News Archive

South Shields 204

After years in storage at Sandtoft work has finally commenced on the restoration of South Shields 204, CU3593. Owned by the British Trolleybus Society, the vehicle is a 1937 Karrier E4 with a Weymann H29/26R body. Recent work has included repanelling of the rear offside corner, repairs to the staircase, and the new offside waist-rail also fitted with vertical timbers shaped to take the lower panels. The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft

25/03/02

1950's Prefab Bungalow

The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft
 The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft    The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft   The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft		 This project is designed to create a 1950's bungalow out of an existing "Prefab". These prefabricated, or sectional, homes were created after the war as a form of cheap housing for the expanding economy of the Fifties. When finished it will compliment our range of shop windows opposite, and provide a feel for the heyday of the British trolleybus.

These shots were taken in March 2002 when the project was started in earnest.

 

 

The 1950's Prefab will be best remembered by visitors for its role as the souvenir shop but it is now being restored to its former glory as a 1950's bungalow.
Photos: Aiden Proctor / Bruce Lake
       The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft                     The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft               
The frontage had been transformed by June of 2002. The rotten window frames had been replaced, and here the equally rotten door frame had been removed. The new one, seen ready for fitting on the left, has been put in place on the right by the carpentry team, and a new door also fitted. Meanwhile, the interior was getting its makeover by the decorating team. The painting and wallpapering is now finished, some curtains hung, and the furniture is being positioned. The bedroom is all but finished, complete with carpet, wardrobe and dressing table; the lack of a single bed makes final completion difficult!
The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft   The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft
The Kitchen.

We have plenty of kitchen fixtures, except for a cooker. Since the first shot was taken, the curtains have been hung and the sink has been positioned.

 The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft
The Lounge.

The lounge is taking shape and will be ready for viewing at the Gathering at the end of July 2002.

Maidstone 72

On the 31st July 2002, Maidstone 72 was in Normanby Hall Country Park to take part in the events organised by North Lincolnshire Council for the Jubilee Visit by Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. A day of family entertainment had been organised, and 72 created great interest amongst the attending visitors, especially illuminated on the rather gloomy day.

At 12:25pm, the Royal Party arrived and went into the Hall for lunch. At around 2:30pm they left to rejoin the Royal Train at Scunthorpe. Before doing so, both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh did a walkabout which brought them within yards of 72, lit up in all her glory. What they made of it, we don't know, but it was certainly a unique experience for one of our vehicles, and generated much publicity for the Museum.

Click on the following thumbnails for a larger view.

The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft
72 parked just on the grass outside the Hall entrance and played host to visitors all day. Around 12pm, visitors started gathering around the barriers to await the Queen (some had been there since 9am!)
The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft
HM the Queen (dressed in lime green) has just unveiled a plaque to mark the visit. Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, she commences her walkabout. These shots were taken from the top deck of 72. Four visitors seem to be more interested in a trolleybus.....

Liege 425

On Sunday 24th August 2003, Liege 425 will return to service at The Trolleybus Museum and will be the oldest working trolleybus in the country. The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft

Liege 425, from Belgium, has been undergoing major restoration over the past year,  included a complete re-wire and new paintwork. This is in preparation for its relaunch back to service at the European Weekend on August 24th/25th 2003. Number 425, is a 1932 Fabrique Nationale 26 seater trolleybus. The vehicle is unique to the Museum collection due to having vertically mounted booms. This meaning trolley-booms are mounted one on top of the other, rather than side-by-side, which is the conventional layout. The above picture shows 425 on test runs around the circuit in early August. On Sunday 24th August 2003, this vehicle will become the oldest trolleybus in service anywhere in the UK, at an amazing 71 years old.

11/08/03

Huddersfield Highlights

On Sunday July 13th 2003, The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft commemorating the 35th anniversary of Huddersfield's last Trolleybus. Trolleybuses 619 (KVH 219) and 631 (PVH 931) were both in service whilst number 541 (CVH 741), which is currently undergoing extensive restoration, was on display. Visiting Huddersfield vehicles were also present to complete the Huddersfield scene. Below are some pictures of the vehicles, click on them for a full size picture. 

The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft

17/07/03