Heritage Buses across the West Midlands - protecting our wonderful history!

Here we feature the buses of the past and why it's so important to protect them and promote the great work of those who help protect them for us all to enjoy. 


This another great passion shared with our people with passion. Enjoy the history! 

Project dates

27 Mar 2019 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Photography, Transport

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com

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Transport
02 Oct 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Solihull Food Festival heritage buses out from The Transport Museum Wythall

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Over the weekend of 29th September to 1st October 2023, The Transport Museum Wythall had a couple of their heritage buses out in Solihull Town Centre for the Solihull Food Festival. I had a look on the 30th September 2023. West Bromwich Corporation 248 was at Station Approach, while WM Travel 6835 was going around the Town Centre with two stops on the way.

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Solihull Food Festival heritage buses out from The Transport Museum Wythall





Over the weekend of 29th September to 1st October 2023, The Transport Museum Wythall had a couple of their heritage buses out in Solihull Town Centre for the Solihull Food Festival. I had a look on the 30th September 2023. West Bromwich Corporation 248 was at Station Approach, while WM Travel 6835 was going around the Town Centre with two stops on the way.


West Bromwich Corporation 248

248 NEA

I got to Station Approach near Solihull Station (closed due to ASLEF industrial action on Saturday 30th September 2023), to find West Bromwich Corporation 248 broken down, there was an engineer with the heritage bus at Station Approach bus stop A. I was thinking of riding it, until I realised it wouldn't go into service, so ended up walking into Solihull Town Centre instead.

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WBC%20248%20Solihull%2030092023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WBC%20248%20Solihull%2030092023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WBC%20248%20Solihull%2030092023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WBC%20248%20Solihull%2030092023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WBC%20248%20Solihull%2030092023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I'd previous seen West Bromwich Corporation 248 at The Transport Museum Wythall back on the August Bank Holiday Monday of 2022, and had a look inside of it (both decks).

dndimg alt="Wythall Transport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMC%20TMW%2029082022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Wythall Transport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WBC%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Wythall Transport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WBC%20248%20TTMW%20(Aug%202022)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Wythall Transport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WBC%20248%20TTMW%20(Aug%202022)%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

WM Travel 6835

WDA 835T

Metrobus

I first saw WM bus 6835 on the walk up Station Road towards Touchwood in Solihull Town Centre, as a fire engine went past.

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%206835%20Solihull%2030092023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The 6835 bus was waiting outside of Touchwood, normally where the no 6 buses end their service from Birmingham, close to the entrance of Touchwood.

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%206835%20Solihull%2030092023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%206835%20Solihull%2030092023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%206835%20Solihull%2030092023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I then went up to Starbucks in Touchwood, and from the first floor, saw 6835 come back around 20 minutes after I'd last seen it. Then a 6 arrived behind it.

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%206835%20Solihull%2030092023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%206835%20Solihull%2030092023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Later after a walk around New Road and Warwick Road, I got this view of it one more time from Poplar Road, before walking to the Solihull Town Centre bus stop near John Lewis to catch the 6 home. This was around half an hour after I got it from Starbucks above.

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%206835%20Solihull%2030092023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After leaving Starbucks, I walked through Touchwood, and was able to see 6835 arriving at New Road close to The Masons Arms public house. Was a lot of traffic around here.

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%206835%20Solihull%2030092023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%206835%20Solihull%2030092023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%206835%20Solihull%2030092023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I walked up New Road, then onto Warwick Road, when eventually 6835 passed me, before it would turn onto Poplar Road to the next stop.

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%206835%20Solihull%2030092023%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%206835%20Solihull%2030092023%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Wythall Solihull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%206835%20Solihull%2030092023%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I previously saw 6835 back at the Birmingham Bus Bash at Cannon Hill Park, during September 2017. It was the second bus from the left. The one that said route 52, Beeches Estate via Walsall Road.

dndimg alt="Bus Bash" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birmingham%20Bus%20Bash%20Cannon%20Hill%20Park%20(Sept%202017)%20%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Bus Bash" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birmingham%20Bus%20Bash%20Cannon%20Hill%20Park%20(Sept%202017)%20%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

And last saw 6835 at The Transport Museum Wythall during the August Bank Holiday Monday 2022 visit. It was the third bus on the left.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MR%20BCT%20WMT%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MR%20BCT%20WMT%20TMW%2029082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos by Elliott Brown

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Transport
13 Sep 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Birmingham Bus Bash at Birmingham Moseley Rugby - 4th September 2022

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The Birmingham Bus Bash for 2022 was held at Birmingham Mosely Rugby, at Billesley Common, on Sunday 4th September 2022 (near Yardley Wood Road). Elliott popped along on Sunday afternoon around half an hour before it finished for the day. Not as many buses here like the 2017 Bus Bash at Cannon Hill Park. Was also free bus rides to The Transport Museum, Wythall. 

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Birmingham Bus Bash at Birmingham Moseley Rugby - 4th September 2022





The Birmingham Bus Bash for 2022 was held at Birmingham Mosely Rugby, at Billesley Common, on Sunday 4th September 2022 (near Yardley Wood Road). Elliott popped along on Sunday afternoon around half an hour before it finished for the day. Not as many buses here like the 2017 Bus Bash at Cannon Hill Park. Was also free bus rides to The Transport Museum, Wythall. 


This is the first Bus Bash I have been to since the Birmingham Bus Bash 2017 at Cannon Hill Park. The 2022 Bus Bash was the first one since 2019 to be in person (2020 and 2021 was online only during the pandemic). This bus bash seemed a bit smaller with less buses than before. But still had a prescence from National Express West Midlands / Coventry and The Transport Museum, Wythall. Was the usual free bus rides towards the museum from Birmingham Moseley Rugby (Billesley Common) and back.

