Blackpool 1926 “Lifeboat” Illuminated Car
After the first world war it was some time before the resumption of the famous Blackpool Illuminations. Finally in 1925 they were re-introduced, and one of the attractions was an illuminated tram in the shape of a Venetian gondola, which had been built on the remains of a Marton Box car. This was so successful it was decided to introduce another illuminated car the following season. This time the car took the form of a lifeboat, also built on the remains of a Marton Box Car (No.40). Since the donor cars were only four wheelers, the resulting overhang at either end caused these two cars to roll and sway quite realistically (and sometimes alarmingly!) as they progressed along the promenade.
The lifeboat continued to appear annually until 1961, when it was withdrawn. Its 4-wheel truck went to the National Tramway Museum at Crich in Derbyshire, where it was used in the restoration of another tram.