NORTH BLACKPOOL

We've finally arrived at Blackpool, by train into North station.

 Prior to the recent electrification, Sprinters formed the majority of services.

The current station is on the site of the old excursion platforms. It will soon be served by a tramway extension. Here's the original station, closer to town.

Royalty came here once.

Opposite the present station was the dark and windswept Talbot Road bus station.

Within spitting distance was the Kings Arms, a fantastic Higson's pub, then (1976) but not now,

The nearby Wheatsheaf, on Talbot Road, has since been demolished.

Just up the road, the New Road Inn. Apparently, it no longer serves real ale.

Not far away, the Ramsden Arms, on CAMRA's heritage list.

The area around Talbot Road is good for taking photos of the municipal bus fleet. Here's an AEC Swift.

Some more modern vehicles of Blackpool Transport.

Other operators include Catch 22 Bus.....

.....and Rotala owned Preston Buses.

We now head to the North Shore and the area around the former Gynn Inn.

Here are a few tram photos taken around Gynn Square in the 1990s.

Various coaches could be found around Gynn Square. Here's one from Wright's of Nenthead, Northumberland.

Vintage vehicle rallies have been held on the North Shore. Here are preserved buses from Isle of Man Road Services, Ribble and SELNEC.

Also, a nice brewery dray from Thwaite's of Blackburn.

A couple of trams from the vintage fleet on the North Shore in the 1960s.

More modern trams on the North Promenade.

As the tramway heads south, it takes to the street for a short section, forming what is known as a "tram pinch".

Beyond is Talbot Square, beside North Pier.

A 'standard' car at Talbot Square circa 1966.

The year 1985 saw an Edinburgh car working in Blackpool, seen approaching Talbot Square.

A couple of 'balloon; cars at Talbot Square/North Pier in 1995.

The next post will see us in central Blackpool.