 

National Express West Midlands / National Express Coventry

In the field in front of the pitch of Birmingham Moseley Rugby (while a women's rugby game was on). There was line up of modern National Express West Midlands and National Express Coventry heritage livery buses. Plus a Hydrogen and Electric bus (not heritage livery).

From left to right: National Express West Midlands 4780, 4535, 1834, 2102, 4722, 4679. National Express Coventry 4453 and 875. National Express West Midlands 4651 and National Express West Midlands Hydrogen H1013. National Express Coventry Electric E038.

dndimg alt="Bus Bash" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Heritage%20Lvy%20BBB%2004092022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Bus Bash" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Heritage%20Lvy%20BBB%2004092022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Bus Bash" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Heritage%20Lvy%20BBB%2004092022%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Midland Red West

I'd only see Midland Red West about 6 days before at The Transport Museum, Wythall on the August Bank Holiday Monday. But saw it again from the Maypole on Alcester Road South. I'd caught a 50 down to the Maypole to pop to the Starbucks Coffee Drive Thru, and was thinking of catching a no 2 bus to Billesley on Maypole Lane, but then remembered the 2 doesn't run to the Maypole on Sunday's, so walked back to Alcester Road South to catch a 50 to Wheelers Lane. And then would walk to Birmingham Moseley Rugby via the back entrance road.

Midland Red West 544 was taking visitors for free from Birmingham Moseley Rugby (venue of the Birmingham Bus Bash 2022) to The Transport Museum, Wythall.

I later saw it again on leaving the Bus Bash, this time it was on Yardley Wood Road and Brook Lane in Billesley (but was in a bus stop waiting to catch an 11A, and it was raining).

dndimg alt="Midland Red West" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20544%20Alcester%20Rd%20S%20Maypole%2004092022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Midland Red West" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20544%20Alcester%20Rd%20S%20Maypole%2004092022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Midland Red West" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MRW%20544%20Alcester%20Rd%20S%20Maypole%2004092022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Yellow Buses

At the Bus Bash, I saw this pair of yellow buses. The first on the left was the Midland Red Towing bus. To the right of that was the Children's Party Bus. Piccadilly Whip ice cream van was to the right of the Party Bus. I'd previously seen the Midland Red Towing bus at The Transport Museum, Wythall over the August Bank Holiday Monday.

dndimg alt="Bus Bash" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yellow%20bus%20BBB%2004092022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Bus Bash" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yellow%20bus%20BBB%2004092022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Bus Bash" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yellow%20bus%20BBB%2004092022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Birmingham City Transport and coaches

It's Birmingham City Transport 2222 again. I once caught that from Snow Hill Queensway to the Birmingham Museum Collection Centre back in September 2018 (four years ago). Next to the BCT bus was two coaches including: National Express XC 262 and Mighty Travels. I saw BCT 2222, JOJ 222 one last time from the bus stop on Yardley Wood Road (opposite Billesley Community Fire Station). Didn't get a photo, but it was raining, and I was in the bus stop waiting for the 11A at the time. I think it went back to Acocks Green Bus Garage.

dndimg alt="Bus Bash" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%20NX%20BBBB%2004092022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Bus Bash" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%20NX%20BBBB%2004092022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Bus Bash" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%20NX%20BBBB%2004092022%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

WMPTE / NXWM / TWM

Next up we see WM Travel 2462, National Express West Midlands 669 and Travel West Midlands 313. I'd last saw WM 2462 on car park shuttle bus duties at The Transport Museum, Wythall on the August Bank Holiday Monday, but have seen it at previous bus garage open days as well.

dndimg alt="Bus Bash" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%20TWM%20BBBB%2004092022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Bus Bash" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%20TWM%20BBBB%2004092022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Bus Bash" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%20TWM%20BBBB%2004092022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Timesaver

Waiting for my bus to go home, I saw the blue Timesaver bus again. It was heading from Yardley Wood Road onto Brook Lane around the island. Was in the bus stop opposite Billesley Community Fire Station, so did not get a new photo of it. Here's one from 2013, when I rode it from Acocks Green to Yardley Wood bus garages on the Open Day.

dndimg alt="Timesaver 900 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Timesaver%20900%20Yardley%20Wood%20Bus%20Garage%202018%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos by Elliott Brown

 

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Transport
05 Sep 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Visit to The Transport Museum, Wythall over the August Bank Holiday Monday 2022

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On previous Bank Holiday weekends, I'd seen heritage buses from the collection of The Transport Museum, Wythall on the Alcester Road (south of the Maypole in Hollywood) or at Bristol Street or Suffolk Street Queensway (near The Alex Theatre, but CAZ stopped that). Finally went on the August Bank Holiday Monday 2022, plus rode a bus on a loop via Earlswood.

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Visit to The Transport Museum, Wythall over the August Bank Holiday Monday 2022





On previous Bank Holiday weekends, I'd seen heritage buses from the collection of The Transport Museum, Wythall on the Alcester Road (south of the Maypole in Hollywood) or at Bristol Street or Suffolk Street Queensway (near The Alex Theatre, but CAZ stopped that). Finally went on the August Bank Holiday Monday 2022, plus rode a bus on a loop via Earlswood.


