Tramcar Fund

What’s it all about?
The Blackpool Tramcar Preservation Fund (BTPF) was set up in 2002 by the Lancastrian Transport Trust (LTT) and the Fylde Tramway Society to ensure that a representative selection of Blackpool’s historic tramcars are preserved and restored to operating condition on the Fylde.

Why?
We want to establish a ‘museum’ tram fleet in Blackpool to represent the evolution of the Blackpool tram in a future visitor attraction.

What have we achieved so far?
More than 100 members contribute every month to the BTPF but much more is needed to progress with tramcar restoration projects. In addition many members give one-off or occasional donations to the fund.

Coronation Car 304’s restoration work cost almost £55,000 with only £25,000 of this funded by Channel 4’s "Salvage Squad" television series, the rest came from the BTPF. Work on OMO car No.8 was completed in time for the 125th Anniversary of the tramway and a major project to restore Standard car 143 is now nearing completion, costing over £80,000.

In addition, Balloon car 715 was repainted in 2011 and the previous year, Brush Car 632 was also repainted, sponsored by TRAMS magazine and the North Pier based Tram Shop.

How much do people contribute?
The majority of regular contributors donate either £5 or £10 per month, but others contribute much more. If you contribute £10 per month that is the equivalent of just £2.30 a week - or a pint of beer, packet of cigarettes - you get the picture!

By signing the gift aid declaration we can reclaim the tax paid on your contributions by 28p for every £1!

Why pay by standing order?
Regular contributions allow us to forward plan restoration projects and give us the confidence to manage a big project, whereas one-off donations make forward planning and cash-flow to manage projects very difficult.

What are the next projects in the pipeline?
Work is nearing completion on the major restoration and rebuild of 1924 Blackpool 'Standard' car 143. This project will see 143 returned to its original open balcony, open vestibule condition - a type not currently represented by other preserved cars of this class. Work on the project started in November 2005 part funded by the Local Heritage Initiative fund.

Also progressing is the restoration of English Electric Railcoach 279 - a type not seen in Blackpool since 1973.

The mothballed tram fleet has provided other preservation projects which is why it essential that the tramcar fund is adequately supported.

In return for my regular contribution what will I get?

Each contributor receives a quarterly newsletter from LTT, In Trust, updating them on vehicle restoration projects.
We aim to organise at least one tour each year when regular contributors will be able to travel free of charge, in return for their donations.

Donate online today to the Blackpool Tramcar Preservation Fund
Click on the button below to be transferred to our secure PayPal account - then indicate the amount you wish to donate.

Click on the link below to download a standing order form and make a regular contribution to the fund