Vambac 11 returns to service
June 2005

As David Jordan, Chairman of the EATM said “We don’t often make a fuss of our achievements here at Carlton Colville, but this is one achievement that just cannot go un-marked!” How right he was! The restoration of the unique Blackpool Railcoach has been a remarkable achievement, especially when one considers the limited practical and financial resources available. A dedicated project team of just five core individuals carried out the majority of the planning, preparation and eventual restoration of car 11 with much of the work being completed in house by museum volunteers.

To celebrate the return of car 11, the EATM had excelled itself with a well organised programme of events designed to give the tram the launch party it deserved. Representatives of all the major tramway preservation organisations were invited, along with those representing support groups, contractors, the press and local civic dignitaries.

But where had all this begun? Many will know that 11 arrived at the EATM in 1969 following an abortive proposal to return the Hayling Island branch line to use as a tramway. 11 had been stored at Hayling Island since leaving Blackpool in 1963, and was rescued for the museum by a consortium led by Eric Betts. It was fitting that Eric was able to attend 11’s grand launch, 36 years later!

The tram was initially used at the museum from 1978 to 1984 following electrical preparation by John Bradley, a former Blackpool tramway electrical engineer, and a repaint into the simple half green half cream livery. Always a popular car, all concerned were aware that the tram would ultimately require a major overhaul and restoration, for which it was withdrawn in 1984. Few would realise how long it would take to return 11 to the rails, but then few people understand the complexities of such a sophisticated control system and resilient wheel bogies.

The body was stripped down over the next 18-months, allowing the Vambac equipment to be removed and dispatched to the Hague, (Holland) for repairs in 1987. Sadly the system remained untouched and for a while its continued existence came into question. It was eventually retrieved in 2003 and sent to Bowers of Heanor following the success of the unit they overhauled for Coronation 304. This was completed in 2004.

Restoration of the body slowed to a trickle over the years following the initial strip down of the body, and it wasn’t until 1997 that work resumed in earnest. This followed the completion of the restoration of a Lowestoft bus, and the working party were looking around the site for their next project. Thus the bus ‘21 Group’ became the tram ’11 group’, and 11 was on the way back.

The Maley & Taunton HS44 trucks were overhauled in house during 1998, whilst progress on the body and underframe continued with the car mounted on trestles in the depot. Many items had become spread about the site during the years that 11 had been stored, and gathering them together to then set about overhauling individual components was a laborious task. Nevertheless, by January 2004, when the Vambac accelerator had been received back from Bowers, the tram was ready to receive this following approximately 17,500 hours of volunteer labour. A full repaint in the striking streamlined style of the Vambac’s has been complimented by the fitting of authentic stainless steel mouldings and the re-chroming of all appropriate fittings.

The seats have been trimmed in leaf-green moquette purchased from Blackpool Transport, whilst the red and green flooring has been faithfully reproduced. The ‘English Electric-Dick Kerr Works’ builders transfers and Blackpool Corporation license complete the authentic look of this truly superb, modern vehicle.

The EATM deserve praise for not only organising a highly enjoyable launch day for car 11, but restoring the tram to such a fine condition for the benefit of future generations to ride on. Well Done!