Blackpool Tower rides again

A DRS Class 37 locomotive has been renamed ‘Blackpool Tower’ as part of the 125th anniversary celebrations for the North West’s most famous landmark.

The vintage ‘Class 37’ loco’ (37407) first carried the name back in the 1990s, when it became part of a fleet of locomotives running ‘seaside specials’ taking thousands of holiday makers and day trippers from Manchester Victoria Station to the seaside town.

Councillor Fred Jackson and Town Crier Barry McQueen celebrate the naming

Paul Makepeace, Head of Delivery at DRS, attended the naming ceremony and spoke about the honour of being invited to celebrate the 125th birthday of the iconic structure.

“Blackpool tower has a special place in the heart of everyone from the North of England, and we’re delighted to be involved in these celebrations along with Northern, Blackpool Council and Merlin Entertainments. It means a lot to everyone at DRS – especially those based in Carlisle who have many happy memories of their holidays and days out in Blackpool.

“Special thanks go to the Northern team at Blackpool North Station for supporting the event logistics.”

The locomotive will continue operating on the national rail network working on a range of DRS services, from freight and passenger services through to supporting the work to decommission and clean-up the UK’s oldest nuclear power stations.

Allan Hirst, Driver, Paul Makepeace, Head of Delivery and Andy Grundy, Head of Fleet Management proudly stand next to the locomotive.