BIBLIOGRAPHY
This book, edited by Barry McLoughlin, published by The Nostalgia Collection (Part of Silver Link Publishing Ltd.)at only £4.99 features the photographs taken by Ray Ruffell on several days in 1971. Apart from the brief introduction and a brief hoistorical perspective all the photographs were taken in 1971. Apart from the photographs taken at Rigby Road Depot, the photos depict a Blackpool which is both recognisable to those who know it today and yet strangely unfamiliar as well. There are also "Happenings" recorded for the months of April through to December which record world and national events. An interesting book and extremely good value at the price.
A journey through the roller coaster history of the famous Blackpool Illuminations. Written by Terry Regan and Andrew Hazelhurst and published by Skelter Publishing. Although Andrew Hazelhurst is co-author of this very readable book it is much dearer than his other book on the illuminations history which he co-authored with Steve Palmer (see later in this bibliography) and doesn't really add many new facts, although there is greater detail of course. According tho the publisher's advertising blurb this book was published to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the "greatest free show on earth" which in fact refers to the electric arc lights which were erected on the promenade rather than what we refer to today as the illuminations.
The latest title from Blackpool tram historian Steve Palmer, which he describes as the third edition of "Next Tram To The Tower" this book actually appears to be an update of his books "By Tram to the Tower". Although covering the history of the Blackpool tram form 1885, with notes on those preserved in the U.K. and America it is disappointing to note that whilst written in 2004 the extensive rebuilding of the Centenary Cars since 2000 is only noted and the only photograph of a Centenary Car is of the original 641 in c1985. Furthermore, the rebuilding of Ballon Cars into Millenium Cars is noted in the section on Balloons there is no separate section for the Millenium Cars or any photographs of them, although there is for the Jubillee Cars which were also rebuilt from Balloons. In the 2004 Fleetlist which is pasted inside the back cover, there is no mention of the Millenium Cars and Centenary Cars rebuilding. These comments aside however, as an introduction to Blackpool tram history it is a useful and very readable book, especially as most, if not all, of Steve's earlier books are now out of print and available only on the second hand book market. The latest title from Blackpool Tram Historian Steve Palmer, which he describes as the third edition of "Next Tram To The Tower" this book actually appears to be an updqate of his books "By Tram to the Tower". Although covering the history of the Blackpol tram from 1885, with notes on thiose preserved in the U.K. and America it is disappointing to note that whilst written in 2004 the extensive rebuilding of the Centenary Cars since 2000 is only noted and the only photograph of a Centenary car is of the original 641 in c1985. Furthermore, the rebuilding of Balloon Cars into Millenium Cars is noted in the section on Balloons there is no separate section for the Millenium Cars or any photographs of them, although there is for the Jubillee Cars which were also rebuilt from Balloons. In the 2004 Fleetlist which is pasted inside the back cover there is no mention of the Millenium Cars and the Centenary Cars rebuilding. These comments aside however, as an introduction to Blackpool tram history this is a useful and readable book, especially as most, if not all, of Steve's earlier books are now out of print and available only on the second hand book market.
Written by Steve Palmer, a prolific author on Blackpool trams, published in 2001 by Tramroad House, it deals with the opening and closure of the Marton Route, Blackpool trams in the U.S.A. and with the Tramwroad Centenary celebrations of 1998 and there's also a section on the return to Blackpool of Standard 147. Available from Blackpool Memorabilia, Front of North Pier,North Promenade, Blackpool as well as the usual transport and tramway bookshops.
Written by Steve Palmer, this book was published by Platform 5 Publishing Ltd., to comemmorate the Centenary of the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramroad Company in 1988. As well as documenting the formation and history of the Tramroad Company and its subsequent fortunes under Blackpool Corporation and now Blackpool Transport there is also a section where the author describes life as a seasonal guard (all the "conductors" on Blackpool's trams are known as guards) on the "Company" route in his student days. Add to this a wealth od historic as well as modern colour photographs and you have a book which is both a source of reference and also a very pleasant and intersting read.
The book is readily available in transport bookshops and the National Tramway Museum bookshop at Crich, Derbyshire. Although the tramway museum cannot offer on-line ordering facilities it can be ordered by phone on 01773 852565 or fax on 01773 852326 and payment made by credit card.
