International tram enthusiasts visit Blackpool as UK light rail and heritage networks welcome North American tour group

A group of international tram and railway enthusiasts from North America recently visited Blackpool as part of a wider tour exploring light rail and heritage tramway systems across the British Isles. Organised with support from UKTram Heritage Tramway Committee Vice Chair Ian Longworth, the visit formed part of a wider programme coordinated for members of the Electric Railroad Association, with visitors travelling from across the United States and Canada.

The group has spent time visiting a range of light rail and heritage operations, including Edinburgh Trams, Glasgow Subway, Manchester Metrolink, Heaton Park Tramway, Beamish Museum, the National Tramway Museum at Crich, Sheffield and Sandtoft, before continuing on to the Isle of Man and other tramway destinations across the UK.

During their visit to Blackpool Transport Services on Friday 8 May, attendees were given a guided depot tour and the opportunity to observe engineering work in progress, including the lifting of a modern light rail vehicle.

The group also enjoyed a special trip aboard heritage tram Bolton 66 to Bispham Loop and back, followed by further exploration of Blackpool’s modern light rail network throughout the afternoon.

Tony Marsden, Engineering Manager at Blackpool Transport Services and Vice Chair of the UKTram Light Rail Engineering Group (LREG), said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome the group to Blackpool and share some of what makes the system unique. They were particularly impressed by the opportunity to ride on a tram from 1901 operating alongside modern trams from 2012 on the same network."

Ian Longworth added:

"The tour has highlighted the strength and variety of tramway and light rail operations across the UK and I'd like to thank the support provided by a number of UK team members throughout the visits."

The tour continues with visits to the Great Orme Tramway, Liverpool’s Museum of Liverpool, Hooton and the West Midlands Metro. Read more heritage news >>