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May 2021 Trolleybus + Wheels + Bus Fare
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This month's edition of Trolleybus brings good news about British Trolleybus Society vehicles, and developments at museums and trolleybus operators around the world. A 60th anniversary feature about stage 10 of the London Buses for Trolleybuses programme includes another set of superb photographs by Tony Belton, and we pay tribute to member Graham Geoghegan, who passed away recently.
Belfast 183 is on the cover, seen in service in 1965. It has recently returned to Northern Ireland and will be restored to as-new condition.
On the 28th of this month, it will be 60 years since the meeting was held which resulted in the establishment of our Society. Tony Williams provides an eyewitness acount of the early days. Tony Belton commemorates another significant anniversary, Teesside having closed in April 1971, the penultimate system closure in the UK.
Striking more positive notes, we report on the repaint of Bournemouth 301 (which has been completed since we went to press), there is a photo feature on the recent replacement of some of Sandtoft's traction poles and lots of good news in the Museums and World News sections!
This month it will be 60 years since the Mexborough & Swinton system closed, with Rotherham's single-deck operation ending at the same time. Colin Allan and Tony Belton pay tribute. We also feature Košice's "Good Trolleybus" and the latest news from trolleybus operators and museums around the world.
Exactly 60 years ago, our London Q1 trolleybus, 1812, had just been withdrawn and was stored at Fulwell, before being exported to Spain later in the month. In this month's edition of Trolleybus, we thank everyone who has already donated to the fund to have 1812 mechanically overhauled, before returning to Sandtoft, and this is followed by a Tony Belton feature about loading Q1s at Dagenham Dock. We also publish the second part of Tony's feature about Stage 9 of the London abandonment.
In this edition, we also pay tribute to John Whitehead, who passed away in November. John helped shape this Society in the 1960s, and achieved a huge amount in the fields of transport preservation and research.
The good news of a new trolleybus system which opened in Zhengzhou, China, last month, is the subject of a report and the cover photo, and there are plenty more positive news stories on our news pages.
This month, we report on the end of Škoda 9 Tr operation after sixty years, (although subsequently Rivne's chief engineer decided to continue operation, so the story isn't over yet!); and we publish two articles by Tony Belton, one commemorating the 60th anniversary of Stage 9 of the London closure programme, which was so extensive that more of it will be covered in February, and the other celebrating 50 years since London 1521 at Carlton Colville was the first trolleybus to operate under wires at a UK museum. All this, plus news from trolleybus operators and museums around the world, and we pay tribute to our late President, Lord Stoddart of Swindon, as well as introducing the Society's new Publicity Officer, Paul Dicken.
It's all about us this month - well, much of it, anyway! As the Society prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2021 we take a look at recent developments at Burntwood and with three members of our fleet - London 1812, Aachen 22 and Bournemouth 301. The five-year loan of 1812 to the London Bus Museum has now ended and before the Q1 returns to Sandtoft it is to have its first mechanical overhaul for about 50 years with the intention that it will provide a vastly improved ride when it returns to service at Sandtoft. We have launched an appeal to fund the work and would appreciate contributions of any size.
This month we also continue Tom Douce's tour of Slovakia with a look at Banská Bystrica's modern fleet. All this, plus news of trolleybus operation and preservation from around the world.
In the latest edition of our monthly magazine, Tony Belton commemorates the 60th anniversary of Stage 8 of the London trolleybus closure programme, John Zebedee celebrates 80 years of trolleybus operation in Eberswalde and we have a photo feature by Zdenek Kresa of the 111th anniversary of electric public transport in Jihlava.
In addition, John Parkin reviews Trolleybuses in East Central London and we have news of trolleybus preservation and operation around the world.
Moscow's trolleybus system was once the world's largest but it closed in August. We have a report and photos of the final night's events from a Moscow trolleybus driver. On Saturday 3 October it will be fifty years since Walsall's last trolleybus ran and to commemorate the anniversary we have a brief history of the system by Haydn Wootton while Tony Belton recalls his visits to Walsall with a fine selection of photographs. Our news sections provide some positive updates with progress being made at Keighley Bus Museum and many reports of new trolleybuses and system expansion on the World News pages.
This month Bournemouth MF2B 274 arrives at the Christchurch turntable to conclude David Bowler's description of a typical journey in 1962 and Keith Burbidge reports on his use of his model of Bournemouth MS2 171 to celebrate VE Day. Gunter Mackinger provides a photo feature of Kaunas, Lithuania, where the large trolleybus fleet has been extensively modernised in recent months. In addition to reports on the Society's Burntwood premises and Sandtoft's new oral history project we have news of developments at Sandtoft and elsewhere and the latest news of trolleybus operation worldwide.
That's not all! Roger Clark reviews "A London Trolleybus Reborn", the story of the Society's London Q1 trolleybus, 1812. The book is available to purchase from BTS Sales (see the link on the website Home page). Also now available is the BTS calendar 2021, featuring a year's worth of splendid photographs of three-axle trolleybuses, all taken by Tony Belton.
This month we also announce the Society's AGM, which this year will be held using the Zoom videoconferencing app. See inside for further details. Would you like to help run the BTS? The Committee is keen to recruit new members and videoconferencing will help us to be flexible to make it possible for members who are distant from our traditional base to be part of the Committee.
(The online edition of Trolleybus correctly displays September on the cover but unfortunately the printed edition shows August. Apologies for the error).
This month we look at the forthcoming BTS Weekend at Sandtoft, to be held on Sunday 30 and August Bank Holiday Monday. There has been an excellent response to the appeal for volunteers but in the present circumstances we still need a few more. If you are able to volunteer it could make all the difference.
We have a bit of a Bratislava theme this time, with photos of a private tour of the city for the trolleybus workshop supervisor on his retirement after 58 years with the transport department. The vehicle used was recently-restored Skoda-Sanos 6505. We stay in the Slovak capital to continue Tom Douce's tour of the country's trolleybus systems.
Also this time we publish the photos Martin Brown took in Southend-on-Sea that were mentioned in Martin Eady's tribute last month.
All this plus the latest news of trolleybus museums, preservation and service operation around the world.
10 years ago, on 1st July 2010, London Transport 1348 arrived back in the UK after spending 49 years in Ireland. Tony Belton celebrates this anniversary and also continues his series of anniversary commemorations of the closure of London's trolleybus system, which reached Stage 7 on 20 July 1960. In contrast, David Bowler takes us to the expanding trolleybus systems in Beijing and Shanghai. We have lots of good news about museums and preservation, including some encouraging developments at Sandtoft, and plenty of good news in our World News column.
In the latest edition of Trolleybus we continue David Bowler's 1962 journey by MF2B trolleybus on Bournemouth service 21, Zdeněk Kresa reports on Mariánské Lázně's new trolleybus fleet, we have a Riyadh photo feature and news of the preservation of two American ETI Škoda 14 Trs. As usual we have news of trolleybus operation and preservation from around the world.
In this month's Trolleybus Ian Stubbs reports on a visit to Naples just before lockdown and we have a couple of photos of Salzburg trolleybuses taken by Juanjo Olaizola Elordi, Director of the Basque Railway Museum, whose return to Spain was delayed by the Covid-19 outbreak. Andrew Henbest details trolleybus operation in Geneva following a day trip to the city and Alan Wickens writes about the beginnings being made to the disposal of the Wellington fleet.
Also in this month's edition we review the new history of Glasgow trolleybuses by Brian Deans with Stuart Little and we have news from operators and museums around the world.
BTS SALES At this time of year we would usually be raising money for the preservation and restoration of our historic trolleybuses through our sales stall at meetings and at events at Sandtoft and elsewhere. We now have a good selection of books (including Glasgow Trolleybuses) available via the BTS website, so why not have a look and see what's available? All the profits go towards our trolleybuses, so you can grab a good book and help the Society at the same time!
This month's Trolleybus includes two articles by Tony Belton, one telling the tale of London Transport 622, which was West Ham's first trolleybus in 1937 and also ran as its last trolleybus in 1960, and the other Tony's commemoration of Stage 6 of London's Buses for Trolleybuses programme. We also look at the restoration of Chomutov-Jirkov 008 and as always bring you the latest news from trolleybus operators and museums around the world.
The BTS has been working closely with the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft to develop a long-term plan for the redevelopment of the Museum and the Society's adjacent land, to provide an enhanced experience for visitors and to assure the future of our historic trolleybuses. You can read all about the planning progress in the new edition of Trolleybus. Also this month, Jody White salutes Vancouver's trolleybus system, with photos by Tony Belton, and Tom Douce takes us to Slovakia to look at Prešov's trolleybuses. We also have news of trolleybus museums and operators around the world.
