one piece, no problem. Out we jump, switch tracks, go to the opposite end of the tram ready for the return Journey and the new driver, ME.

Well I must have taken note in the classroom because after a few miles I felt somewhat in control and enjoying myself immensely. I found that the biggest problem driving a tram is how alert you have to be for pedestrians especially on the open prom, although at the time I did this drive it was early season and the weather was not too good. I would dread to think how difficult it must be for drivers in high season when the town is full of holiday makers. After another run to Bispham we then park up and have lunch (Fleetwood Fish and Chips superb). After lunch it’s the same again another couple of runs, stops for photo’s, then back to the depot.

I have to say that it was an “Experience” I will never forget, a most enjoyable and interesting day, and I offer my thanks to all at Blackpool Transport, especially Martin for making it so special. I would urge anybody that would like to take this unique “Tram Training Experience” to do it now, for you never know when you might get another chance.

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