WHAT IS BLACKPOOL IN THE BOX?

Blackpool in the box consists of three elements. THE LAYOUTA large model tramway layout which is currently under construction and which has already appeared at a number of model railway exhibitions. This will be the world's first and only full size model tramway layout featuring fully working scale models of Blackpool's famous trams and illuminations. The layout is sixteen feet long with double tram tracks and is set on Blackpool promenade during the illuminations season. The layout uses fibre optics, Christmas tree lights, light emitting diodes and grain of wheat bulbs to produce the illuminations and the 16 trams running on the layout will be automatically controlled by reed switches and relays. A description of the layout will be found on "The New Layout" page of this website and a "blow by blow" account of how the layout is being constructed will be found on the "Progress" page of the website

THE DISPLAYThe second part is a display of model Blackpool trams which can accompany the layout to exhibitions. Titled "Blackpool Trams - A Model History" this is, like the layout, currently under construction. When completed there will be a 4mm scale model of every type of tram which has ever run in Blackpool. There will be sections featuring the all-over advertising liveries for which the Blackpool trams are very well known. The photograph shows only the left hand corner of the display with a small selection of trams but without the information notices etc. Details of the model trams for the display will be found on "Making the Model Trams" page of the website whilst on "The Display" page there are brief details of the display as well.

THE DIORAMA The third part is actually the original Blackpool in the box. It is a diorama which is the worlds first and only fully working 4mm scale diorama featuring Blackpool's famous trams and illuminations. Housed in an old television set (hence the "in the box" - get it?) model trams run on double track in front of scenic backscenes featuring buildings on Blackpool's promenade. On each building lights flash in prototypical patterns and sequences, although not every sequence on every building can be simulated. Currently being refurbished after appearing at over 50 model exhibitions, the diorama is destined for a place in a museum. More details will appear on the website when arrangements have been finalised

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