This month's edition of Trolleybus is now available for members to download. In it, Tony Belton commemorates the 60th anniversary of London Transport's Buses for Trolleybuses Stage 5, which involved Walthamstow and West Ham depots. David Bowler takes us on a trolleybus ride on Bournemouth service 21. (David's new history of Bournemouth's trolleybus system has recently been published and is available to purchase from the BTS website. Buy it this way and the profit benefits the Society's trolleybus restoration projects). In other features, Alan Sprod records a trolleybus charter in Bălţi, Moldova, and Martin Judge reports the latest news from San Francisco. We also have photos of new trolleybuses in Jinan, China, with offside and nearside doors. All that, and there's also lots of news of trolleybus operators and museums!
In this month's edition of Trolleybus Tony Belton shares his memories of Cardiff trolleybuses, accompanied by some wonderfully evocative photos to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the closure of Cardiff's trolleybus system and the end of three-axle trolleybus operation in the UK. This is followed by a good news story, as Branimir Pantaleev interviews Angel Nestorov, the manager of Trolleybus Transport Pleven, who has worked for the Bulgarian operator since the start of trolleybus operation in 1985. We also have news of trolleybus operation and preservation from around the world.
This month's Trolleybus includes features on Keighley Bus Museum, the new Rimini – Riccione BRT trolleybus line, San Francisco's Muni Heritage Festival and a plan to preserve a Dayton Škoda 14 Tr in the Czech Republic. We also report on the lucky escape for Cardiff trolleybuses 243 and 262 when fire destroyed part of the barn which houses Cardiff & South Wales Trolleybus Project's workshop. Our front cover photo shows a Hess lighTram on the first test ride over the extension of Luzern's line 1 to the Mall of Switzerland, while the rear cover features the first day of service of Solingen's BOBs on line 695.
The November issue of Trolleybus is the 700th edition of our monthly publication and to mark this milestone in the Society's history Bob Rowe looks at British trolleybuses that carried fleet number 700. There were only two: one a member of London's F1 class and the other an 8-foot wide 1942 Sunbeam MF2 chassis which couldn't be delivered to Johannesburg and which was bodied by Weymann for Bradford then later rebodied by East Lancs. Tony Belton remembers Stage 4 of London's trolleybus abandonment programme 60 years on, with some wonderful photos of the services involved. Jody White reports on the recent celebration of 70 years of trolleybus operation in Arnhem. All that and news of trolleybus operation and preservation worldwide including several photos of new trolleybuses entering service now.
The October edition of Trolleybus includes a report on the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft's very popular 50th anniversary event. We review a new book which comprehensively tells the story of Canada's trolleybuses, and we have news from museums and operators around the world.
The latest monthly edition of Trolleybus has been published. This month we have a report on Reading 113's restoration, which was almost complete at press date but has since been completed in time for 113 to operate at Sandtoft's 50th anniversary Gala Weekend - a report will be in next month's edition! Tony Belton celebrates the restoration of Hastings 34 by telling the story of its rescue for preservation and the earliest efforts to return it to Hastings condition, and Gunter Mackinger provides a photo feature and brief history of Novgorod, which in 1995 was the first new trolleybus system to open in Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union. As well as that we have all the latest news of trolleybus operation and preservation around the world, with the first new Solaris Trollino for Cluj Napoca featuring on the cover.
In the new edition of Trolleybus we report on the launch of the Cedes replica at Sandtoft, which on the Sunday involved a horse ... and then segue into a piece about horses and trolleybuses in Salzburg! August will be the 60th anniversary of Stage 3 of London's Buses for Trolleybuses programme and so Tony Belton brings us the latest of his anniversary features. As usual we have all the latest news of trolleybus operation and preservation, including 17 trolleybuses sailing on the Danube!
In the July edition of Trolleybus, Dave Hall writes about the Bournemouth Trolleybus Pageant at Sandtoft, while Andrew Henbest shares his memories of the end of trolleybus operation in that town 50 years ago.
Gunter Mackinger reports on the splendid trolleybus parade in St Petersburg in May, with a good selection of photos of the city's historic trolleybuses, including our cover photo.
We also have news of preserved Bradford, Cardiff, Teesside and Dunedin trolleybuses, an update about the Society's Burntwood premises and news of trolleybus operation around the world.
On the cover this month we have a lovely study by Jurgen Lehmann of Milan Iveco 941, which will soon be withdrawn, alongside a classic 90-year-old Peter Witt tram, while inside, Ashley Bruce explains the technicalities of designing the Cedes replica, for which no drawings were available. The Cedes will be launched at Sandtoft in West Ham form by Leon Daniels on 29 June and in its Keighley version by the Keighley Town Mayor on 30 June.
We also have brief features on 70 years of trolleybuses in Greece, change in Biel/Bienne and Bern, Happy Harold's visit to Carlton Colville, Gent 11's forthcoming operation in Arnhem and news from operators around the world.
This month Tony Belton commemorates stage 2 of London Transport's "Buses for Trolleybuses" conversion programme, which saw three services converted in April 1959. We also have a feature on the two replica Mercedes-electrique-Stoll trolleybuses meeting in the Czech Republic for the first chance since 1932 to see an exchange of trollers, which had been a regular feature of most such operation. The West Ham/Keighley replica will be delivered to the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft next week and will be launched there on 29 and 30 June.
We also review the latest from Trolleybooks, "Britain's Lost Trolleybus Systems" by Roland Box, which sold out almost immediately but is available again following a limited additional print run, and bring you news from museums and operators around the world.
To order Britain's Lost Trolleybus Systems before it's too late go to http://www.trolleybooks.co.uk/losttrolleybussystems.html
Bournemouth's last trolleybus ran fifty years ago this month and Tony Belton has prepared a superb photographic commemoration of the system. Also in this edition, Ian Stubbs takes us to La Spezia, Italy, and John Stainforth brings us the latest information about the Burntwood site at Sandtoft. Of course, we also have the latest news of trolleybus operation and preservation from around the world.
PS. An apology on behalf of the proof-readers, that the printed version is incorrectly dated January 2019; the digital copy carries the correct date.
In the new edition of our monthly magazine,Trolleybus, Ian Stubbs visits the Genova system and Tony Belton selects some evocative photos of the services which disappeared under stage 1 of London Transport's "Buses for Trolleybuses" programme, which started 60 years ago. We also review "A Lifetime on the Buses" by Jim Sambrooks and report the latest news from operators and museums around the world.
This month Phil Howard remembers his uncle, the eminent trolleybus restorer Steve Collins, who was once Secretary of the BTS. We also pay tribute to the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft's cafe manager, Pam (Besser) Cole, who passed away in December. There are also reports on the 2018 Trolleybus Weekend at the East Anglia Transport Museum and the end of ZiU operation in Pleven, plus the latest news of trolleybus operation and preservation from around the world and a review of Dave Hall's Reading Trolleybuses book.
In the January edition of Trolleybus Roland Box describes his research for the latest Trolleybooks publication, "Britain's Lost Trolleybus Systems", which tells the story of trolleybus plans and proposals from 1900 until the present day, and we also report on the special events in Opava, Czech Republic, where several hundred people turned out to see the change-over from the last high-floor Škoda 14 Trs to the sleek new Škoda 32 Trs. Also this month John Parkin reviews Hugh Taylor's latest book and we have news from museums and trolleybus operators around the world.
This month's edition is now available for members to download from the Society's website and it features a day trip to Milan in the month that the city celebrated the 80th anniversary of its trolleybus system, a report on the Society's final events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the closure of Reading's trolleybus system as well as this year's BTS Members' Day and AGM. The news columns report on the latest from museums and operators around the world. The edition closes with Czech trolleybuses wearing moustaches for Movember!
The November edition of Trolleybus includes a tribute to our member Brian Deans, who died in September. We also have features on New Zealand's Ferrymead Heritage Park, the Jihlava Trolleybus Festival, when the small Czech system had ten visiting trolleybuses, and the commencement of the demolition of the former Škoda factory in Ostrov, with a preserved 9 Tr visiting for the occasion.
As well as news of trolleybus preservation and operation around the world we announce that Mexborough & Swinton 34 will be the beneficiary of the profits from the Society's 2019 Monthly Prize Draw.