The Transport Museum, Wythall is located at Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcestershire, B47 6JA. On the Event Days of the August Bank Holiday weekend, Sunday the 28th and Monday the 29th August 2022, visitors could park their cars at Phoenix Group and get a free shuttle bus to the museum. Visitors could also get a free bus from the Maypole or from Wythall Station. As it was an Event Day, there was also free bus rides around the area. They used to also have buses going towards The Alexandra Theatre, but I'm unsure if they still do this since the Clean Air Zone came into force in 2021.

 

Car Park Shuttle buses

Bus route 758 from Phoenix Group to The Transport Museum, Wythall. We went on Travel West Midlands 4001 both ways, from the car park to the museum and back later that day. It was the first low floor bus in the fleet, also had seats to lift up for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TWM%204001%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TWM%204001%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TWM%204001%20TMW%2029082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Other buses on the Car Park Shuttle route 758 included West Midlands Travel 4613, National Express West Midlands 4321 and West Midlands Travel 2462. I'd earlier seen NXWM 4321 passing the Becketts Farm Flower Field on shuttle bus duties. And later saw it coming back on a Midland Red bus from a half hour bus ride to Earlswood and back.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPS%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPS%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPS%20TMW%2029082022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Midland Red

This Midland Red bus was no 1902 with Mercian branding. Was parked next to a Birmingham City Transport bus, no 486.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Midland Red West 544 was one of the buses used for free bus rides on the Event Day.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Midland Red 4255 was in a new exhibition. The Barn Find Exhibition. Buses and old milk floats found in barns, and left unrestored, as they were as they were discovered.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

More Midland Red buses in the garage to the north west of the site. No 5399, plus a couple of others to the left.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

As we exited the milk float exhibit, saw this Midland Red bus, for route M33 Malvern Link.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In the repair shed was some familiar buses. An unidentifed Midland Red bus on the left and to the right, one destined for Gloucester on the X72.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Time for a free bus ride. The 13:15 was supposed to go to Beoley via Alvechurch, but the driver did not know the route. So the bus we went on went from Wythall towards Earlswood and back on a half hour journey. It was Midland Red 5767.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

On leaving Wythall on the car park shuttle, saw from the top deck, Midland Red 5656, originally the Birmingham London Motorway Express on route ME1.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland%20Red%20TMW%2029082022%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Birmingham City Transport

Seen inside of The Power Hall was these Birmingham City Transport buses. You could sit in 0-9926 and have your photo taken with it.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%20TMW%2029082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%20TMW%2029082022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Seen outside of the engine repair shed was this pair of Birmingham City Transport buses 3009 and 486. Out so people could have bus rides on them.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%203009%20TMW%2029082022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Birmingham City Transport 486 later spotted on Chapel Lane, heading back towards the museum. From the Midland Red bus we were on, which was on Hill Lane at the time. Our bus on the half our round trip towards Earlswood and back to Wythall via the A435.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%20486%20TMW%2029082022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

It's been almost four years since I've seen Birmingham City Transport 2548. Inside the repair shed, licence plate missing at the front.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCT%202548%20TMW%2029082022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Bromwich Corporation

This West Bromwich Corporation bus was one that you could go inside. And was parked up next to a Birmingham Fire Engine, in The Power Hall.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMC%20TMW%2029082022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WBC%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Walsall Corporation

Bus no 56 from Walsall Corporation was inside of the repair shed.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WalC%2056%20TMW%2029082022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bus no 116 was in the Midland Red repair shed. This is the first time since I last saw it at the Birmingham Bus Bash in Cannon Hill Park in 2017. I previously caught it on the road in Bromsgrove back in 2013. Some of it's wheels was off.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WalC%20116%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WalC%20116%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WalC%20116%20TMW%2029082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wolverhampton Corporation

This trolley bus was from Wolverhampton with overhead pantograph. The conductor would have to move it with a pole. It was seen in The Power Hall.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WolvC%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WolvC%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Travel

This West Midlands Travel bus no 4527 was parked outside on the Event Day.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMT%204527%20TMW%2029082022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Various including Midland Red, Birmingham City Transport etc

A variety of different buses from around the West Midlands in this garage, including several Midland Red buses, Birmingham City Transport, West Midlands Travel and Travel West Midlands. The no 47 bus stood out for me, no 2811, as I may have ridden this bus back in the 1990s or early 2000s. The Metrobus was withdrawn from service in 2010.

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MR%20BCT%20WMT%20TMW%2029082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MR%20BCT%20WMT%20TMW%2029082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MR%20BCT%20WMT%20TMW%2029082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Transport Museum Wythall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MR%20BCT%20WMT%20TMW%2029082022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos by Elliott Brown

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70 passion points
Transport
21 Jun 2021 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

WM 6600 bus in Walsall

Post image

On Saturday 19th June 2021, National Express West Midlands had a vintage bus rally around the Black Country. From Walsall to Wolverhampton. I travelled up to Walsall by train and went to Walsall Arboretum. After leaving, I only saw the WM 6600 bus on Broadway North, before it went up Littleton Street East. I did not spot any other heritage buses around.

Related

WM 6600 bus in Walsall





On Saturday 19th June 2021, National Express West Midlands had a vintage bus rally around the Black Country. From Walsall to Wolverhampton. I travelled up to Walsall by train and went to Walsall Arboretum. After leaving, I only saw the WM 6600 bus on Broadway North, before it went up Littleton Street East. I did not spot any other heritage buses around.


WM Travel bus 6600

I was aware of National Express West Midlands having a vintage bus rally in the Black Country. This included their modern buses in the heritage liveries. This was on Saturday 19th June 2021.

Got the train up to Walsall Station, and walked to Walsall Arboretum. After a walk around the park, I exited from the Arboretum Lodge that I entered earier, I saw a vintage bus on Broadway North.

