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Beginnings.
Why does a trolleybus have its power pedal on the left? A brief
explanation of how the tram developed into the trolleybus.
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More Beginnings and Endings.
The history of the trolleybus, starting with Elektromote, charting the
demonstrations and pioneer systems through to the sad end in 1972
plus the near revivals.
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First and Last
A list of all British trolleybus systems with their opening
and closing dates.
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Driving Trolleybuses
A piece of wistful prose on the joy of driving.
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The Forgotten Trolleybuses
A brief history of Birmingham City Transport's trolleybuses. I've
called this page "The Forgotten Trolleybuses" as not many
people remember that Birmingham did operate trolleybuses.
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Wolverhampton
A brief history of Wolverhampton Corporation Transport. Wolverhampton
is my home town. I became fascinated by tramways on hearing my
grandfathers tales of horses being electrocuted when stepping on the
tram studs. The Lorain System was unique to Wolverhampton and it was
due to Wolverhampton that trolleybuses became buses rather than trams
running without rails.
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Last Day at Walsall
Photos taken on Walsall's last day of operation.
I was only 15 and a grop of us went to have a last ride on a
trolleybus. All the photos were taken on Kodachrome film with a Kodak
Instamatic 33 camera.
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Trolleybus Rally 2000
Every two years until 2008, the Black Country Museum held a trolleybus rally.
This page shows some of the vehicles at the 2000 rally. It's also
the start of my learning to drive trolleybuses.
The rally in June 2010 was cancelled and the new museum director does not want any more.
Complaints direct to him, please.
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Trolleybus Rally 2002
The 2002 rally. This was my first rally as a driver.
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Black Country Living Museum
A tour of the world's only double deck trolleybus route. Some
photos showing the entire route.
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Langs Gouden Draden.
Trolleybuses may have disappeared from our streets, but abroad they
are still very much alive, though a few cities are falling by the wayside.
One such system, the city of Arnhem in The Netherlands
has been a devotee of the trolleybus for over 50 years. The only system
in the Netherlands, Arnhemmers are very proud of their trolleybuses.
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Trolleybuses in Ghent
The Flemish city of Ghent was another such system. These are pictures
taken in the Autumn of 2000, when I paid the city a brief visit. The system was suspended
for roadworks, but re-opened in September 2005 only to be partially abandoned in late
2008 with trolleybuses then only appearing on special runs until the final closure on
14th June 2009.
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The Ultimate Driving Experience.
The Tramway Museum at Crich offers a days tuition in tram driving,
which they call "The Ultimate Driving Experience". I've
always wanted to have a go, so booked myself on a course. I've
even gone on to do their "Advanced" version.
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Wolverhampton Trolleybus Gallery
I'm always pleased to receive feedback on the site and was delighted
to be sent these photographs by Ian Slater, who has given me permission
to reproduce them on the site. These photos give an excellent view
of the last years of the Wolverhampton system.
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BMMO
The Black Country tramways were replaced in the 1920's and 1930's
by motor buses of the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus company.
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Tickets Please!
Trams and buses have always issued tickets. Here's a brief history
of the humble ticket machine.
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