October's edition of Trolleybus features an article by Paul Morfitt recording a late change to Hull's trolleybus system; we report on the Reading Trolleydays at Sandtoft; with the construction of a replica Cedes-Stoll trolleybus for Sandtoft progressing well we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the closure of the last Cedes system and we look at the history of the Škoda 14 Tr in Opava, where a special event is being laid on next month to say farewell to the type. All this plus a review of Bob Rowe's history of the Walsall trolleybus system (available from www.trolleybooks.co.uk) and news of trolleybus operation and preservation around the globe.
In this month's Trolleybus, Dragoş Anoaica tells us all about Târgu Jiu in Romania, which not only operates the last Rocar trolleybuses but has a 100% Rocar fleet. We also report on the Society's exhibition at Reading Museum, which commemorates the town's trolleybuses 50 years after they last ran and we have a detailed update on the BTS premises adjacent to the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft, which will be used to expand the Museum's offer to visitors. All that plus news of trolleybus operation and preservation around the globe.
On this month's cover is a remarkable photo of London trolleybuses 1201 and 1348, both of which are now preserved. Inside, Tony Belton relates the story of how London 1201 came to be preserved fifty years ago this month, we have a photo feature showing the renewal of Dayton's trolleybus fleet, while Jody White looks at the Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester, and in particular its two trolleybuses. Plus lots more news of preservation and worldwide operation.
We also provide full details of the forthcoming events at Sandtoft and in Reading to commemorate Reading's trolleybuses.
The July edition of Trolleybus is now available for British Trolleybus Society members to download from the Members' Area. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the closure of Huddersfield's trolleybus system, Philip Jenkinson reflects on the fact that all three preserved Huddersfield trolleybuses were the first of their respective batches. Jody White tells the story of "Barney", aka Bradford 704; we also have reports on the UITP's 28th Trolleybus Conference and two Austrian trolleybuses which have each clocked up their millionth kilometer recently. All that plus news of trolleybus operators and museums around the world.
The June edition of Trolleybus is now available for members to view or download. The printed edition will be dropping through letter boxes next week.
This month Tony Belton looks back fifty years to London 260's tours of Bournemouth and the story behind the preservation of four Belfast trolleybuses, while Jody White tells the story of the Cardiff & South Wales Trolleybus Project. A photo feature shows Sarajevo trolleybuses continuing to operate through major road reconstruction and we bring you the latest news of trolleybus operation around the world.
May's issue of Trolleybus will be dropping through members' letterboxes shortly. This month, the front page features Belfast, on the 50th anniversary of the closure of its system; we also have a selection of photographs from Belfast, taken by Tony Belton. On the subject of 50th anniversaries, we also have news of the events planned to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Reading trolleybus system later this year. Our new "Museum & Preservation News" editor - Jody White - presents a 2-page feature on the Trolleybuses of the Black Country Living Museum. Plus the usual World News, and photos from the Czech Republic and from the Ukraine.
The April edition of our magazine "Trolleybus" is now available to members via our website and the printed edition will appear in the next few days. This month Stefan Limburg looks at the Altstätten trolleybus system in north-west Switzerland, which closed in 1977, we have a Tony Belton photo feature recalling four significant events which happened in Teesside over one weekend 50 years ago and we review "Trams and Trolleybuses" by Oliver Green, while the news columns are packed with information about museums, preservation and modern trolleybus operation across the world.
The March edition of Trolleybus is a bit of a Skoda 9 Tr special. The 9 Tr is one of the most successful trolleybuses ever, with over 7000 built between 1961 and 1981. There are features illustrating Skoda 9 Trs in Bombay (now Mumbai, India), in Chernivtsi (Ukraine) and in Ternopil (also Ukraine). Closer to home, we have an update on developments at Burntwood, and how integration into the museum at Sandtoft provides some real opportunities. And there is news of a new Vice President - as Martijn Gilbert (CEO of Reading Buses) has accepted the Society's invitation to take on this role.
We have a bit of a Baltics theme in the new edition of Trolleybus, which is now available for members to download from our website, with the printed version being distributed in a few days' time. We have a visit to Riga and St Petersburg while Tony Belton provides a photo feature showing two Kaunas Škoda trolleybuses in 2000 in their original articulated forms and the same vehicles in 2017, having been converted from 15 Trs to 14 Trs.
"Dover's Trolleybus" by Richard Croudace looks at Bradford 704 at the East Kent Railway. All that and the latest news from museums and operators around the world.
This month our cover photo shows the first trolleybus launching an extension of the Jihlava system in the Czech Republic.
Inside we look forward to an important year for the BTS as we work on the development of the Burntwood site and we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the closure of our "home" system in Reading with events at Sandtoft and in Reading. We report on Ekova's bid to enter the trolleybus manufacturing market and on the public operation of a trolleybus in Prague as well as the first day in service for the new fleet of double-articulated trolleybuses in Linz and the end of the three-month trial of Luzern 408 in Salzburg.
We also review a new history of Hastings' trolleybuses and bring you news of museums and operators around the world.
In this month's edition of Trolleybus we report on the closure of Wellington's trolleybus system despite hopes of a last-minute reprieve. On a more hopeful note we also have a feature on Prague's electric bus trials which include a modern trolleybus running in the Czech capital, and the operation of a historic Tatra trolleybus to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the system's closure. As usual our Museum & Preservation and World News columns bring news from around the world.
In the November edition of our magazine we conclude Art Peterson's series about Chicago trolleybuses with "Odds & Ends", which looks at the Chicago fleet's rarities and auxiliary vehicles. We also look at the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft's announcement that a replica of the Cedes-Stoll trackless which was the first trolleybus to carry passengers in London and was later sold to Keighley, where it was given the possibly unique fleet number 0! Gunter Mackinger then shows us a relic from the Cedes-Stoll age. In Museum & Preservation News we report on the launch of Teesside 11 after its restoration and World News includes a report on the opening of a new system in Marrakech and the trolleybus trials in Prague as well as several reports of orders for new trolleybuses.
This month's edition has a stunning cover photo of the first Van Hool Exqui.City double-articulated trolleybus for Linz, and an article about it inside. We also feature the Black Country Living Museum's development plans, the arrival of further ex-Luzern NAWs in Valparaiso, a visit to a German model tram show which included trolleybus layouts, and Wellington, in what is likely to be the system's final month before closure. We also have reviews of the new Wolverhampton trolleybus and tram books which have been jointly published by Trolleybooks (jointly owned by the British Trolleybus Society and the NTA) and the LRTA and of "Trolleybus Twilight". All this plus news of trolleybus operators and museums around the world.
In this month's edition, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Derby trolleybus system, with a fascinating photo feature by Tony Belton, as well as a recollection of a difficult journey for Derby 172 when first preserved. Stefan Limburg tells us about the approval of an extension to the Luzern network, while James Marriott records the presence of eight ex-Vancouver CCF-Brills in Sandon, BC. We also review the new "A - Z of British Trolleybuses" by Stephen Lockwood, and bring news of the latest publications by Trolleybooks (this time jointly published with the LRTA) - "The Tramways of Wolverhampton" and "Trolleybuses in Wolverhampton". All this, plus lots of news from museums and operators around the world.
This month we have two photo features; Tony Belton says farewell to Tallinn's route 9 and John Zebedee records the celebrations for 65 years of trolleybus operation in Pardubice. Also, David Bowler recounts the history of Cape Town's Sunbeam MS2s and we have the latest news of trolleybus operators and trolleybus preservation around the world as well as a review of a new book about Swiss trolleybus and tram operators.
This month's edition of our monthly magazine has features about our purchase of land which will result in the expansion of the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft and greater long-term security for the Society's historic fleet and we also report on a very successful BTS weekend at Sandtoft which included the launch into service of Walsall 872.
Another feature reports the welcome news that the controversy caused by the sudden closure of Piatra Neamt's trolleybus system has led to trolleybuses returning to the streets, albeit at peak hours only at present.
That's not all! Stephen Lockwood reviews the latest from Trolleybooks, "Lombard-Gerin & Inventing the Trolleybus" and we have the latest news from operators and museums around the world.
June 2017In the June edition, Stefan Limburg writes a brief history of the Dortmund Trolleybus system, to commenorate the 50th anniversary of its closure. There is also news of the successful repatriation of Bournemouth 299, as Keith Baynton reports on the successful mission to move this vehicle from Castleruddery in Ireland, to a new site in England. Also on the move is Glasgow's last surviving single-deck Trolleybus, which has been moved out of store, to Glasgow Riverside Museum,
May 2017This month's edition marks the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Glasgow system and 55 years since the closure of the London system. Tony Belton has provided some wonderful colour views of both systems. Gunter Mackinger reports on the loss of the Piatra Neamt system in Romania. Gus Seipp brings us the latest news on the Museums and Preservation front whilst Bruce Lake updates us on the latest World News.
