The Prefab is now finished and open for public viewing. Click here to find out more.
On the evening of 7th July 2002, Bournemouth 99, a 1935 Sunbeam MS2, operated on test around the Sandtoft circuit. It has been many years since 99 last ran under the wires having needed its motor re-wound. With that work now carried out, it is hoped that 99 will run on service at Sandtoft sometime before the end of the season.
 |
 |
 |
| 99 is connected to the overhead for the first time, following its motor repairs | Whilst traveling around the Sandtoft circuit, you can see both of 99's doors. The mechanically operated front door and the open platform to the rear. | 99 also has two staircases, located adjacent to each of its doors. |
Further testing on this vehicle was carried out over Easter and progress is said to be promising.
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.
 |
 |
||
| 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!) | ||
 |
 |
 |
|
| 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..... | |
| 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. |  |
|
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 |
|
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.
 |
 |
 |
17/07/03
