Class 76/EM1 cab on disposal list at Manchester Museum of Science and Industry closing date 31/12/2021

[dave75]

Anybody heard any news about this cab?

[Johann Marsbar]

Our transfer documents for the Ransomes trolleybus were signed (at this end) a week ago now so they must be working on the other items by now - although a rail wagon that was listed in another batch of deaccessions over 18 months ago has only been recently announced as transferred to a new owner.....

[Pandora]

On 27/01/2022 at 15:41, Johann Marsbar said:

The Science Museum Group must now be in the process of informing the successful bidders for the items on that list as we have apparently received an e-mail this afternoon stating that we have got the Ransomes single decker trolleybus!  (after about 30 years of trying....)

Is the Trolleybus complete and restorable to working order?  Will the Trolleybus visit Sandtoft or any another venue with overhead power?

[Johann Marsbar]

36 minutes ago, Pandora said:

Is the Trolleybus complete and restorable to working order?  Will the Trolleybus visit Sandtoft or any another venue with overhead power?

It is complete, and during the coming year a thorough survey of what work is required will be completed, with a view to restoration work starting in 2023, which just so happens to be the Centenary of the opening of the first trolleybus route in Ipswich and the 60th anniversary of the closure of the last routes.

It is likely that restoration to working order will be carried out, subject to funding being available, and we are still trying to ascertain what work Ransomes did on it themselves in the early 1980's as part of an earlier, abortive, attempt to do just that - we now understand the traction motor was overhauled at that time.  Otherwise, the vehicle is in as withdrawn condition (1953) and hasn't had any work done on it since then.

At least,as a single decker, it is able to be transported on a low-loader, so any of the museums with wiring - Sandtoft, Beamish (by the time the bus is finished), Black Country Museum & Carlton Colville would be possiblities.

As an indication of costs, the tyres, which are a non-standard size nowadays, are apparently still available, but you are looking at paying £1100 for each new tyre!

[rodent279]

What happened to the EM1 cab in the end?

[dave75]

It came home to the South Yorkshire Transport Museum at Aldwarke.

[rodent279]

Good that it's gone to a decent home.

[Enterprisingwestern]

 

3 hours ago, rodent279 said:

What happened to the EM1 cab in the end?

 

2 hours ago, dave75 said:

It came home to the South Yorkshire Transport Museum at Aldwarke.

 

2 hours ago, rodent279 said:

Good that it's gone to a decent home.

 

Too near to the Elsecar fiasco for my liking!!

 

Mike.

[Boris]

I'd never even heard of the spot, sounds like it could be combined with a visit to Rails or Butterley.