Spotlight on 143

Thanks to our friends at the National Tramway Museum, 143 now has a pair of matching headlamps. These will be refurbished for use on 143 but it is proposed to fit some discreet halogen headlamps in addition to conform to Blackpool Transport's request. Meanwhile, the low voltage interior lighting and bells have been wired up, along with 2 x 12v batteries and a 24v isolator switch.

Upper deck assembly starts

Upper deck assembly has started and Gilletts have fitted the internal partitions that look absolutely superb. Meanwhile, the regular team of volunteers have started assembling the upper deck swingover seats.

Reunited with top deck

Rapid progress has been made on trial fitting the upper deck of 143 just one week later than it arrived as a kit of parts from Gillett's of Wesham. On 31 March, the two decks were reunited allowing the internal partitions to be fabricated before the two decks are separated once more. It is then proposed that the lower deck will be moved to Blackpool Transport whilst the upper deck is completed.

... and now in Red

Some work is still continuing on the lower deck - the dash panels have received a coat of red and the ribbed flooring is now being completed on the cab platforms and saloon floor.

Roof assembled! A significant milestone...

Rapid progress was made today assembling the upper deck and fitting the traditional style tongue-and-groove roof planks. Next step is to lift the structure onto the lower deck and fabricate the upper saloon partitions.

Upper deck meets lower deck!

Today was another milestone in the project to restore 143 - the top deck arrived as a kit of parts from Gillett's of Wesham. By mid-day the basic frame was assembled and braced. More photos tomorrow!

All wired up!

The rewiring of traction circuits on 143 has now been completed with both controllers now fully connected and the resistance box. Further work is now taking place on the 24v lower saloon lighting circuit in advance of 143's transfer to Rigby Road depot.