Another well respected author on Blackpool's trams, and someone who has co-authored books with Steve Palmer, is Brian Turner. The sub title of this very recently published book is "Seaside Pleasure Riding by Tram" and includes items on the systems at Brighton, Giant's Cuaseway, Hastings, Llandudno, Lytham, Morecambe, Rothesay, Scarborough, Southend, Southport and Torquay as well as Blackpool. In fact, approximately half the book is devoted to the tours run in Blackpool and feature a number of interesting photographs and facts. Another pleasant way of spending a few hours as, once started, it is difficult to put down and is well recommended for its Blackpool content. It may come as a surprise to many people today that tramway systems ran circular tours around their territories but, as this book well illustrates, they were a very popular attraction.
First published in 1995 by Silver Link Publishing this book by Steve Palmer concentrates on the period between 1950 and 1966, a period when many consider the system was its prime, although the signs of decline were already being noted with the closure of the Marton route in 1962 and the North Station route in 1966.
In his Foreward to the book, Sir Stanley Matthews - possibly the most famous of all footballers - says that "...looking through these photographs of Blackpool and its trams in that era has been rather like meeting once again an old friend of 40 years ago" and recalls the special trams showing "Football Ground" on their destination indicators. There are also photographs of a Blackpool "Open Boat" car which has been in San Franciso since 1985. Once again a fascinating read with a wealth of nostalgic photographs and stories.
This is one of a series of "Nostalgic Look" books featuring tramway systems including those of Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Still widely available in both softback and hardback editions this is another book which is well recommended.
First published as A Nostalgic Look At Blackpool Trams (see illustration above)Blackpool In The Age Of The Tram is a softback reprint of that title.
Published by the Tramway Museum Society and only, as far as I am aware, available from the National Tramway Museum bookshop (details above) the book was written in 1985 by Mr.D.L.Hyde, CEng.,MIMechE.,FCIT., when he was the General Manager of Blackpool Borough Council Transport, at the time the new "Centenary" railcars were coming into service. It also gives details of the rebuilding of two "Balloon" cars into "Jubillee" cars. Written by such an authoratative source, the book gives an insight into the psychological as well as technical aspects of tramcar design. A section is devoted to the tramcar used for evaluation purposes by G.E.C.Traction at Blackpool using a Centenary type body which carried fleet number 651.
Devoted to the Coronation (Spiv) class of trams which promised so much and delivered so little. Much loved by the passengers who found them extremely comfortable to ride in but hated by management who found them costly to run, unreliable in service and very expensive to maintain this book tes the story behind their introduction. There is a full technical description of the cars and their new type controls, which also featured on the Marton "VAMBAC" cars. With detailed plans of the tramcars and photographs of a bogie truck the book answers virtually every question which could be asked about the class. Photographs are plentiful and cover events from the delivery journey to scrapyard condition together with many of the livery and trim variations and advertisment boxes of several types on the roof. A very useful book for the modeller - especially if building one of the Blackpool in the box kits of this tram - as well as being of great interest to the historian and researcher. This book is, once again, widely available or direct from the publishers, Lancastrian Transport Publications at 5,Rossall Road, Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 1AP or, if visiting the area, their shop is right beside the Northbound (ie going to Fleetwood) track at Cleveleys tram stop.
Another book by Steve Palmer, this one consists entirely of colour photographs with informative captions and covers the period from 1950 to 1991. This book provides the oppotrunity to wallow in nostalgia whilst presenting fairly recent scenes as well. Published by Ian Allan it is widely available from transport bookshops.
This little book published by the Tramway Museum Society is a little treasure! Following a brief history of trams in Blackpool from 1885 it then comprises photographs with very informative captions. At only 99p it represents fantastic value for money. It is only available from the National Tramway Museum at Crich but well worth sending for.
This A5 size book of over 200 pages must be regarded as the definitive history of Blackpool's trams from the decisions leading up to the opening in 1885 of Britain's first electric street tramway to 1932. Well illustrated with photographs and detailed descriptions of each type of tram which ran in the service of the Blackpool Electric, Blackpool Corporation Tramways and the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramroad Company. There is some "modern" content because it follows the "fate" of trams which were converted into the popular illuminated trams and even illustrates the "toastrack" trams which were converted into mobile television studio and control room to transmit television pictures of the illuminations to viewers of BBC and later ITV programmes. Just think of it - all those coloured lights being transmitted in black and white!! Published by Oakwood Press, P.O.Box 13, Usk, Monmouthshire it can be ordered direct or from any bookseller. It is hoped by many that a second volume continuing the story in such detail will not be long in coming.
