BRADFORD
TROLLEYBUS ASSOCIATION
The
BRADFORD TROLLEYBUS ASSOCIATION was founded in 1972 upon the closure
of the Bradford trolleybus system (March 26th). This was also the end of
trolleybus operation in Great Britain. The Association's aims were to co-ordinate
the preservation of the city's trolleybuses and, eventually, to restore
vehicles to operational condition.
The
B.T.A. owns two vehicles - 703 and 758 - whist its members hold a variety
of ex-Bradford trolleys. 758 is a B.U.T 9611T with 8ft wide Weymann body.
Registered FKU 758 on the 1st January 1951, it became the last rear-entrance
trolleybus in service in the British Isles on the 31st July 1971. It needs
a thorough restoration to return the vehicle to its former glory and the
Association is currently gathering the finances to meet the costs involved.
It is pictured (right) on an enthusiasts tour at Prune Park Lane, the Allerton
terminus.
703 was new in May 1945 and carried a Roe 7'6" wide utility body. It was rebodied
by East Lanes in 1960 with a forward entrance 8ft wide body and lasted
until the closure of the system. Nearly a year later it was purchased for
preservation and display at Steamport, Southport. Surplus to requirements
it was generously donated to the B.T.A. for inclusion in the West Yorkshire
Transport Museum Collection. 11/9/86 was the 75th Anniversary of the start
of trolleybus operation in Great Britain (Leeds and Bradford 1911) and
the B.T.A repainted 703 in commemorative livery - echoing 603 which was
specially repainted in 1961. Following a change of direction, 703 (and
countless other vehicles) became surplus to the museum's requirements.
It was accepted at Sandtoft and is seen here being restored to fleet livery.
When completed it will join the operational fleet.
Other Bradford trolleybuses at Sandtoft include 706, 743, 746, 792, 834, 845
and 847. Others, preserved elsewhere, include 704, 711, 712, 713. 735, 737,
835, 844 and 846. Additionally, the body shell of 1914 "Trackless" No.515
exists at the Bradford Industrial Museum whilst a 1929 English Electric
S/D is in private hands. Of the vehicles based at Sandtoft, 706, 746, 792
and 834 have been restored and operate under the wires. On the left is
746 whilst 834 is on the right. At the moment, 746 is the only Bradford
trolleybus with original body in restored condition. It was new in 1949
and carries period advertisements. 834 was originally in the Darlington
fleet before being purchased by Doncaster. Bradford got it in 1959 and
it rebodied in 1962 by East Lancs and lasted until 1971.
The Association produces a bi-monthly magazine "TRACKLESS" which is distributed
to members and organizes monthly Social Meetings in Bradford (Midland Hotel,
Cheapside - 2nd Friday of the month, 7.30pm start (except August) nominal
admission charge) and has links with the Shipley Glen Cable Tramway - the
country's oldest working cable tramway - which it restored in 1982. Trackless
contains historical articles, local transport news, plus items from Sandtoft
and elsewhere. We support the aims of Sandtoft and promote the museum whenever
we can.
If you would like to find out more about
the B.T.A. please send a 9x6 SAE for free sample magazine and membership
details to: -
Mr. Robin Kitson
BTA Membership Secretary,
31 Avery Tulip Court,
Edward Turner Close,
BRADFORD
BD12 0AT
Visit official BTA Website