Blackpool 159

Date Last Reviewed: 29/11/2025

Then and Now

Brief History

Between 1923 and 1929, 53 “standard” double deck tramcars entered service in Blackpool, seven built by Hurst and Nelson and the remainder by the corporation in its own workshops. Fitted with Preston McGuire equal wheel trucks as well as BTH B510 controllers. the standards were very simple in design and which led to their reliabily in service.Being comparatively lightweight weighing 14tons 17cwt they were also economical on power consumption. Originally built with open balconies and platforms No.159 was one of the first to be fulley enclosed in 1930. This car ran in Blackpool until 1966, it spent the later years of its service life covered in hundreds of coloured bulbs and working as an illuminated car until coming to the museum in 1967.

Technical Specifications

Body Builder:

Truck Builder:

Motors:

First Owner / Operator:

Seating Capacity:

Current Status:

Current Location:

Blackpool Corporation

Preston McGuire

2 X British Thompson Houston 35 HP

Blackpool Corporation Transport

70 (32 In / 38 Out)

Operational in Regular Service

Tram Workshop

Technical Specifications

Body Builder: Blackpool Corporation

Truck Builder: Preston McGuire

Motors: 2 X British Thompson Houston 35 HP

First Owner / Operator: Blackpool Corporation Transport

Seating Capacity: 70 (32 In / 38 Out)

Current Status: Operational in Regular Service

Current Location: Tram Workshop

Picture Gallery

Timeline

timeline_pre_loader

1927 - Date built by Blackpool Corporation

1927 - Date Entered Service

1930 - Platforms / Balconies Enclosed

1966 - Date Withdrawn from Service in Blackpool

1967 - Arrived at EATM

2022 - Winner of British Trams Online ``Tram of the Year``