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Relaunch Of Cardiff 203 Into Service At Sandtoft
The restoration of Cardiff 203 is nearing completion and the BTS is proud to announce that it will be re-launched into service at Sandtoft on Sunday 30 May 2010 at 2pm. Lord Stoddart Of Swindon, who has sought to prom the benefits of trolleybus operation in the UK through Parliament, will be performing the re-launching ceremony. 203 has been repainted in the streamlined livery it wore in the mid to late 1940s and very smart it looks to.
William
A start has been made on the restoration of 'William', our horse-drawn Tower Wagon. The wooden spoked wheels have been removed and new ones are now being made. Once the axles and springs have been restored, William will be mobile again and the tower structure can be restored.
Edmonton 189
Although not a BTS vehicle, we are pleased to announce the arrival at Sandtoft of Edmonton trolleybus 189. This is the first preserved Canadian trolleybus to reach the shores of the UK.
189 began its journey to the UK, departing from Edmonton on the 30 September 2009. It arrived at Baltimore on the 6 October and sailed from there on the 15 October, reaching Liverpool Docks on 27 October. On the 29 October, 189 departed Liverpool Docks and arrived at Sandtoft later that day.
This photo, taken by Stewart David, shows 189 on a demonstration run at the Twilight Running Day at Sandtoft on 15 November 2009.
A member of the BTS trolleybus fleet, Glasgow TB78, visited the National Tramway Museum at Crich, near Matlock, for the museum’s 1950s Weekend on 27 and 28 June.
Members should note that, if they are also members of The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft, they can get into the Tramway Village at Crich for FREE this year! This is because Crich also has an anniversary this year (their 50th) and the two museums have come to a reciprocal arrangement on entry for this year only. You will need to show your Trolleybus Museum membership card to obtain free entry at Crich. See www.tramway.co.uk.
The BTS is proud to have played a role in both the Crich 50th and the Sandtoft 40th Anniversaries!
Johannesburg 589
Johannesburg 589, one of a batch of 45 double-deck BUT 9641T trolleybuses (numbered 564 to 608) fitted with MCCW H40/31D bodies, built in 1948 was shipped to England for preservation and ultimately will go to the Trolleybus Museum once restored. For further details please click on this link for the full story or see www.johannesburg589.com.
Closure of the Gent Trolleybus System
The closest trolleybus system to the UK, in Gent, Belgium, has already effectively closed; however, DeLjin has agreed to run some special tours and allow visiting vehicles to operate there before the wiring is cut down.
The big, final day was to be Sunday 14 June 2009. On that day there was a programme of events featuring the two remaining serviceable Gent trolleybuses, and Bruxelles 6023 (the preserved trolleybus dating from 1957 built to the 1939 design). The latter vehicle previously operated in Gent in November 1985 prior to the system's opening, but not over the full route. There were special photographic journeys as well as some sort of ceremony and the opportunity for the public to take rides.
Some of you may be aware that serious attempts were made to get Liege 425 to take part in this event, and DeLijn agreed in principle. Unfortunately, it was decided that this could not happen, because the cost of transportation by low-loader between Sandtoft and Liege and back is prohibitive for a small charitable organization for such a limited event, and the fact that 425 still needed some remedial work after its restoration which would be time-consuming.
Cardiff 203 Restoration
Some time ago it was decided by the BTS committee to have Cardiff 203 restored in the memory of both the late Mike Dare and Geoff Griffiths. An appeal was set up and a number of people generously made donations. We are happy to report that the restoration work is now underway. Brian Maguire is undertaking the bodywork restoration whilst Bruce Lake will undertake work on the vehicle's electrical circuits - in particular the motor needs to go away for refurbishment. The intention is to restore 203 to late 1940s condition when it ran in a streamlined livery. We are still looking for donations to make sure the work can be completed. If you would like to make a donation, no matter how large or small, then please send cheques/postal orders made payable to the British Trolleybus Society to Cardiff 203 Appeal c/o 15 Brookdene, Haydon Wick, Swindon, SN25 1RN. For more details about this restoration project click on this link.
Previous News:
The Trolleybus Museum At Sandtoft celebrates its 40th anniversary last year, and over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 23 - Monday 25 May 2009) a special Extravaganza was organised. The British Trolleybus Society is proud to have been associated with Sandtoft from the very beginning and supported the museum with its celebrations. It was an event not to be missed, with 16 trolleybuses running, including five of the BTS fleet!