Framework assembly starts

The assembly of the EE Railcoach end profile has commenced on 279 today, recreating an appearance last seen on this car in 1960 and that disappeared from the tramway in 1973 after car 615 was withdrawn for rebuild in OMO car 11. Steel is being used for "crash-worthiness" in common with Blackpool Transport's own Balloon car rebuilds.

Controller refitted

The Z6 controller and handbrake column have been put back onto the No.2 end cab floor in advance of the steel framed end being fitted this week.

Cab floor fitted

In preparation for the steel framed ends being fitted, rapid progress has been made fitting the new plywood cab floor. Arcen Construction, a local Blackpool firm, is making the cab framing but in advance of this the hand-brake and Z6 controller will be refitted.

279 now fitted with Railcoach underframe

Another milestone in the restoration of 279 has been achieved today - the refitting of a Railcoach shaped cab underframe. The steelwork is actually the same shape as a Balloon car and, now fitted, work can progress rapidly on fitting a cab floor and then the new steel framed cab ends.

A cab door has been borrowed off Balloon Car 704 to help inform the shape of the cab framing.

Cab end prepared for new underframe

The No.2 cab end has been prepared for its new underframe which has involved removing the brake pipe work and sorting out all traction and auxiliary wiring.

It is hoped to have the traditional Railcoach style cab underframe refitted next weekend and as soon as this is in place, the fabrication of the end framing will commence.

Window frames prepared for glazing

Work on "279" this week has concentrated on the cab ends and preparing the window frames. The No.2 end cab underframe has been cut off whilst the floorboarding at No.1 end has been substantially stripped and now awaits the removal of the Z6 controller before the underframe can be cut-off at this end too.

Other progress has been the completion of preparation work on the internal window frames ready for re-fitting glazing and half drop window units. The frames have been given a coat of protection red oxide paint.

January 2010 - Progress Report

Now that the window frames on the exterior have been cleaned up, attention has turned to the interior. Each window frame has been cleaned up and old screws/nails etc. removed ready to receive new glass and timber surrounds. However, first the frames will be treated with protective paint. It has also been decided to remove the decorative timber underneath the frames and treat the main framework behind.