Description

This DVD compares the old Blackpool Tramway with the new Bombardier Flexity 2 light rail vehicles now in service. Part One features Starr Gate to North Pier/Metropole Hotel via Rigby Road. Part Two runs from Gynn Square to Fleetwood and the ferry terminus, and Part Three covers Blackpool by night, featuring the illuminated trams and heritage trams on tours of the illuminations.
Description from supplier: This DVD features scenes from the Blackpool Tramway which contrast the traditional trams with the new Bombardier Flexity 2 light rail vehicles that were introduced in April 2012. Apart from the new trams, the tramway itself has been reconstructed, the biggest change being at the Starr Gate terminus where the new depot has been built on the site of the former turning circle and adjacent car park, considerably improving this area. Elsewhere there have been changes in track layout and the number of stops has been reduced, speeding up the service. In this video, many of the trams can be seen in traditional green and cream livery, plus a multiplicity of advertising liveries, which became the dominant feature towards the end of traditional tram operation. Some of the ‘Balloon’ class of trams have been retained, rebuilt with wider entrances in order to fit the profile of the new platforms. Blackpool Transport has also retained a fleet of heritage trams which are used on the heritage tram tour, plus the illuminated trams which come out for the illuminations period. This DVD is divided in to 3 chapters: 1: Starr Gate to North Pier/Metropole Hotel. We start at the new Starr Gate terminus and follow the route past Pleasure Beach, Manchester Square, a detour to the depot at Rigby Road, the Tower and on to North Pier and the Metropole Hotel. There is a brief glimpse of the now closed North Pier tramway. 2: Gynn Square to Fleetwood via Bispham, Little Bispham, Cleveleys, Thornton Gate, Rossall, and through the town of Fleetwood on to the terminus at the ferry. 3: Blackpool by night, featuring the illuminated trams and heritage trams on tours of the illuminations. Service cars also feature in various locations including Cleveleys and Fleetwood. All the scenes featuring the Flexity 2 trams were filmed in 2012, the other scenes date from 1999 to 2011. Subtitles, no commentary, enjoy the sights and sounds of Blackpool trams, past and present. Wide screen, PAL(UK) system, running time 75 minutes.

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