 

I quickly got some photos of it while it was at the traffic lights, but was a car in the way.

dndimg alt="WM 6600 bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM 6600 Walsall (Jun 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was no time to wait for the car to move out of the way.

dndimg alt="WM 6600 bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM 6600 Walsall (Jun 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Was able to get one more shot of the bus with licence plate no: NOC 600R as it passed the lights. With route 39 on the rear. It was heading onto Littleton Street East. These roads are part of the Walsall ring road.

dndimg alt="WM 6600 bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WM 6600 Walsall (Jun 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I'd previously seen the same bus (WM Travel 6600, NOC 600R) at the Yardley Wood Bus Garage open day, back in November 2018. When it was displaying as route 74 to Wednesbury via Wednesbury (The modern 74 bus route goes from Birmingham to Dudley via West Bromwich).

dndimg alt="Yardley Wood bus garage 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yardley Wood Bus Garage Open Day 2018 (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Look out for a Walsall Arboretum post coming soon!

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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70 passion points
Transport
30 Jul 2019 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Yardley Wood Bus Garage open days in 2013 and 2018

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I've been to two open days at Yardley Wood Bus Garage. The first back in October 2013 for the 75th anniversary of the bus garage. More recently the last open day was during November 2018 when it was the bus garages 80th birthday. In 2013 you could get a vintage bus ride from Acocks Green Bus Garage and back to Yardley Wood. In 2018 you could get a ride around the nearby suburbs.

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Yardley Wood Bus Garage open days in 2013 and 2018





I've been to two open days at Yardley Wood Bus Garage. The first back in October 2013 for the 75th anniversary of the bus garage. More recently the last open day was during November 2018 when it was the bus garages 80th birthday. In 2013 you could get a vintage bus ride from Acocks Green Bus Garage and back to Yardley Wood. In 2018 you could get a ride around the nearby suburbs.


The other bus garage near to where I am is in Yardley Wood (Acocks Green is closer). It is on the Yardley Wood Road, close to the Stratford-on-Avon Canal. Bus routes such as the 2, 3 and 18 stop nearby to here.

Birmingham City Transport opened the garage here on 9th November 1938. It is now operated by National Express West Midlands. They are home to the world famous number 50 bus route.

For my post at Acocks Green follow this link A selection of vintage buses at the Acocks Green Bus Garage Open Day, October 2013.

For the vintage bus ride I took from Acocks Green to Yardley Wood bus garages please follow this link Timesaver 900 - vintage bus ride from Acocks Green to Yardley Wood Bus Garages, October 2013.

Yardley Wood Bus Garage Open Day: October 2013

That year I got to the bus garage by catching a vintage bus from Acocks Green Bus Garage (link to post above). On this occasion the bus garage was celebrating it's 75th birthday (was easier that year to hold two bus garage open days on one day).

900 - Private - West Midlands Travel - Timesaver - D912 NDA

dndimg alt="Yardley Wood Bus Garage 2013" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yardley Wood Bus Garage Open Day 2013 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

18B - Cotteridge - Birmingham City Transport - MOF 9

dndimg alt="Yardley Wood Bus Garage 2013" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yardley Wood Bus Garage Open Day 2013 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

18 - Garage - WM Travel - JOV 613P

dndimg alt="Yardley Wood Bus Garage 2013" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yardley Wood Bus Garage Open Day 2013 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

16 - Hamstead Green Lane via Hockley - WM Travel - DOC 26V
 402 - Bloomfield Central Avenue via West Bromwich - WM Travel - WDA 956T

dndimg alt="Yardley Wood Bus Garage 2013" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yardley Wood Bus Garage Open Day 2013 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

383 - Hitchin - Willian Walsworth - London Transport - RF627

dndimg alt="Yardley Wood Bus Garage 2013" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yardley Wood Bus Garage Open Day 2013 (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Yardley Wood Bus Garage Open Day - November 2018

For this open day I caught a regular NXWM bus towards the bus garage. On this occasion it was the 80th birthday of the bus garage. I wasn't able to go to the last Acocks Green bus garage open day which I think was held in June 2018.

JOJ 222 - 2222 - Leyland - Birmingham - Bearwood via Dudley Road - B82

I rode this bus during September 2018: Vintage bus ride from Snow Hill Queensway to the Birmingham Museums Collection Centre, September 2018.

Also see this post: Wythall Transport Museum heritage buses between Hollywood and The Alexandra Theatre.

Globetrotter - RS-Recovery - 300 movie livery.

(These both later left the garage, the bus taking passengers on a tour - I saw it on the Alcester Road South and the recovery vehicle probably to rescue a broken down bus somewhere).

dndimg alt="Yardley Wood bus garage 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yardley Wood Bus Garage Open Day 2018 (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

WM Travel - 74 to Wednesbury via Wednesbury - NOC 600R - 6600

dndimg alt="Yardley Wood bus garage 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yardley Wood Bus Garage Open Day 2018 (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Travel West Midlands - 45 to Kings Norton via Pershore Road - 2811 - B811 AOP

dndimg alt="Yardley Wood bus garage 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yardley Wood Bus Garage Open Day 2018 (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

National Express Health Buzz - Faye - C8 NEX

dndimg alt="Yardley Wood bus garage 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yardley Wood Bus Garage Open Day 2018 (4) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Pippa The Ten-Ton Bus of Fun - Special XX - Yellow Buses - MFX 169W

dndimg alt="Yardley Wood bus garage 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Yardley Wood Bus Garage Open Day 2018 (5) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

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22 Jul 2019 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Vintage London bus in Broadway, Worcestershire from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

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Heading under the railway bridge into Broadway, within the Cotswolds in Worcestershire (not far from the Gloucestershire border), I saw this classic red London Routemaster bus heading from Broadway Station of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway into the centre of Broadway. Later coming back saw a steam train called King Edward II.

