SCT '61
Blackpool Corporation Operator Index

Photo © Paul Haywood. Please do not re-post without permission.

Blackpool Electric Tramway Company 4 is a remarkable survivor, representing the first batch of electric trams to open the line in 1885 and is seen heading back to the depot after being the leading car in the tramway's 100th Anniversary parade in 1985.
It was built by the Lancaster Railway & Carriage Co. as a 32-seat open top car running on a trunnion truck and powered by a 7hp motor using a conduit power collection system.
After numerous modifications to its motor and running gear it was converted from conduit to overhead trolley pole operation in 1899 then used as a works car from 1905. In 1912 it was fitted with an extending tower to become an overhead inspection and repair car until withdrawal in 1934. Thankfully, its historic significance must have been realised and it was placed in store at the rear of Blundell Street depot. In 1960 it was partially restored back to passenger condition for the tramway's 75th anniversary, then displayed at the Museum of British Transport at Clapham until eventually moving to Crich in 1979 where it now resides in the Exhibition Hall. This view shows it running in its restored, near-original, condition using a 6hp chain driven split-field motor powered by Chloride batteries.

Photo taken by Paul Haywood, Sunday 29 September 1985, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool

©1985-2026 Paul Haywood All Rights Reserved.
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Photo ref: bp4. Page and photo added October 2025
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