This A5 size book is purely a reference source, but what a reference source! Revised annually it is a complete list of all Blackpool Transport's trams and busses. For fairly obvious reasons this is not a book for reading but for diving into when accurate information is needed in an easily found form. Startng with a fleetlist of trams with details of that trams status eg stored out of service or being overhauled, plus details of trams on loan to Blackpool Transport. The next section gives details of each individual tram and works cars including which are fitted with trolley poles and which are fitted with pantographs. There are full details of the works trams and vehicles plus details of all the buses. If you remember the Ian Allan ABC's of railway engines then you'll recognise this type of book. There are also photographs of the various trams and buses. The fleetlist is published by Lancastrian Transport Publications and is available direct from them or from a number of transport bookshops. An essential reference book for the "current scene".
Described as "....a handy reference book on Blackpool Tramways..." when reviewed by J.H.Price in Modern Tramways in 1965, the author, Steve Palmer has now updated some of the facts and published a second edition of the book himself. It is still essentially a description of the tramway in 1965 but none the less interesting for that. I haven't an address for Steve so that you can order the book direct from him although it has been seen on sale in several bookshops specialising in Blackpool tram literature and also in "Blackpool Memorbilia", a shop selling souvenirs, models, videos etc., with a Blackpool theme. They are on the left of the entrance to North Pier at Blackpool. Their postal address is Blackpool Memorabilia, Front North Pier, North Promenade, Blackpool. They are open all year.
This is the transcript of the Gratwicke Memorial Lecture 1985 given by Steve Palmer plus some photographic illustrations. It tells the story of the Blackpool Trams since 1885 until the Centenary of the system in 1985. The book is available direct from the T.L.R.S by contacting Derek Lambelle, address on the "contacts" page. He will also let you have details of other TLRS publications which are available.
This very readable book provides a history of Blackpool's other famous attraction (the trams are the no.1 attraction if you're a tram fan of course) which, amazingly, first took place in 1912. The behind the scenes arrangements for making, testing and erecting the illuminations are also explained. The written details are supplemented with a large number of photographs, some of which are in colour. No details of publisher or address for ordering are given in the book. I purchased mine from the only place I've seen it on sale, Blackpool Memorabilia whose contact details are above.
This book, published in 2004 by Lancastrian Transport Publications provides a well illutrated (26 colour and 16 monochrome photographs plus 3 colour photographs on the front and back covers) history of the illuminated feature trams which have, and still do, run in Blackpool. Although when first introduced in 1925 they did not carry passengers, the book describes how trams began carrying passengers on a "Tour of the Illuminations". There follows a description of each of the feature cars complete with illustrations of them, except for "Anne Hathaway's Cottage" which was in service for on;ly one season (1933). A well researched book which will be of interest to both enthusiast and visitor alike.
This little A5 size book gives details of the liveries of all the trams which ran in Britain including, where necessary, the dates differing liveries were carried. Published by David Voice it is available direct from him at 9, Redwing Court, Kidderminster, Worcs., DY10 4TR.
P.H.Abell and I.McLoughlin who wrote "Blackpool Trams-The First 50 Years" have been joined by J.A.Garnham to write this book which is the definitive history of Lytham's trams including the gas powered trams of the early days. This volume is included because for the greatest part of their existence the Lytham trams ran into Blackpool, eventually terminating at Gynn Square so were frequently seen in the company of Blackpool Corporation and Blackpool and Fleetwood trams. Well illustrated with photographs and in an enjoyable and easy reading style this book competes the story of Blackpool's tramway history.
Now in its third edition (each edition is completely re-written) this is "The bible" of small scale tramway modelling. It's written in an entertaining style by David Voice who is a well known and very experienced tram modeller with a great number of photographs. Written in a way that a complete newcomer to tramway - or indeed, any, modelling can easily follow, there is still much of interest for the experienced modeller as well. With sections on tramcars - including chapters on subjects including commercial models, getting started, modifying kits, research and scratch building - on tramways with chapters on layouts, track, overhead and other relevant subjects - plus an illustrated glossary it contains all you need to know. Although it may seem hard to believe with all the modelling which I do on Blackpool in the box, there's times when, just for a change I'll do some reading and this is one of the books which I read and re-read and still find it stimulating. Highly recommended the book is avaiable direct from David at the address above.