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Vintage London bus in Broadway, Worcestershire from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway





Heading under the railway bridge into Broadway, within the Cotswolds in Worcestershire (not far from the Gloucestershire border), I saw this classic red London Routemaster bus heading from Broadway Station of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway into the centre of Broadway. Later coming back saw a steam train called King Edward II.


Broadway is a large village in the Cotswolds within Worcestershire. The picturesque village is popular with tourists from all over the world for it's beauty. Nearby is the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway which was extended to Broadway Station in 2018.

Sunday is the perfect day to get out of the City and to explore the local countryside villages and stately homes. Even the steam railways.

On Sunday 21st July 2019, on the way to Snowshill Manor in the nearby village of Snowshill in Gloucestershire, I saw this vintage red London Routemaster bus heading from the station, up Station Road and then the High Street in Broadway.

dndimg alt="London Routemaster Broadway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/London Routemaster bus Broadway GWSR (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Routemaster RML2478 - JJD 478D - a long way to Trafalgar Square on the 6 if you are in Broadway! Already the village is looking picturesque.

dndimg alt="London Routemaster Broadway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/London Routemaster bus Broadway GWSR (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Turning onto Church Street in Broadway towards Snowshill Manor, while the bus continues towards the war memorial along the High Street in Broadway.

dndimg alt="London Routemaster Broadway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/London Routemaster bus Broadway GWSR (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later coming back from Snowshill Manor, now heading back up Station Road in Broadway towards the Low Bridge. Broadway Station is to the right of here. You can get steam trains towards Cheltenham Racecourse. I've never been on this heritage railway line. Wasn't aware of it before heading through Broadway.

dndimg alt="Low Bridge GWSR Broadway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Low Bridge GWSR Broadway (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This modern single decker bus from Marchants was on route 606 from Stratford-upon-Avon towards Broadway. Seen behind on the railway bridge was the steam locomotive 6023 King Edward II.

dndimg alt="Low Bridge GWSR Broadway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Low Bridge GWSR Broadway (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

6023 King Edward II. Great Western Railway (GWR) 6000 Class 6023 King Edward II is a preserved steam locomotive. I don't think it is part of GWSR's collection of Steam Locomotives so it was probably a visitor. Was nice to see before leaving Broadway though.

dndimg alt="Low Bridge GWSR Broadway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Low Bridge GWSR Broadway (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The roads from Broadway back to Birmingham takes you up the A44 towards Evesham, nearby where the Battle of Evesham 1265 was fought (and Simon de Montfort was killed). A bridge is named after him. Near the A46 is the Evesham Country Park with the Evesham Vale Light Railway (which I saw back in August 2014 - a possible future post). North of Evesham along the A46 towards Alcester. Then through Coughton and Studley on the A435 towards the Maypole in Birmingham.

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

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30 passion points
Transport
24 Apr 2019 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Vintage buses seen around the West Midlands

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I first started to spot vintage buses around Birmingham and the West Midlands around 2011, and have kept seeing them ever since. Including the buses going between Acocks Green and Yardley Wood bus garage during the October 2013 open days. Sometimes the bus just randomly goes past me when I was least expecting it!

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Vintage buses seen around the West Midlands





I first started to spot vintage buses around Birmingham and the West Midlands around 2011, and have kept seeing them ever since. Including the buses going between Acocks Green and Yardley Wood bus garage during the October 2013 open days. Sometimes the bus just randomly goes past me when I was least expecting it!


Starting with this bus on Edmund Street in Birmingham, I saw it during May 2011, and I think it's the first old bus that I took a photo of in Birmingham! Now owned by what was the Aston Manor Transport Museum (now based in Aldridge). This bus celebrated 100 years of public transport in Walsall. Reg no: JOV 714P, WMPTE 4714, Bristol VRT/SL2/6LX with Metro-Cammell H43/33F body. Dates from 1976.

dndimg alt="Walsall bus on Edmund Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/100 years of public transport in Walsall bus on Edmund Street.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

During my first train trip to Bromsgrove in April 2013, on my walk back from Bromsgrove Town Centre to the old Bromsgrove Station, saw this bus at the lights on the A38. I was crossing over New Road. Reg no: XDH 516G, 116, Walsall Corporation, Daimler Fleetline. Built in 1968, was taken over by WMPTE in 1969.

dndimg alt="Walsall bus in Bromsgrove" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/116 on New Road Bromsgrove on the A38.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Sarah's Diner spotted near Amber Way in Halesowen during January 2019. Reg no: TVP 875S, 6875, MCW bodied Leyland Fleetline, WM Travel. Formerly used on the 11 Outer Circle in Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Sarahs Diner in Halesowen" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sarahs Diner Amber Way Halesowen.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now a look at the former Birmingham City Transport buses used during the October 2013 open days between Acocks Green and Yardley Wood bus garages.