April 2017This month we pay tribute to the Maidstone trolleybus system, which closed 50 years ago, with Colin Allen looking at the possibility of the continued existence of an early fleet member and Andrew Henbest recalling his visits to the system. We also remember member number 1, Len Head, who died ten years ago, by publishing some of his photos of the Iberian peninsular in 1965. All this plus the latest news of trolleybus operators and museums around the world.
March 2017On this month's cover we have a fine photo of Valparaiso 814 by Sam Fuentes. Still in daily service, 814 will turn 70 later this year! Inside the magazine we have a Tony Belton photo feature to celebrate the memory of Wolverhampton's trolleybus system, which closed on 5 March 1967. We have features on some recent developments - the prototype SwissTrolley plus, which is cheaper, lighter and more efficient, Shanghai's first bus-to-trolleybus conversion for 32 years and the retirement of St Gallen's "Grandmother", no. 155.
All this plus the latest news of trolleybus operators and museums around the world.
February 2017This month we have some stunning images of Wellington trolleybuses on the front and rear covers, courtesy Alan Wickens of New Zealand magazine "Under the Wires". Sadly the Wellington closure is still set to go ahead, although it has been put back by one month.
We have a report from Sam Fuentes of the Trolleybus Valparaíso website about his recent visit to Mendoza, where the future of the trolleybus system is in doubt. On a positive note, Gunter Mackinger reports on the opening of a new line in Ivano-Frankivsk and on plans to modernise the system. Part lll of Art Peterson's Chicago Trolleybus Primer provides another set of superb archive colour photos from the 1950s - 1970s.
All that plus a review of a history of Brisbane's trolleybuses and all the news from museums and operators around the world.
January 2017We start the new year with some good news, with features on the recent expansion of the trolleybus networks in Luzern and Salzburg and the move of the latest member of the BTS fleet, Bournemouth 301, from Winkleigh to the Reading area. We review the latest in the "Trolleybus Classics" series, which looks at the Glasgow system, and as usual there is the latest news from trolleybus operators and museums around the world, including a full list of 2017 events at the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft.
December 2016This month we have a photo feature by Tony Belton to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Manchester and Ashton trolleybus systems, we look at the history of Seattle's Breda trolleybuses and their final operation, and we review three books including member Peter Smith's new definitive history of Cardiff's trolleybus system. All that, plus the latest news from trolleybus operators and museums around the world.
November 2016This month we head back to the USA for part 2 of the Chicago Trolleybus Primer, featuring excellent vintage colour photos from the Krambles/Peterson Archive, we have a photo feature on trolleybuses in Moldova's capital, Chisinau, and a recent participant at a Sandtoft Trolleybus Driving Experience shares his experience. All this plus a book review and news of trolleybus preservation and operation around the world.
October 2016There's lots of yellow this month! We have a Tony Belton photo feature to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the closure of Newcastle's trolleybus system and Stefan Limburg celebrates the Schaffhausen system's 50th anniversary (it opened 8 days before Newcastle closed) with a history of the undertaking. Further causes for celebration which we document this month are the launch of the replica Mercédés-électrique-Stoll trolleybus in České Velenice and the expansion of Pleven's trolleybus system, reported by Branimir Pantaleev. All that plus news from operators around the world and from the museums.
September 2016In this month's edition of Trolleybus we report on the events in Plzeň to celebrate the 75th anniversary of trolleybus operation and the 80th anniversary of Škoda trolleybus production, Tony Belton concludes his history of London trolleybus 260 and a photo feature by Gunter Mackinger shows the trolleybuses of Bender, Moldova. We also review Michael Russell's "London Trolleybuses a colour album" and still on the London theme we have a trolleybus-related quote from the singer Judy Dyble's recently-published autobiography accompanied by a photo which tells an interesting story in itself. All that plus news from operators around the world and from the museums.
August 2016Happy birthday London trolleybus no 260! Monday 1st August 2016 was the 80th anniversary of 260 first being licensed for service and to mark the occasion Tony Belton tells the story of 260's purchase and preservation. Trolleybuses have been operating in Luzern, Switzerland, for 75 years this year and in this edition David Bowler recounts the system's history and we look at an anniversary event. As well as these articles we review "Hold on Tight", member Martin Eady's history of the trade unions and London's public transport and the new "Swiss Tram and Trolleybus Atlas". Museum & Preservation News includes Nottingham 506's trip home in July and in World News we are able to report the opening of two new trolleybus systems.
July 2016We are proud to announce that the British Trolleybus Society has purchased Bournemouth 301, the last new trolleybus to enter service in the UK. It is now housed at the West of England Transport Collection but will eventually reside at the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft.
Read all about it in the July edition of our monthly magazine, "Trolleybus", where our Archivist Dave Hall also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the opening of Reading's trolleybus system and we examine in detail the Planning Inspector's report which led to the rejection of the Leeds NGT scheme, which would have seen trolleybuses introduced in 2020.
June 2016This month we have a splendid commemoration of the Nottingham trolleybus system fifty years after it closed featuring a selection of Tony Belton's photos. (The last trolleybus ran on 30 June 1966 and there was an official ceremony the following day). We look at trolleybus manufacture in Belarus and review three new books as well as bringing you all the latest news from operators and museums around the world.
May 2016In the May 2016 edition of our monthly magazine, Trolleybus, Chris Veasey looks at Minsk's thriving trolleybus network. Tony Belton celebrates the 55th anniversary of the preservation of London K2 class trolleybus 1253, which is now on display at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. We also have a photo feature by Tony showing the old and the new in Cagliari, where the 25-year-old SOCIMI trolleybuses are soon to be withdrawn. There is also a feature about York, where the original trolleybus depot has recently been demolished. As well as all this we review the excellent new Czech trolleybus atlas and bring you the latest operational and museum news from around the world.
April 2016In the April edition of our monthly magazine Chris Baldwin tells us about his encounters with trolleybuses, going back to 1949, Gerry Carroll shows us trolleybuses on the beach in Rimini and Tony Belton looks at Košice where a decision is awaited on the system's future. We also include a tribute to the late Dagmar Braunova and report on the preparations for the launch of a replica Cédès-Stoll car in České Velenice and progress with the restoration of a 1936 Prague Praga TOT. Plus all the world and museum news, London traction poles in Huddersfield and the closure of trolleybus systems in two European capital cities 50 years ago.
March 2016
Art Peterson looks back at the Chicago Transit Authority, who abandoned their trolleybus system some 40 years ago. It used to be the largest trolleybus operator in North America.
The Illinois Railway Museum has a fascinating collection of trolleybuses which can also be operated on the museum operating line. You can read all about it in this issue.
The last of London Transport's Traction Poles are fast disappearing as John Parkin explains.
The latest news from both the Preservation Scene and World News is also included in this issue.
February 2016Tony Belton witnessed the London Transport Q1s being loaded onto ships bound for Spain in 1961 and he gives his account together with some classic photos from this time.
At one time British manufacturers exported trolleybus chassis and complete vehicles around the world. Brian Deans looks at a few of the vehicles which were exported to Europe.
Trolleybooks recently launched its latest publication, Belfast Trolleybuses, at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum in November. A report of the event is included.
David Lawrence brings us the latest news on the Preservation scene whilst Bruce Lake updates us on the latest World News.
January 2016In this months issue John Parkin reminisces London Trolleybus route 654
Dave Hall reports on his visit to the Rimini trolleybus system in the summer of 2015 as well as give a history of that system
Dave Lawrence visited the Biel/Bienne trolleybus system for their 75th anniversary celebrations and tells us all about it.
Marcus Fey reports on the last13 MAN trolleybuses departing Solingen bound for the Ukraine for onward sale.
There is the usual roundup of Museum & Preservation News and also World News
This month's edition of Trolleybus includes features on our project to restore our 1927 Garrett trolleybus, Mexborough & Swinton 34, Winterthur's Open Day in September and the 75th anniversary celebrations in Salzburg in October as well as a visit to Budapest in November. We also review "The History of Trolleybuses in Crimea" and bring you all the latest Museum & Preservation and World News.
November 2015Dave Chick reviews the European Weekend which took place at The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft on the 19/20 September 2015.