The easiest way to describe this book is probably "not only but also". The information within it complements that found in David's book detailed above. It contains detailed instructions on motorising a commercial diecast model, in this case an EFE Leeds Horsfield tram, to make it suitable to run on a model layout. On Blackpool in the box similar methods are used to motorise Corgi diescast "Balloon" and Brush "Railcoach" models. This solves the problem of how to replicate difficult all-over liveries. There are also instructions details on constructing and converting plastic kits and motor units in general, all well illustrated with colour photographs. Should be bought to accompany "How To Go Tramway Modelling" and not instead of it. Contains much useful information and highly recommended for both the novice and more advanced modeller. The book is available direct from David at the above address
This book is exactly what it says on the cover. Now in its third edition David Voice's aim when originally compiling this book was to bring together all aspects of tramway and light rail intrerest in the British Isles today. In this latest edition he has listed, and gives directions to (including map references) every operating public tramway system in the British Isles, which includes the Isle of Man, together with operating funiculars. Other topics covered in great detail are: Tramway museums and heritage tramways in the British Isles, closed and private funiculars in the British Isles, a listing of historic tramcars (including British tramcars preserved abroad), tramway magazines, tramway and model tramway societies, model tramways, model tramway suppliers, selected booksellers and a comprehensive index. This book must be regarded as THE "encyclopedia of British tramways". The book is not designed or written as a narrative but is an essential reference book in any tram or model tram enthusiasts library. It is an absolute must for all lovers of the prototype and model tramways and is very highly recommended. One word of caution however, as David advises in the book, the information contained in it can change with time so it is wise to telephone any organisation which you are planning to visit to ensure that you have the correct, up to date, informaion.
Unfortunately, this book which was published by Lancastrian Transport Publishing in 1991 is now out of print and no longer available. It has been superceded by "More Tramway Modelling In "OO Gauge" (see above). However, if you should see a secondhand copy on sale anywhere then do take the opporunity to "snap it up". It is still a little goldmine of information and is well worth a read. The construction of model trams - using different kits and models to those in the new book - is discussed and illustrated with excellent colour photographs. There is a particularly useful "Troubleshooting Guide" at the back of the book. NO! I'm sorry, my copy is definitely NOT for sale!
There are several other books of which Steve Palmer is the author or co-author and which would be of great interest to those wishing to learn more about Blackpool trams but as they are believed to be out of print they are not illustrated here. They are:
Blackpool Trams, published in several editions
Blackpool's Century of Trams, published by Blackpool Borough Council in 1985
Blackpool and Fleetwood by Tram, published by Platform 5 in 1988
OTHER PUBLICATIONS OF INTEREST
In addition to the books detailed above there is a regular quarterly magazine, published around the middle of March, June, September and December, entitled "Trams". This contains colour photographs, the latest news on the Blackpool tramway and the Manx Electric Railway together with articles about Blackpool Trams, letters, fleet lists and other items of interest. The magazine is available direct from the publishers S.T.V.S., Freepost, Blackpool, FY4 1BR. Telephone and fax: 01253 346005. They have a website, click here to access it,Trams magazine e-mail: trams.trains@virgin.net They also produce other magazine size publications from time to time.
Also produced by S.T.V.S. is the Blackpool Tram Video. Like the magazine it is published four times a year in early March, June, September and December. The video provides full news coverage from the Blackpool Tramway and runs for an hour. The videos have stereo sound and a commentary. The videos are most interesting and, like books, provide a wealth of information on Blackpool's trams. They are available direct from the publishers, contact details are as above.
In addition, they also publish an "Archive Series" of videos featuring footage of Blackpool trams from the past.
The videos, Trams magazines and other publications are available from Blackpool Memorabilia - their address details are on the "contacts" page - who also have a comprehensive selection of back numbers of the videos and magazines.
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Corgi diecast model trams
In addition to the books detailed above there is a regular quarterly magazine, published around the middle of March, June, September and December, entitled "Trams". This contains colour photographs, the latest news on the Blackpool tramway and the Manx Electric Railway together with articles about Blackpool Trams, letters, fleet lists and other items of interest. The magazine is available direct from the publishers S.T.V.S., Freepost, Blackpool, FY4 1BR. Telephone and fax: 01253 346005. They have a website, click here to access it,Trams magazine e-mail: trams.trains@virgin.net They also produce other magazine size publications from time to time.
Also produced by S.T.V.S. is the Blackpool Tram Video. Like the magazine it is published four times a year in early March, June, September and December. The video provides full news coverage from the Blackpool Tramway and runs for an hour. The videos have stereo sound and a commentary. The videos are most interesting and, like books, provide a wealth of information on Blackpool's trams. They are available direct from the publishers, contact details are as above.
In addition, they also publish an "Archive Series" of videos featuring footage of Blackpool trams from the past.
The videos, Trams magazines and other publications are available from Blackpool Memorabilia - their address details are on the "contacts" page - who also have a comprehensive selection of back numbers of the videos and magazines.
Return to "Welcome" Page Corgi diecast model trams