There was at least 3 vintage buses that you could catch a free ride between both bus garages on Saturday 5th October 2013. One of them was this former Birmingham City Transport bus, 3225, MOF 225. Seen at the Summer Road bus stop close to Acocks Green Bus Garage in the Fox Hollies area of Birmingham.

dndimg alt="3225 Acocks Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3225 on Summer Road Acocks Green (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

I was going to catch a free bus ride from Acocks Green to Yardley Wood. I think the bus in front with 90 Pheasey Estate via Kingstanding on it, was getting full, so I got on the blue Timesaver bus behind. See this post for more of that Timesaver 900 - vintage bus ride from Acocks Green to Yardley Wood Bus Garages, October 2013.

dndimg alt="3225 Acocks Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3225 on Summer Road Acocks Green (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A bit more close up to both buses on Summer Road, Acocks Green.

dndimg alt="3225 Acocks Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3225 on Summer Road Acocks Green (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

One last look before I got on the old Timesaver blue bus behind. This car was parked near the road, so the bus had to park awkwardly next to it, to pick up passengers heading to Yardley Wood Bus Garage.

dndimg alt="3225 Acocks Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3225 on Summer Road Acocks Green (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Later after I had visited my first Yardley Wood Bus Garage open day, I left via School Road in Yardley Wood and saw 3225 heading past me! Still taking bus passengers between both garages.

dndimg alt="3225 Yardley Wood" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3225 on School Road Yardley Wood (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen continuing on it's way towards Yardley Wood Bus Garage on School Road, Yardley Wood. Shortly after this, I would get a no 3 bus back towards Swanshurst Park.

dndimg alt="3225 Yardley Wood" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3225 on School Road Yardley Wood (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Here 3225 had just arrived on Yardley Wood Road outside of Yardley Wood Bus Garage. I myself had got off the blue Timesaver bus behind (before I went into the bus garage for the first time). The bus was already full.

dndimg alt="3225 Yardley Wood" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3225 outside Yardley Wood Bus Garage.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Sometimes 3225 goes past you unexpectedly like when I was walking up the Warwick Road in Acocks Green, around about the time when National Express West Midlands was going to renumber the 37 as the 4 and 4A, so seeing this old Birmingham City Transport bus going up here was not expected during July 2018!

dndimg alt="3225 on Warwick Road, Acocks Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3225 on Warwick Road Acocks Green.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Forgive the quality of this photo, as it was a mobile phone photo taken on James Watt Queensway during November 2017 (I have also cropped it). 3225, MOF 225 seen passing Aston University and the Law Courts. Another random unexpected sight of this particular heritage bus!

dndimg alt="3225 on James Watt Queensway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3225 on James Watt Queensway.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This bus is used every year at the St Patrick's Day Parade in Digbeth. 3225, MOF 225 (I think) seen at the 2015 parade. As the 50 from West Midlands Travel. One of National Express West Midlands green electric hybrid buses was behind (then on the 23 and 24, now on the 61 and 63, repainted red outside).

dndimg alt="3225 Digbeth St Patrick's" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3225 at the St Patricks Day Parade Digbeth 2015.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw 3225, MOF 225 again at the 2018 St Patrick's Day Parade in Digbeth. Seen passing the Bull Ring Tavern, from this Moor Street Car Park view, zoomed in. Heading round Digbeth onto St Martin's Lane (one of the shortest roads in the city centre) and then going round onto Moat Lane. This is the reverse of the way buses normally go around Digbeth to the Bullring!

dndimg alt="3225 Digbeth St Patrick's" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3225 at the St Patricks Day Parade Digbeth 2018.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Getting back to the October 2013 open day, another vintage bus was taking passengers between Acocks Green and Yardley Wood bus garages. While I didn't see it at either bus garage, I did see it on the School Road in Yardley Wood. 3472, BON 472C, as the 4 to Pool Farm and Cotteridge, Birmingham City Transport.

dndimg alt="3472 Yardley Wood" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3472 on School Road Yardley Wood (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Here it would pass over a bridge near the Stratford-on-Avon Canal. I think this was the only single decker bus that they were using that day!

dndimg alt="3472 Yardley Wood" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3472 on School Road Yardley Wood (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In November 2018, I saw this old Birmingham City Transport bus heading off Highfield Road and onto Fox Hollies Road in Hall Green. Seen here crossing over the Stratford Road. Reg no: JOJ 548, 2548, Birmingham City Transport, built in 1950. It was a few days before the Yardley Wood Bus Garage open day that would be held on Saturday 10th November 2018, and I was wondering if it was heading towards Acocks Green Bus Garage?

dndimg alt="2548 Hall Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/2548 heading onto Fox Hollies Road Hall Green (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen on the Fox Hollies Road in Hall Green. It's route number was the 9 to Quinton.

dndimg alt="2548 Hall Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/2548 heading onto Fox Hollies Road Hall Green (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

One last look at this bus passing me on the Fox Hollies Road in Hall Green. Advert at the back: "Avoid the race for car park space Take a Bus to any place".

dndimg alt="2548 Hall Green" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/2548 heading onto Fox Hollies Road Hall Green (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown (over 1000 followers!).

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Transport
10 Apr 2019 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

A selection of vintage buses at the Acocks Green Bus Garage Open Day, October 2013

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I missed the last open day at Acocks Green Bus Garage for their 80th birthday in June 2018, but I did go to the previous open day, 5 years earlier in October 2013. A selection of some of the historic buses on show at the time. Was the 75th anniversary of the bus garage. They also had vintage bus rides to Yardley Wood bus garage (but will leave that to another post!)

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A selection of vintage buses at the Acocks Green Bus Garage Open Day, October 2013





I missed the last open day at Acocks Green Bus Garage for their 80th birthday in June 2018, but I did go to the previous open day, 5 years earlier in October 2013. A selection of some of the historic buses on show at the time. Was the 75th anniversary of the bus garage. They also had vintage bus rides to Yardley Wood bus garage (but will leave that to another post!)


