English Electric Balloon
The English Electric Balloon is a type of double-decker tram that is operated on the Blackpool Tramway. Initially brought into service in 1934, the Balloon formed the backbone of the Blackpool tram fleet until the tramway's conversion to a modern light rail network in 2012. Following the network's re-opening, nine Balloons were converted to meet the disability regulations to serve as a supplement to the modern Flexity 2 vehicles. Some of the Balloons have been retained for use within the heritage fleet.
| English Electric Balloon car | |
|---|---|
Modified Balloon tram 720 showing the widened doors. | |
| Manufacturer | English Electric |
| Assembly | Preston, Lancashire |
| Constructed | 1934–1935 |
| Entered service | 1934–present |
| Refurbished | 2009–2012 |
| Number built | 27 |
| Capacity | 78–94 seated |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 12,878 mm (42 ft 3 in) |
| Width | 2,286 mm (7 ft 6 in) |
| Floor height | 820 mm (32.28 in) |
| Wheel diameter | 686 mm (27.01 in) |
| Wheelbase | 4 ft 9 in (1.45 m) |
| Maximum speed | 43.5 mph (70 km/h) |
| Traction system | EE Z6 |
| Traction motors | 4 × EE 305/1E 57 hp (43 kW) |
| Power output | 228 hp (170 kW) |
| Electric system(s) | 600 V DC (nominal) from overhead catenary |
| Current collector(s) | Pantograph or trolley pole |
| UIC classification | Bo′Bo′ |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
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