710.jpg (100309 bytes)

Blackpool Trams - Balloon Double Decker. 710 is seen on the Promenade, Blackpool on 5-sept-97. Photo: Ross Aitken (aos@cableinet.co.uk).

711.jpg (89903 bytes)

Blackpool Trams - Balloon Double Decker. 711 is seen on the Promenade, Blackpool on 5-sept-97. Photo: Ross Aitken (aos@cableinet.co.uk).

Blackpool-717+632.jpg (97343 bytes)

Two Blackpool classics: a "Balloon" and a 1937 railcoach. Photographer: Akos Varga (hamster@hampage.hu) Date: 20.07.2002. Home page: http://trams.hampage.hu/

Blackpool710_703.jpg (127926 bytes)

The picture shows the Ballon 710 and 703 at Fleetwood in June 2002. Photo: Christian Knop Website: www.knop.cc

Blackpool716.jpg (65948 bytes)

Blackpool double-deck ‘Balloon’ tram 716 in Hopton Road on the approach to the Depot. 2 March 1984. Photo by Clive Mottram (mottram_cj@msn.com)

Blackpool721.jpg (71358 bytes)

Blackpool double deck ‘Balloon’ tram 721 at Blackpool Depot. 2 March 1984. Photo by Clive Mottram (mottram_cj@msn.com)

UK711BLK.jpg (132739 bytes)

Double decker seen at Blackpool. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker. Photograph taken on Nikon M5000 on 13 June 2003.

UK720BLK.jpg (139741 bytes)

Double deck Blackpool tram. Copyright belongs to A P Ducker. Photographs taken on Nikon M5000 Digital Camera and processed using PhotoPaint V7.

UK722BLK.jpg (119160 bytes)

Blackpool double deck Balloon unit. Copyright belongs to author who took the photographs on the Nikon E5000 Digital Camera

UK722TRM.jpg (116799 bytes)

Double Deck Balloon car at the Pleasure Beech terminus/turning circle, cars terminate here to provide an intensive service between North Pier and Pleasure Beach. Copyright belongs to author who took the photographs on the Nikon E5000 Digital Camera

UK723BLK.jpg (153546 bytes)

Balloon car seen at the turning circle at Pleasure Beach. Copyright belongs to author who took the photographs on the Nikon E5000 Digital Camera

UK777UK.jpg (145163 bytes)

OK my favourite ! Copyright belongs to author who took the photographs on the Nikon E5000 Digital Camera

UKBAL01.jpg (105822 bytes)

The first 'Balloon Car' to be re-liveried in Metro brand colours, this car is in Route 7 livery, in my humble opinion this livery suits the style of the tram. Photograph taken 23 May 2004 at Cleveleys. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. Photographs taken on Canon EOS10D.

UKBAL03.jpg (128510 bytes)

Reliveried Balloon Car seen at Blackpool North Pier on 22 May 2004, brilliant sunshine does enhance this type of tram. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. Photographs taken on Canon EOS10D.

UKBAL05.jpg (115535 bytes)

On e of tricks Blackpool Transport has engaged is putting a different advert on each side of the tram, in this 723 carries two different logos. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. Photographs taken on Canon EOS10D.

UKBLK617.jpg (128290 bytes)

Reliveried and surgically altered Balloon car seen at Blackpool. Copyright belongs to author, photographs taken on Nikon M5000 Digital Camera, processed using Photo Paint V7

UKBLK61A.jpg (144368 bytes)

When the rest of the UK was getting rid of its Trams, Blackpool kept theirs, even though drastically reduced to just the coastal services. One of the ways that the trams have been kept running is by use of advertising and also adaptation and 'make do and mend'. This is an example of a Balloon car 'surgically' altered Balloon car, to me this is a testament to the skill of the men and women of Rigby Road depot. Photograph taken at Pleasure Beach turning circle. Copyright belongs to author, photographs taken on Nikon M5000 Digital Camera, processed using Photo Paint V7

UKBLK61W.jpg (141098 bytes)

When the rest of the UK was getting rid of its Trams, Blackpool kept theirs, even though drastically reduced to just the coastal services. One of the ways that the trams have been kept running is by use of advertising and also adaptation and 'make do and mend'. This is an example of a Balloon car 'surgically' altered Balloon car, to me this is a testament to the skill of the men and women of Rigby Road depot. Photograph taken at North Pier, behind is another 'Balloon' car in modified form. Copyright belongs to author, photographs taken on Nikon M5000 Digital Camera, processed using Photo Paint V7

UKBLK701.jpg (126546 bytes)

Blackpool on 21 September 2003 sees this unusual liveried (variation on the standard 1930's livery) Balloon car, again I like this shot because of the light conditions it gives it a period feel. Copyright belongs to author who can be emailed at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. Photograph taken on Canon EOS 10D

UKBLK701np.jpg (120108 bytes)

Traditional liveried 701 stands at Blackpool North Pier on 22 May 2004. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. Photographs taken on Canon EOS10D.

UKBLK710B.jpg (115575 bytes)

Seen at Fleetwood on 23 May 2004, Line 7 liveried 710 is seen awaiting its next turn. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. Photographs taken on Canon EOS10D.