Acocks Green Bus Garage - Open Day - Saturday 5th October 2013

The bus garage is home of the World Famous Outer Circle (the 11A and 11C bus routes). Also known now as National Express West Midlands Acocks Green. This open day was to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the opening of this bus garage on the Fox Hollies Road in Acocks Green. That day there was also an open day over at Yardley Wood Bus Garage, and you could catch a free ride on a selection of vintage buses between both bus garages.

This post will just look at some of the vintage buses that were inside of the bus garage that day!

_______________________________________________________________________

Towing - Sandy Lane Garage
105
722 DU
XVC 290

Coventry Corporation Transport

Dated to 1959.

dndimg alt="Acocks Green vintage bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage buses at Acocks Green Bus Garage 2013 open day (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Corley - City Pool Meadow
334
334 CRW

Coventry Corporation Transport

Dated to 1963.

dndimg alt="Acocks Green vintage bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage buses at Acocks Green Bus Garage 2013 open day (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Circular 28
FEA 156
156

West Bromwich Corporation

Dated to 1952.
Daimler CVG5
Metro-Cammell B38R

dndimg alt="Acocks Green vintage bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage buses at Acocks Green Bus Garage 2013 open day (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

32 - Gospel Lane Loop via Lakey Lane
LOG 302
3002

Birmingham City Transport

Dated to 1954.

Daimler CLG5LW

MCCW H30/25R

dndimg alt="Acocks Green vintage bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage buses at Acocks Green Bus Garage 2013 open day (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

79 - West Bromwich via Bilston
XON 41J
4041

WM Travel

Dated to 1971.
Daimler Fleetline

dndimg alt="Acocks Green vintage bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage buses at Acocks Green Bus Garage 2013 open day (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

159 - Coventry via Airport N.E.C. and Meriden
NOA 462X
2462
WM Travel
MCW (Metrobus)

dndimg alt="Acocks Green vintage bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage buses at Acocks Green Bus Garage 2013 open day (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown (over 1000 followers!).

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50 passion points
Transport
28 Mar 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Wythall Transport Museum heritage buses between Hollywood and The Alexandra Theatre

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On Bank Holiday weekends, up and down the Alcester Road, between the Wythall Transport Museum and Birmingham, you may see the odd vintage bus going up and down, taking passengers on rides from the museum to various nearby locations. From Hollywood, south of the Maypole, then up Kings Heath, towards Bristol Street and last stop at The Alexandra Theatre on Suffolk Street Queensway!

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Wythall Transport Museum heritage buses between Hollywood and The Alexandra Theatre





On Bank Holiday weekends, up and down the Alcester Road, between the Wythall Transport Museum and Birmingham, you may see the odd vintage bus going up and down, taking passengers on rides from the museum to various nearby locations. From Hollywood, south of the Maypole, then up Kings Heath, towards Bristol Street and last stop at The Alexandra Theatre on Suffolk Street Queensway!


You may be suprised that there is an area near Birmingham, called Hollywood! Just south of the Maypole, down the Alcester Road South towards Wythall is Worcestershire's very own Hollywood! On the Easter Monday Bank Holiday in 2017 I had a walk from The Maypole towards Whitlocks End Station, when I spotted three heritage buses on special journeys from the Wythall Transport Museum!

You can find out when the next event is on at this link Event Days.

Metrobus on the 48 - 2462 - NOA 462X - returning to Wythall from the Maypole. Easter Monday 2017.

dndimg alt="Vintage bus Alcester Road Hollywood" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus on Alcester Road Hollywood (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Sea Front Service on the 48 - Southern Vectis - 314 PFM - Carters - returning to Wythall from the Maypole. Easter Monday 2017.

dndimg alt="Vintage bus Alcester Road Hollywood" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus on Alcester Road Hollywood (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Carisbrooke Castle on the 48 - 570 - Bristol Lodekka - Southern Vectis - YDL 315 - returning to Wythall from the Maypole. Easter Monday 2017.

dndimg alt="Vintage bus Alcester Road Hollywood" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus on Alcester Road Hollywood (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The 48 - 322 - Midland General FRB 211 H Bristol Rear-Engined Double-Decker Bus -  FRB 211H - seen here heading to the Maypole. Late May Bank Holiday Weekend 2017. Not wanting to walk back to Whitlocks End again, I turned back to the Maypole (hoping to see another bus). The 750 to Birmingham I did see but missed getting a shot of it (see the photo at the end of this post from Suffolk Street Queensway).

dndimg alt="Vintage bus Alcester Road Hollywood" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus on Alcester Road Hollywood (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Yardley Wood Bus Garage celebrated it's 80th birthday during November 2018, and they had bus rides around the local area. On other Bank Holidays I did try and go to Kings Heath, to see if I could spot one of the vintage buses but I kept missing them, or didn't have my camera ready. These photos below were taken from the top deck of the no 50 bus I was on to town. These buses are not part of the Wythall collection.

I have previously been on rides on this pair of vintage buses!

Timesaver - 2957 - WM Travel - MCW - D957 NDA - Seen November 2018

Previously rode on this bus during the pair of open days at Acocks Green and Yardley Wood bus garages in early October 2013, on the occasion of the bus garages 75th birthday.

dndimg alt="Alcester Road South Kings Heath vintage bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus Alcester Road South Kings Heath (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

JOJ 222 - 2222 - Leyland - Birmingham - Bearwood via Dudley Road - B82 - Seen November 2018

Saw this bus again only 2 months after I had ridden on it from Snow Hill Queensway to the Birmingham Museums Collection Centre!

dndimg alt="Alcester Road South Kings Heath vintage bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus Alcester Road South Kings Heath (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

If seeing the vintage Wythall buses on Bank Holiday's was hit and miss in the Maypole, Kings Heath or Moseley, the next option was to check them out in the city centre! I checked their timetables, so I had a fair idea approximately where they would be.