Tony Belton looks at the trolleybuses passing over the new bridge over the railway tracks at Eberswalde Hauptbahnof and comapres that with old iron girder bridge whilst Dave Chick rcalls the events which took place to mark the 75th anniversary of trolleybus operation there.
Gunter Mackinger tells us about the UITP Trolleybus Committee which recently met in Malatya, a Turkish city which inaugurated its trolleybus system in March this year. The subject was "Introduction of a Trolleybus System in the City "
Brian Deans reviews the latest publication from Trolleybooks, Belfast Trolleybuses by Mike Maybin.
The usual Museum & Preservation News and also World News are also included this month.
October 2015This months issue includes three features about British trolleybus heritage. Dave Lawrence goes behind the scenes at Ipswich Transport Museum, we look at a couple of reminders of the Bournemouth system and Tony Belton recalls the Rotherham system in a photo feature to mark the 50th anniversary of the closure of that system. We also remember the life of our Vice President Lord Montagu, who passed away on 31 August. As usual the latest museum and preservation news is included and we have a bumper crop of World News. On the cover is a Bergen trolleybus in the new livery.
September 2015Our main feature this month is the story of the thriving trolleybus system in Cluj Napoca, Romania. We also pay tribute to our founder, Mike Dare, who passed away 10 years ago, with some of Tony Belton's fine photos showing trolleybuses in service which still survive at The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft thanks to Mike. We review "The Colours of Yesterday's Trolleybuses" and as usual bring you news of museums and preservation as well as trolleybus operators around the world.
August 2015This month we have features on the 50th anniversary of trolleybus operation in Tallinn and the centenary of the opening of the Mexborough & Swinton system. This includes a photo feature by Tony Belton, who visited 7 days before the system closed in 1961, and a report on progress with the preparations to restore our 1927 Garrett trolleybus, Mexborough & Swinton 34. We also review three books about London trolleybuses and have our usual news columns with information about trolleybus operations and museums worldwide.
July 2015This months issue includes two historic features; Dave Hall looks at the history of Reading's service to Caversham Bridge, which closed 50 years ago, and Stefan Limburg tells us the story of the trolleybus in Heilbronn, Germany. We also have a photo feature of Bratislava's fleet by Tony Belton including the 14 Trs and 15 Trs which are on their way out and the 30 Trs and 31 Trs which are replacing them. On top of all that there's a review of a new book about the Northern Coachbuilders company and our usual news columns.
June 2015In the June edition of our monthly magazine we have items about the first 1000 Solaris Trollinos and the renovation of the oldest Skoda 15 Tr, Branimir Pantaleev describes the modernisation and expansion of the trolleybus system in Pleven, Bulgaria, and we have a photo feature of trolleybuses in Tallinn in each of the four seasons by Mari-Liis Meisterson. All this and the latest news from around the world.
May 2015The May edition features a history of the Castellon trolleybus system, including the original line which operated in the 1960s. We also have photo features on the launch of the world's newest trolleybus system (Malatya, Turkey) and the launch of the ex-Luzern NAWs in Valparaiso. This is the first all colour edition of our journal.
April 2015This month we tell the story of Bradford's AEC "Q" trolleybus no 633, we have a photo feature of Genoa and Napoli and we review Stephen Lockwood's excellent new book about Huddersfield's trolleybuses. We are also pleased to announce that from the May edition every printed issue of"Trolleybus" will be published in full colour!
March 2015This months issue features photos of the test runs of Valparaiso's ex-Luzern NAWs on the cover and inside. We launch a fund to restore 1927 Garrett trolleybusMexborough & Swinton 34, review Philip Jenkinson's book of reminiscences of Huddersfield's trolleybuses, and have an article about Riga's trolleybus trains (coupled 9 Trs). Plus all the latest news!
February 2015
This month Andre Corteil describes the preservation of Gent 11, we review "War and Austerity" and have photos of trolleybuses on the "Routemaster Trail" as well as photos of the Malatya system which is due to open this month, and trolleybuses in the snow and in the sun, plus the latest news of trolleybus operators and museums.
January 2015In November 2014 Shanghai became the first trolleybus system to celebrate its 100th anniversary and a brief report is included.
The National Transport Museum Of Ireland is planning to dispose of Bournemouth trolleybus 299 and is willing to donate it to any group that can look after it. Full details are in this issue.
Škoda celebrated the production of its 14,000th trolleybus in November and a review of Škoda's history is included in this issue.
Gus Seipp reviews the latest Middleton Press Trolleybus Classics series on Walsall.
David Lawrence reports on the latest news on trolleybus preservation whilst Bruce Lake brings us up to date with the latest World News.
December 2014
Can the Coimbra trolleybus system survive? John Zebedee fears for its future and tells us why.
There is news on plans to repatriate Berna Trolleybus Genèva 617 from Chile.
A tribute to the late John Michael Burrows who was one of the key founder members of our Society is included this month.
There is a colour photo centre page spread of Neauchâtel trolleybuses.
The Public Inquiry into the proposed Leeds Trolleybus system has now closed and a summary of the conclusions drawn are detailed.
November 2014The Members Day & BTS AGM was held on 11 October 2014 and a fun day was had by all. You can read all about it in this issue.
There is a review on the 20 years of Trolleybus operation in Żilina and also a brief look at the Nijmegen system.
The European Trolleybus Event was a joint venture between the BTS and The Trolleybus Museum At Sandtoft and featured a unique event featuring "clippies" which you can read about in this issue!!!!
There is a full review of the "Trolleybuses In The First World War" exhibition recently opened at Sandtoft.
There is also a centre page colour spread of trolleybuses passing bridges in Gdynia.
October 2014There is a look at the new state of the art depot and repair facility in Plzeň in the Czech Republic.
Dave Chick informs us of the new 'Trolleybuses In The First World War' exhibition at Sandtoft.
There is a four page colour spread of Hull trolleybus photos to mark the 50th anniversary of the system closure.
The new Portsmouth Trolleybus history book written by David Bowler is reviewed.
David Lawrence brings us up to date with the latest news from the trolleybus preservation movement whilst Bruce Lake reports on the latest World Trolleybus News.
September 2014This months edition features our latest trolleybus restoration, Huddersfield 631. Inside there are features about an exciting project to build a replica Cedes-Stoll trolleybus, changes in Bratislava, Sandtoft Gathering, New Zealand museums and the trolleybuses of Usti nad Labem and Teplice - plus news and reviews.
August 2014
This month we look at two Swiss systems, with a brief history of La Chaux-de-Fonds and an article about the entry into service of the first of Luzern's new Hess Lightram4 double-articulated trolleybuses. We also remember Pontevedra, where trolleybus operation ended 25 years ago, and member Mari-Liis Meisterson, manager of the world's most successful Facebook page for trolleybus enthusiasts, shares some interesting photos which have recently appeared on her page. All that and the latest news of museums and operators worldwide
This month Gerry Kandler reminisces about Portsmouth's trolleybuses, we look at the Roe weekend at Sandtoft and "Made in Suffolk..." at Carlton Colville, as well as the temporary closure of the La Chaux de Fonds system, which may turn out to be permanent. We also remember Marseille's trolleybuses and report the news from museums and operators around the world.
This month we have features on Support Societies' Weekend at Sandtoft, the operation of historic trolleybuses in Brno last year, a.nd our newest member, Mari-Liis from Tallinn, tells us about her very popular Facebook page "Trolleybus" and the film which was made about her and her hobby. On a sad note, we say farewell to Ian Cunningham, Stan Letts and Don Jones. Plus all the latest news from around the world.
This month we have a Luzern NAW on the cover; ten have just been sold to Valparaiso. We report on Ipswich 105 running for the first time in 52 years and Mark Smith updates us on progress at the Ipswich Transport Museum; there are features on Minsk, one of the world's largest trolleybus systems, the record trolleybus production at Škoda Electric and an EU award for Gdynia's project to modernise its trolleybus system which the judges said "symbolises the renaissance of the trolleybus in Europe". Plus all the latest news and a couple of lovely photos of Belfast trolleybuses on the back cover!
Tony Belton marks the 50th anniversary of the closure of the South Shields system with a selction of his photos taken in 1962 and 1963, including a full centre page spread in colour.
There is news on the re-instatement of the Maxglan Loop on the Salzburg system.
Conservation of photos and documents is a little known aspect of the Society's work. Dave Hall explains his role in this.
There is a report of the Museum dopravy ve Strašicích near Plzen in the Czech Republic.
David Lawrence discusses the latest events in Museum & Preservation News and Bruce Lake brings us the latest World News
David Young reports on his recent visit to the Lyon trolleybus system in France.