UKBLK711.jpg (143972 bytes)

One of the original 'Balloon' cars seen at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which is the turning point for services between The Cabin and Pleasure Beach, currently double deckers are not allowed beyond Cleveleys. Date 13 April 2003 Copyright belongs to author, photographs taken on Nikon M5000 Digital Camera, processed using Photo Paint V7

UKBLK723.jpg (116772 bytes)

Dual liveried 723 is seen at Fleetwood 23 May 2004. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. Photographs taken on Canon EOS10D.

UKBLK726.jpg (167683 bytes)

Another all over advertising livery Balloon tram from Blackpool, seen at Blackpool North Pier Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker. Photograph taken on Nikon M5000 on 13 June 2003.

UKBLKMIC.jpg (125246 bytes)

Michelin liveried Balloon car at Blackpool between Rigby Road and North Pier. Copyright belongs to author, photographs taken on Nikon M5000 Digital Camera, processed using Photo Paint V7

UKBLKTHW.jpg (146485 bytes)

AN 'in context' shot of car 726. Somtimes it is important to remember that these trams are a public service and that to truly reflect these types of transport function can be as important of form - well I think so. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker. Photograph taken on Nikon M5000 on 13 June 2003.

UKEOS001.jpg (125532 bytes)

Double deck tram seen at North Pier on 12 July 2003. This was initial shot of the tram heading northwards. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKEOS002.jpg (124804 bytes)

Double Deck 'Thwaites' livery, I like this livery as it has a nice period feel about it, it was taken 12 July 2003 on a glorious day. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKEOS003.jpg (131675 bytes)

Detailed shot of the 'Thwaites' DOuble Deck tram at Blackpool, date was 12 July 2003. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKEOS005.jpg (148608 bytes)

'Valhalla' double deck tram, I only took this photograph because the sun was out and my best friend is Danish! Date is 12 July 2003. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKEOS006.jpg (132355 bytes)

A study of two generations of double deck trams in Blackpool, one is one the 'Standard' Blackpool tram and the other is the 'Balloon' tram. Location is North Pier at Blackpool. 12 July 2003. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKEOS018.jpg (133576 bytes)

I like this livery, a Balloon car, 12 July, 2003. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKEOS019.jpg (132388 bytes)

Looking from 'Tower' towards the North Pier a zoom lens can begin to emphasise the gradient on the 'Prom'. Date is 12 July 2003. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKEOS022.jpg (140456 bytes)

Another shot of the 'Valhalla' liveried Balloon car taken 12 July 2003. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKEOS025.jpg (147356 bytes)

Another zoom shot taken from 'Tower' looking towards North Pier, taken 12 July 2003. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKEOS56.jpg (137194 bytes)

Balloon car seen at Blackpool on a rather dull 19 July 2003. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKEOS59.jpg (107358 bytes)

Brilliant shot of an all over advertising Balloon car being illuminated by the sun against a dark background. Photograph taken 19 July 2003. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKEOS61.jpg (118170 bytes)

Balloon car entering the turning circle at Blackpool Pleasure Beach on 19 July 2003. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKEOS67.jpg (106488 bytes)

An unmodified Balloon Car seen heading towards Starr Gate, double subject here, first was the cloud formation and also the 'Big Dipper', I chopped the top off of the dipper to create a sense of movement. Date of the photograph was 19 July 2003. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKEOS68.jpg (110135 bytes)

Balloon car heading towards Pleasure Beach from Starr Gate on 19 July 2003. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKEOS71.jpg (146954 bytes)

Wonderful cloudscape at Blackpool on 19 July 2003. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker who can be contacted via email at ecml@yahoo.co.uk. All photographs taken using Canon EOS 10D DSLR, initial registeration as RAW converted to JPEG format.

UKWALLB.jpg (137239 bytes)

All over advertising double deck car seem at North Pier with the Blackpool Tower in the background, the tower is not a bad model of the Eiffel Tower. Copyright belongs to Andy Ducker. Photograph taken on Nikon M5000 on 13 June 2003.

tram703.jpg (100007 bytes)

Blackpool 703 is one of the class of double deckers commonly known as "Balloons". Originally built as an open top tram, but later covered over, its bodywork retains original styling. Photo by Dave Root <dave@quackduck.org.uk>

tram706.jpg (95936 bytes)

Blackpool 706, one of thirteen "Balloons" originally built as open-deck trams, has been restored to that configuration. It is named "Princess Alice" and has hopper ventilators in place of the original half-drop style. Photo by Dave Root <dave@quackduck.org.uk>

tram711.jpg (102449 bytes)

Blackpool "Balloon" tram 711 has received bodywork modifications, and now sports radiused windows and bus-style tail lights. Photo by Dave Root <dave@quackduck.org.uk>

UKBLK602.jpg (130565 bytes)

Shot at the end of May 2003 this photograph the common ancestry of these 70 year old trams, a 'Boat' and a 'Balloon' class. Copyright belongs to A P Ducker. Photographs taken on Nikon M5000 Digital Camera and processed using PhotoPaint V7.