750 to Birmingham - GREEN LINE AEC RCL CUV 219C - CUV 219C - London Transport - AEC Routemaster - seen on the Easter Monday 2018 Bank Holiday. I had walked up to the Alexandra Theatre, but didn't see the expected bus, then walked down Bristol Street, before this one went past me!

dndimg alt="Bristol Street, Birmingham vintage bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bristol Street Vintage bus to the Alex.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Route 750 to Birmingham (Alexandra Theatre) - 1256 - FRC 956 - Trent FRC 956 Leyland PD2/12 with Leyland body - seen the late May Bank Holiday Monday 2017. I had previously tried to see this bus the day before in Kings Heath but I missed getting a decent shot of it (or I saw it being towed back to Wythall). So seeing it arriving at the Alexandra Theatre was my best chance of seeing it! At this point heading onto Suffolk Street Queensway from Holloway Circus and Bristol Street.

dndimg alt="Suffolk Street Queensway vintage bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Suffolk Street Queensway vintage bus to the Alex.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown

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27 Mar 2019 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Vintage bus ride from Snow Hill Queensway to the Birmingham Museums Collection Centre, September 2018

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A look back to my vintage bus ride in September 2018 when an open day was again held at the Birmingham Museums Collections Centre on Dollman Street. Was a long wait on Snow Hill Queensway before the bus came! But was well worth the wait. 2222 aka JOJ 222.

 

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Vintage bus ride from Snow Hill Queensway to the Birmingham Museums Collection Centre, September 2018





A look back to my vintage bus ride in September 2018 when an open day was again held at the Birmingham Museums Collections Centre on Dollman Street. Was a long wait on Snow Hill Queensway before the bus came! But was well worth the wait. 2222 aka JOJ 222.

 


A long wait on the 16th September 2018 during Heritage Open Week in Birmingham. After a visit to Highbury Hall, next on the agenda was a return visit to the Birmingham Museums Collection Centre, on Dollman Street. I heard about the free vintage bus ride, so I wanted to go. A 50 minute wait at bus stop SQ3 outside of Lloyd House, but it was worth it!

Seen arriving on Snow Hill Queensway was former Birmingham City Transport bus 222. JOJ 222. Made by Leyland. To "Saltley". Passing Three Snowhill.

dndimg alt="Vintage bus on Snow Hill Queensway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus 2222 on Snow Hill Queensway (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was approaching bus stop SQ3. Worth the wind and rain to see it and ride it!

dndimg alt="Vintage bus on Snow Hill Queensway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus 2222 on Snow Hill Queensway (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Birmingham City Transport with Birmingham's Forward coat of arms.

dndimg alt="Birmingham City Transport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus 2222 on Snow Hill Queensway (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Top deck. The seats are a bit different to modern buses and the ceiling is much lower! I sat on the left.

dndimg alt="2222 top deck" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus 2222 on Snow Hill Queensway (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The steps are at the back of the bus, not near the front. Similar to old London buses!

dndimg alt="2222 top deck" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus 2222 on Snow Hill Queensway (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Reflection in Lloyd House, the West Midlands Police Headquarters.

dndimg alt="Reflection in Lloyd House" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus 2222 on Snow Hill Queensway (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I believe this section is now a little exhibition with the history of the West Midlands Police.

dndimg alt="Reflection in Lloyd House" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus 2222 on Snow Hill Queensway (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

"Spitting strictly prohibited offenders will be prosecuted". One of the signs I saw on the top deck! What was their litter policy back in the day?

dndimg alt="2222 sign" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus 2222 on Snow Hill Queensway (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

"Any passenger leaving this omnibus without paying the fare and with intent to avoid payment is liable to prosecution". To be fare / fair, it was a free bus ride, so no ticket, and I don't think my Swift Card would have been accepted!

dndimg alt="2222 sign" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus 2222 on Snow Hill Queensway (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

If you wanted to stop the bus to get off, press this button. I would think that the light would come on?

dndimg alt="push to stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus 2222 on Snow Hill Queensway (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up look at the button. The metal has rusted a bit. You have modern equivalents of these on modern buses!

dndimg alt="push to stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus 2222 on Snow Hill Queensway (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2222 the buses ID. Modern buses have ID numbers like this too.

dndimg alt="2222" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage bus 2222 on Snow Hill Queensway (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After leaving Snow Hill Queensway, the bus went via Colmore Circus Queensway, Steelhouse Lane, Corporation Street (near the Aston Expressway), Dartmouth Circus, Dartmouth Middleway, then up Vauxhall Road, Great Francis Street, Duddeston Mill Road and down Dollman Street.

Once the bus had parked near the Birmingham Museums Collections Centre, it was time to get off. On the way down the steps I saw theses signs. "Beware of approaching vehicles when leaving or passing behind this vehicle. Safety First".

dndimg alt="Safety First" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage Bus 2222 at Dollman Street BMCC (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bus destinations used to be on rollable blinds like the one below (modern buses have digital ones). It was still like this until at least the 1990s! Bottom sign says "Passengers are requested not to alight except at authorised stopping places". These buses didn't have automatic doors, in fact they had no door at the back, but only a conductor to collect tickets!

dndimg alt="Passengers are requested" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage Bus 2222 at Dollman Street BMCC (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View of the other side of JOJ 222 / 2222 from after I got off the bus, and before I went into the Birmingham Museums Collections Centre for my second time in over 6 years!

dndimg alt="2222 at Dollman Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vintage Bus 2222 at Dollman Street BMCC (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown

 

 

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