The colour centre spread shows some nice photos of Trolleybuses in Canada and America taken by Tony Belton.
There are details of the Public Inquiry to be held into the Leeds Trolleybus Project.
Details are given of Skoda's plans for a record breaking year in trolleybus production.
David Lawrence reports the latest Trolleybus Preservation news whilst Bruce Lake updates us on the latest World News.
Sam Fuentes relates the story of the trolleybus in his home town of Valparaiso.
Dr. Zoltán Adám Németh reports on Szeged's (Hungary) new trolleybus route.
Threre is an update on the Leeds Trolleybus Project.
The latest Trolleybus Classics book on rotherham is reviewed
David Lawrence informs us of the latest happenings in the Trolleybus Preservation movement whilst Bruce Lake keeps us up to date with the latest World News.
Trolleybus Extra - Online Only
Tony Belton presents a special feature on London Transport's use of "Extra" trolleybuses on Bank Holidays.
There are also features on trolleybuses and breweries in Ĉeské Budějovice, an unusual example of trolleybus-like technology near Berlin, and trolleybuses at Sandtoft, the Black Country Living Museum, Brno, Ostrava, Salzburg, Solingen and 1977 views of Vevey-Montreux-Chillon-Villeneuve.
Dave Chick reports on a small enthusiast-run transport museum in Strašice near Plzeň in the Czech Republic. The museum has six trolleybuses on display.
There is an update on the latest position with the Leeds Trolleybus Project.
An obituary dedicated to Colin Enticknap, who recently passed away, is also included.
The BTS has planned out various events for 2014 and full details can be seen.
David Lawrence brings us the latest news from the Trolleybus Preservation Movement whilst Bruce Lake updates us on the latest World News.
Dave Chick reports on 'Wolverhampton 90', an event to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the opening of the Wolverhampton trolleybus system.
There is also a report on the BTSs AGM which saw a tour of the former Reading trolleybus routes and a cream tea which preceded the AGM.
A colour center page spread of Doncaster trolleybus photos taken by Tony Belton is included to mark the 40th anniversary of the closure of that system.
There is a review of Vienna's Siemans electric buses which were introduced into service in the autumn of 2012.
David Lawrence brings us up to date with events in the Museum & Trolleybus Preservation world whilst Bruce Lake brings us the latest Word Trolleybus News.
Leeds Takes a Step Forward - Dave Chick talks to Dave Haskins, Project Director of the NGT team.
Remembering Klagenfurt's Trolleybuses - Gunter Mackinger looks at a small system that closed 50 years ago.
Elvis Joins Landskrona Party! - Dave Chick reports on 10 years of Trolleybuses in Landskrona and also how Elvis got in on the act!
There is a report of the European Trolleybus Day held at The Trolleybus Museum at Sandoft on
21 September 2013.
Museum & Preservation News and also World News reports are also incuded.
Jan Spousta celebrates 80 years of Milan Trolleybuses with some photos and details of both the vehicles and routes.
Dave Chick reports on the BTS Weekend held at Sandtoft over the August Bank Holiday 2013 which includes a centre page spread of colur photos of the recommissioning of Walsall 872.
The BTS and Sandtoft are working together to create an exhibition about the trolleybus during the First World War and details are given on this project.
David Lawrence brings us the latest Preservation & Museum News whilst Bruce Lake records the latest trolleybus news from around the world.
Chris Baldwin went in search of the Northern (De) Lights Of Bergen and reports on his recent visit to the trolleybus system there.
Several towns and cities in Central Europe suffered severe flooding in early June. A report looks at the repercussions on the trolleybus systems in Salzburg, Usti nad Labem and Budapest.
Trolleybus Clippies Dancing In the Street???? A Dance Company has put together a dance routine depicting four London Transport trolleybus clippies from the 601 service on their break. Find out more!
There are brief reports on the 25th anniversary of the start of the Usti nad Labem system and also on this years Sandtoft Gathering.
World News and also Museum & Preservation News columns also appear.
Dave Chick pays tribute to Martin Nimmo, a staunch trolleybus enthusiast who sadly passed away recently.
An article written by Martin Nimmo about his favourite trolleybus route (Lyon Route 6 Hotel de Ville to Croix Rousse) is re-published in this issue.
Tony Belton provides a centre page colour spread of photos of Ipswich Trolleybuses.
John Zebedee reports on the Worldwide Trolleybus Weekend at Sandtoft held on 29/30 June 2013.
Allen Harbrow tells us how the Tram and Trolleybus Museum at Ferrymead Park in Christchurch, New Zealand is recovering from damage caused by a series of earthquakes in 2010/2011.
The usual features of Museum & Preservation News and also World Trolleybus news is also included in this issue.
The UITP World Congress and Mobility & City Transport Exhibition was held in Geneva in May 2013 and a report of the event is included in this issue.
45 years after the last Huddersfield trolleybus ran, Phil Jenkinson recalls the BUTs that were operating in the latter days of the system.
Dave Chick reports on his recent visit to a celebration to mark the centenary of the Trent Motor Traction Company Ltd. The event was held at Langley Mill, former depot of the Notts & Derby trolleybus system.
Dave Lawrence gives us the latest gossip from the Museum & Preservation world whilst Bruce Lake brings us up to date with the latest World News.
The Long, Long Road To Lecce. John Zebedee looks at the Italian system which opened in 2012.
Nine years after production of trolleybuses ceased at Skoda's Ostrov factory, the company now equips trolleybuses built by othermanufacturers. There is a report on developments at Skoda Electric.
Zachary Jiang hails the return of trolleybus route 155 in Hangzhou, Eastern China.
Dave Chick reports on some councillors' opposition to the Leeds Trolleybus Scheme
The Vancouver Observer newspaper recently featured an article hailing the Trolleybus as a 'Climate Superhero' and this is discussed in this issue.
Dave Hall concludes his series of articles on the history of the Reading Transport Society.
Hugh Taylor recalls the antics of a Huddersfield trolleybus driver on the last week of operations in the town in July 1968.
Dave Chick reports on events at Sandtoft over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
Gunter Mackinger congratulates operator TCL on 70 years of trolleybus operations in Limoges.
David Lawrence brings us the latest Museum & Preservation news whilst Bruce Lake reports on the latest Trolleybus World News.
Fifty years on, Colin Allen reflects on the classic book Trolleybus Trails by James Joyce, which was published by Ian Allen in 1963.
Tony Belton markes the end of the BBC Television Centre with a remarkable photo!
A selection of previously unknown photos of St Helens Garrett Trolleybuses dating from the 1930s was found in the North West Museum of Road Transport and are reproduced with additional information from Geoff Sandford.
There is an update on the Leeds Trolleybus Project
Gunter Mackinger provides a brief look at the Beograd system in Serbia with a centre page spread of colour photos.
John Zebedee reports on his recent visit to the Gdynia trolleybus system in Poland.
The site of the former Hampden trolleybus garage in Glasgow is now a park and ride facility. Brian Deans tells us all about it.
There is a centre page spread of colour photos of trolleybuses operating in the snow.
Tony Belton reports on the demise of the Plovdiv system in Bulgaria.
Dave Chick reports on the final conference held in Hungary organised by the TROLLEY Project.
Dave Lawrence brings us up to date with Museum & Preservation News and Bruce Lake reports on the latest World News
Tony Belton, assisted by Steve Lockwood, tells the story of Huddersdield trolleybus 592 which received a second hand body in the early 1960s.
David Beach tells the story of a Trolleybus nightmare in Huddersfield.
Dave Chick reviews both the Portsmouth Corporation Transport history written by Bob Rowe and also Trolleybus miniatures, models and the real things by Ashley Bruce and Gotfried Kuře.
There is a colour centre page spread featuing Argentinian trolleybuses.
David Lawrence reports on the latest developments in Museum & Preservation News and Bruce Lake updates us on the latest World News.
Tony Belton tells the story of 15 Graf & Stift trolleybuses in the Eberswalde fleet which were sold to Budapest.
Dave Hall continues the history of the RTS/BTS, looking at the years 1969 and 1970.
The BTS has some exciting plans for 2013 and these are reviewed in this issue.
Tony Belton reports on his visit to the West Of England Transport Collection to see the five preserved trolleybuses in their care.
David Lawrence reports the latest Museum & Preservation news whilst Bruce Lake brings us up to date with the latest World News.
