Blackpool Tramway: Flexity 2's debut run

[Crimson_Quiff]

New Supertram 'Flexity 2' no. 001 has made it's debut on Blackpool metals today with a demonstation run from Starr Gate to Harrowside for a press launch. The tram did not carry passengers but did provide a glimse into the tramway's future and plenty of photo opportunities!
Brush car 632 and Balloons 700 and 717 were also on site at Starr Gate to represent 'the past' with Flex no.1 being 'the future'!

Here's a shot of the tram on it's first run, taken at Harrowside (Photo by Chris Rowe) -

 

[WatcherZero]

First public run, its done a few middle of the night trial runs.

 

[WestCoast]

At last! The livery looks quite good, certainly better than the bus livery,

The local paper has a video about the Press Event.

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/local/blackpool_supertram_is_here_1_3752758?

 

[OMGitsDAVE]

What's going on when the lights went out and the alarm sounded? Didn't look too good!

But on the whole, it's a positive step!

 

[Crimson_Quiff]

What's going on when the lights went out and the alarm sounded? Didn't look too good!

That's what I thought!

Plus my Dad made a joke earlier when the tram was 'emerging for the first time' out of the smoke on the local news. He said 'Oh look, it's on fire!'

 

[umontu]

Excellent news! Can't wait to see these in action.

 

[WatcherZero]

What's going on when the lights went out and the alarm sounded? Didn't look too good!

But on the whole, it's a positive step!

That beeping noise is the noise it makes while booting up, someone in the cab must have reset it.

 

[Crimson_Quiff]

Here's a video of the launch that took place (features other tramcars which also appeared at the event) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOkrudSFZUU&feature=feedu_feedlik

 

[Wolfie]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-14836203

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

In the October 2011 edition of Modern Railways, on pages 82 and 83, there is an article by Piers Connor..... "Blackpool hosts Flexity 2 launch".....with three photographs ( Cab end view / Internal view / Starr Gate depot).

 

[trentside]

I must admit, I think the Flexity 2 is a great looking tram - though I'm not sure about the mostly white colour scheme.

 

[pemma]

though I'm not sure about the mostly white colour scheme.

Probably a lot of them are going to have adverts painted on them or be put in promotional liveries, as with the existing trams.

 

[bluegoblin7]

Nope, no adverts on the new trams - that's (cynically, I know) the reason the double deckers are being retained.

Also, in recent years adverts have been applied using vinyls rather than painted - the sole surviving hand-painted advert (that is in contract on an operational tram) is that for 'Farmer Parr's' on Centenary 644.

 

[monkeypuzzle]

I look forward to these new tram most greatly. I must visit to enjoy riding on them especially as I am only hour away in car