Blackpool Trams Part 1

This DVD, through a wealth of archival footage, tells the story of Blackpool's trams from their inception to the closure of the Lytham Road services in 1961. It is rich in period atmosphere - fashions, entertainments, road vehicles, buses, street furniture and ships. Blackpool has one of the oldest electric tramways in the world, the oldest in Britain, and the only surviving first generation tramway on the mainland. For over a century, its trams have catered for residents and holidaymakers and its fleet of illuminated trams has excited worldwide acclaim. However, during its life the system has had to survive many trials and tribulations including the threat of total closure. An evocative selection of films, much in colour, depicting Blackpool's trams including most types in action at key locations - Conduits, Dreadnoughts, Toast racks, Standards, Pantographs, Rail coaches, Balloons, Boats, Vambacs, Coronations, Twin sets and Trailers. Includes Switch on to the first post-war illuminations in 1949 Follow Walter Luff's modernisation of Marton and the transformation of the "Sun Saloons" into Vambacs Sample the PCC-style Coronations in 1952/3 Catch the cars in a variety of different liveries on the Promenade, along Lytham Road, round the Marton route and on the 'back road' to North Station during the years 1954-58 Take the resurrected Circular Tour in 1957 The first twin set in 1958 and the first trailer in 1960 Finally travel the full length of Lytham Road (abandoned October 1961). Special Features: Brilliant early footage including: A conduit operating Dreadnought (1898) The first electric cars in Lytham (1903) The building of the realigned prom (1905) The illuminated trams - 68, Progress, Lifeboat, Gondola, Blackpool Belle, 158/159 The 75th Anniversary celebrations The demise of the Pantographs The last day of Lytham Road. Extra Attraction: Superb views of vintage seagoing vessels - Greyhound, Deerhound and Robina.