Tony Belton looks at some London Trolleybus advertisement oddities
Dave Chick reviews the latest in the Trolleybus Classics series, Southend by Colin Barker and South Lancs by Stepen Lockwood and also interviews both authors.
There is a report on the funeral of the late Stanley King and also news of the death of Wayne Little, who took over the running of the Foxton Trolleybus Museum in New Zealand when his father Ian passed away in 2008.
David Lawrence reports on the latest Museum & Preservation News and Bruce Lake brings us up to date with the latest World News.
David Bowler reviews 100 years of Trolleybus operations in Switzerland.
Dave Chick tells the story of two preserved Athens trolleybuses that accidentally nearly went for scrap!
There is an Obituary for Stanley King, the President of Sandtoft who sadly passed away recently.
John Zebedee reports on the Trolleybus Gala Weekend at Carlton Colville in September 2012.
Dave Chick reports on the recent Rotherham Centenary Weekend at Sandtoft.
Dave Hall's history of the RTS/BTS continues with the birth of Sandtoft.
Dave Chick reports on the London weekend at Sandtoft over the August bank holiday which saw the relaunch of London 1348 into service. There is also a centre page spread of colour photos showing the three London trolleybuses in service that weekend.
Preserved 1924 Keighley trolleybus No. 5, which has a Straker Clouigh Chassis and Brush bodywork, made a rare public appearance in September to commemorate both the 80th anniversary since the trolleybus system was abandoned and the end of municipal transport in the West Yorkshire town. Dave Chick tells us the story.
David Lawrence reports on the latest Museum & Preservation News whilst Bruce Lake brings us up to date with the latest World News.
John Shearman tells the story about a batch of 60 BUT 9641T trolleybuses built for the Johannesburg trolleybus system in 1948.
Dave Hall continues the RTS/BTS history, Chapter 11 records events in 1968 including the abandonment of the RTS's home trolleybus system.
The Sandtoft Gathering took place on 14 & 15 July 2012 and Dave Chick, with help from Bruce Lake and Stewart David, reports on events over that weekend.
David Lawrence presents the latest Museum & Preservation News and Bruce Lake brings us up to date with World News.
Gavin Booth reports on his recent visit to the Budapest trolleybus system which includes some superb colour photos in the centre pages.
Tony Belton recalls a mishap involving London trolleybus 1054 which struck the arched bridge in Kentish Town causing extensive damage to the vehicle.
Dave Chick reports on his recent visit to Solingen, where the 60th anniversary of the trolleybus system was in June.
There is news on the recently approved project which will hopefully see Leeds re-introduce a trolleybus system to the UK.
The usual round up of Museum & Preservation News is provided by David Lawrence whilst Bruce Lake brings us up to date with the latest World News.
Colin Allan marks the 75th anniversary of the Opening Ceremony of the Hull Trolleybus system on 23 July 1937 whilst Malcolm Wells has done more research on Hull's trolleybus routes that never were!
Dave Chick reports on the 60th anniversary celebrations in Ostrava with some excellent colour photos.
This being issue 612 of our journal, Fred Ivey recalls the last week of operation on London Trolleybus route 612.
There is an update on what the BTS is planning to do with Beryl Dare's Legacy.
Edgar Jordan, a founder member of the original Reading Transport Society, recently passed away and John Whitehead takes a look back at his life.
The back cover has some excellent colour views of Sandtoft celebrating the Queens Diamond Jubilee.
This months edition is almost entirely devoted to the 50th anniversary of the London system closure.
Dave Chick reports on the wonderful London Trolleybus 50 event held at at Carlton Colville between the
6 and 8 May 2012.
Dave also reports on his visit to Fulwell depot in London where a day of celebration of the London Trolleybus was held on 12 May 2012.
Tony Belton explains how he became a trolleybus enthusiast and recalls his memories of London Trolleybus route 611 which ran from Highgate Village to Moorgate.
There is a selection of wonderful photos of London Trolleybuses covering route 611 and the two events mentioned above
Tony Belton commemorates the 50th anniversary of the closure of the London Trolleybus system with a brief history and a selection of photographs of the nine trolleybuses that have survived in preservation.
The city of Valparaiso operates Chile's only current trolleybus system, which opened in 1952. The capital, Santiago, operated trolleybuses between 1947 and 1978 and again briefly between 1991 and 1994. David Lawrence reports.
Dave Chick reports on Sandtoft's first operational weekend of the 2012 season, held over Easter. Bradford was the themed event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the closure of that system.
David Lawrence reports on the latest happenings in the world of trolleybus preservation whilst Bruce Lake brings us up to date with the latest World News.
April 2012
On our cover this month we have a striking view of modern architecture and public transport as Salzburg's latest trolleybus route extension is launched. More details are in World News.
Inside, Dave Hall continues his history of the Society, the latest chapter including the closure of the Reading trolleybus system and the LTPS securing London 1201 for preservation.
An article on Milano's trolleybuses by Bob Westaway is accompanied by a centre page colour spread.
Dave Chick reviews two new models of Beijing trolleybuses and Tony Belton rounds off the April edition (issue number 609) with a pair of 609-themed colour photos, showing Huddersfield 609 in Northgate in August 1963, and an unusual photo showing London trolleybus 1486 and Routemaster RM 580 sided by side at Moorgate, both on service 609. If you're not a member, to find out how this came about you'll have to buy Trolleybus from the BTS Sales stand, or better still, join the BTS!
Dave Young recalls his last opportunity to travel on service trolleybuses
in the UK with a visit to Bradford nine days prior to the closure of that system.
Tony Belton explains why 50 years of taking colour slides has come to an end
A great way to help the work of the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft is to join one of the regular working parties held over various weekends in the winter months .Dave Chick attended a working party at Sandtoft and reports on its success.
There are reviews of two recently published books on Trolleybuses. Dave Chick reviews the TRACKLESS TO TROLLEYBUS by Stephen Lockwood whist Tony Belton reviews the LONDON TROLLEYBUS WIRING NORTHEAST & EAST by Keith Farrow.
Chapter 9 of Dave Hall's History of the RTS/BTS covering the year 1967 is included this month.
Jan Spousta reports on his trip to the western part of Slovakia in November 2011 where he visited the systems at Bratislava, Banska Bystrica and Zilina. There are some superb colour photos of the Bratislava and Zilina systems on the centre pages.
Tony Belton visited Geneva and reports on a section of trolleybus route recently converted to tramway.
Dave Lawrence updates us with the latest events in the Museum & Preservation News whilst the latest World News is brought to us by Bruce Lake.
Dave Hall looks at the history of the San Remo trolleybus system as well as reporting on a visit to the system he made in October 2011.
Reading 113 won an award at the Woodcote Rally back in July 2011 but until now we were unsure why. The mystery is now solved in this issue!!!
Part 8 of the RTS history by Dave Hall takes us through the year of 1967 when the Trolleybus Preservation Movement began to make some serious progress with its dreams.
John Zebedee's colourful photos of the St. Ledger Rally at Sandtoft are included on the centre pages
Tony Belton presents a photographic tribute to Porto's double deck trolleybuses.
Dave Chick looks at the history of the Plzen trolleybus system which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary of trolleybus operation.
In the October 2011 issue a report appeared regarding the London Assembly Liberal Democrats' policy document "The Big Switch" which proposes conversion of London's buses, taxis and light goods vehicles to electric power by 2020. BTS member Irvine Bell responds to the invitation to submit comments on this policy.
Dave Lawrence updates us on the latest news from the world of trolleybus preservation whilst Bruce Lake updates on the latest World News.
Gunter Mackinger looks at 60 years of trolleybus operation in Sevastopol
Dave Hall's RTS/BTS history now reaches chapter 7 covering the year 1966
David Beach reports on the latest position with SponsorTrolley
Dave Lawrence brings us the latest news in the trolleybus preservation movement whilst Bruce Lake reports on the latest World News.
Dave Chick reviews the latest Trolleybus Classics publication by Middleton Press on the Doncaster system.
Gunter Mackinger reports on trolleybus modernisation in the Crimea together with some colour photos on the last days of the Skoda 9Tr in the Crimea.
There is a report on a policy document published by the Lonmdon Assembly Liberal Democrats who are proposing an ambitious programme to convert London's buses, taxis and light goods vehicles to electric power by 2020.
There is also an update on the Leeds Trolleybus Funding Bid.
Dave Hall continues the RTS/.BTS history for the period 1965/66
There are also some photos of Newcastle 501 and 628 operating at Carlton Colville and Ashton 87 operating at Sandtoft.
John Zebedee reports on a trip last year to see the Ruse trolleybus system in Romania.
