When the East Anglia Transport Museum’s restored Portsmouth trolleybus 313 suffered a defect earlier this year, it was feared that this vehicle would have to miss the remainder of the 2013 operating season. However, help came from an unlikely source when, after being contacted by museum representatives, Blackpool Transport agreed to assist with getting the preserved trolleybus back on the road.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Portsmouth trolleybus suffered an airbrake governor fault very early in the season which was considered quite a serious problem, especially as the museum’s supply of useable spares had been used up some years ago. However, Blackpool Transport kindly supplied a replacement part which has allowed 313 to re-enter public service before the end of the season. Better still, arrangements have been made for the company to overhaul all of the non-working spare governors held in stock by this museum, so as to create a pool of spare parts which can then be fitted to the trolleybus fleet as defects occur, minimising the time they must spend out of service. Naturally this is very good news for the museum as it will ensure that visitors have a varied selection of vehicles to ride on, whilst this job will keep Blackpool’s heritage workshops busy and is a useful extra source of income.<\/p>\n
Although this story doesn’t directly concern trams, it was decided to include it here as it will benefit Blackpool Transport’s heritage tram operation, and also shows how BTS will work closely with museums and preservation groups, to mutual benefit. Long may it continue!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When the East Anglia Transport Museum’s restored Portsmouth trolleybus 313 suffered a defect earlier this year, it was feared that this vehicle would have to miss the remainder of the 2013 operating season. However, help came from an unlikely source … Continue reading