Dave Hall continues his history of the RTS/BTS covering the period 1964/65.
There is a report on the activities of the Cardiff & South Wales Trolleybus Project and an invitation for BTS members to see their preserved trolleybus collection.
Gunter Mackinger finds reminders of the trolleybuses of south-east Asia.
A centre page colour photo spread is included showing scenes at Sandtoft for the Centenary Weekend and also the Sandtoft Gathering.
Tony Belton celebrates the 75th anniversary of London trolleybus 260 entering service and he also recalls a fire at Colindale Scrapyard in August 1960.
John Zebedee reports on the Centenary Trolleybus Tours held at Sandtoft this year.
Dave Hall reports on Reading 113s return to its home town to take part in Reading Buses Open Day and at the Woocote Rally in July. Dave also continues his history of the Reading Transport Society.
Martin Nimmo and Robin Symons try to untangle the the Hastings Guy BTX fleet numbers in order to try and identify the vehicle preserved at Sandtoft
There is a tribute to BTS member David Kaye, who recently passed away.
This is a bumper 28 page edition celebrating the 600th issue of Trolleybus. Bob Rowe looks at Trolleybuses numbered 600 in the UK.
Dave Chick and Phil Jenkinson tells us about how Trolleybus is produced each month.
Dave Hall looks back at the BTS 50th annivbersary celebrations at Sandtoft including the recommissioning of Manchester 1344 back into service.
Tony Belton marks the 48th anniversary of the demise of the Portsmouth system and reviews a recent publication on the Belfast system with superb colour views of both operators.
Dave Lawrence & Gunter Mackinger report on the recent Trolleybus Festival in Landskrona.
Dave Chick reflects on the Trolleybus Centenary being celebrated in the UK this year.
Dave Hall reports on the BTS's 50th anniversary celebrations held in Reading at the beginning of April 2011.
Andrew Henbest remembers the Brighton trolleybus system which was abandoned 50 years ago.
Dave Hall continues his series of articles on the history of the Reading Transport Society.
David Lawrence brings us the latest Museum & Preservation News whilst Bruce Lake brings us up to date with the latest World News.
John Zebedee reports on the first part of his trip to Romania and Bulgaria in May 2010 where he visited the trolleybus systems in Bucharest and also nearby Ploiesti.
Dave Hall continues his history of the RTS/BTS.
Robin Symons tries to solve the mystery of the identity of the Hastings single-deck trolleybus at The Trolleybus Museum At Sandtoft.
David Lawrence brings us the latest developments in Museum & Preservation News whilst Bruce Lake reports on the latest World News
This is a special 28 page bumper edition to celebrate our 50th anniversary with 6 pages of colour photos included.
A comprehensive history of the Reading Transport Society (RTS) & British Trolleybus Society (BTS), written by Dave Hall, commences in this issue. There is also a copy of the first ever news sheet issued by the RTS in August 1961.
Tony Belton marks the 40th anniversary of the closure of the Teesside system with a selection of his superb photos.
Graham Bilbe informs us of the BTS plans for Walsall 342 & 872.
Museum & Preservation News updates are brought to you by Dave Lawrence and Bruce lake brings us the latest World News.
This issue includes full details of events planned to mark the 50th anniversary of the BTS.
Tony Belton presents a selection of photographs to commemorate the
50th anniversary of the clourse of the Mexborough & Swinton system.
Hugh Taylor tells the story of how London 796 spent almost 50 years in France and why it returned to the UK again.
Graham Bilbe reports on Manchester 1344s restoration progress.
There are two pages of colour photos featuring trolleybuses in Lviv (Ukrain) and also a large colour photo taken by Tony Belton featuring a magnificent view of Bradford Trolleybuses which covers the centre pages.
Our Chairman, Graham Bilbe, explains about a major development for the BTS in conjunction with the Trolleybus Museum At Sandtoft.
Martin Eady tells us about his visit to the Chinese trolleybus systems in Beijing and Shanhai in latye May early June 2010.
Gunter Mackinger reports on his visit to Hradec Kralove in the Czech Republic in July 2010.
The is also news of Plzen 119, a 1948 Skoda 3Tr3 trolleybus which is owned by the Techmania Science Centre. The vehicle is now undergoing restoration at Zamberk near Pardubice.
This month sees the introduction of Trolleybus in the new A5 size format. Although smaller in size it has more pages and more content plus some colour photos. This months edition includes:-
Graham Bilbe reports on the return of Manchester 1344 to BTS ownership together with details of its journey to Swindon where it is now undergoing a complete restoration.
Phil Jenkinson recalls a traction pole with the 'Westgate Trigger' attached and the workings of a short conductress when operatring the trigger., The traction pole still exists to this day!
There is a look at the 60th anniversary of trolleybus operations in St. Gallen and also trolleybus developments in Salzburg.
Michael Barratt reports on a tour of the former Walsall trolleybus system undertaken by a 1969 ex Walsall Daimler Fleetline on 3 October 2010 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the closure of that trolleybus system.
On the November 2010 the first of the new Solaris trolleybuses was launched into service at Eberswalde, a weekend which also saw the 70th anniversary of trolleybus operation in the town.
There is a report on the Worldwide Weekend event at Sandtoft which took place on 2 and 3 October 2010.
Dave Chick reviews the Manchester & Ashton Trolleybuses book, the latest in the Trolleybus Classics series published by Middleton Press.
Tony Belton reports on London 796s journey from Noyon in Northern France to Carlton Colville.at the end of June 2010.
John Zebedee reports on the 'Six-Wheeler' event at Sandtoft held over the August Bank Holiday.
There is a report on a brand new fleet of Skoda 30Tr Trolleybuses for Banska Bystrica, the first of this type of trolleybus to enter service.
Jan Spousta reports on the opening of an unusual commemoration of Prague's trolleybuses.
Alex MacMillan takes us on a trolleybus ride across 1950s Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Dave Chick looks at the history of trolleybus operation and the 70th anniversary celebrations in Eberswalde, Germany.
There is a report on Plzen’s New Trolleybus Service.
Dave Lawrence reports on the latest news from both Sandtoft and Carlton Colville.
Bruce Lake brings us the latest trolleybus news from around the world.
Tony Belton looks at the history of London 1348 which has recently arrived at The Trolleybus Museum At Sandtoft. Included in the article are some very interesting photos.
John Zebedee reports on an eventful Sandtoft Gathering which took place over the weekend of 24 and 25 July 2010.
David Beach brings us up to date with the latest position on Sponsortrolley, where members kindly donate money towards the rent and maintenance of the BTS fleet.
Dave Lawrence reports on the latest Museum & Preservation news whilst Bruce Lake brings us up to date with World News.
Graham Bilbe looks back at the history of ''William,' our ex RCT 1902 horse drawn tower wagon, and the recent process of getting it back on its wheels.
John Zebedee recently visited the London Transport Museum Depot at Acton and reports on what he observed there.
Gunter Mackinger reports on a preserved Zlin Skoda-Sanos trolleybus that now resides in Pardubice.
Adelaide Addendum - After reading Graham Bilbé’s article on preserved Australian trolleybuses (Trolleybus 584,March 2010), Tony Pike conversed with Richard Horne who used to live in Adelaide and revisited Australia last year. Richard has kindly supplied some additional information.
Dave Chick reports on Cardiff 203s re-launch into service at the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft on Sunday 30 May 2010.
Dave Hall looks back on Cardiff 203s service history with Cardiff Corporation and also its history since joing the BTS fleet way back in 1963.
It was 40 years ago this month, on 27 July 1963 that Portsmouth’s trolleybus system closed, but Michael Barratt has found some reminders of electric traction that still survive.
On Saturday 19 June 2010 Stadtbus Winterthur held a celebration of the trolleybus network and the introduction into public service of the first two of their fleet of 21 SwissTrolley3 single-articulated low-floor trolleybuses. David Bowler was there to record the event.
John Parkin reports on his recent visit to Spain's new trolleybus system at Castellon.
John Zebedee tells the tale of the trials and tribulations of getting Edmonton 189 ready for launching into service at The Trolleybus Museum At Sandtoft on 17 April 2010.
There is a brief look at the Grimsby-Cleethorpes trolleybuses to mark the 50th anniversary of the abandonment of that system.
Martin Eady visited Sardinia in April 2010 and gives a brief report on the trolleybuses there.
The usual round up of World News is provided by Bruce Lake whilst Dave Lawrence brings us up to date with the latest news on the trolleybus preservation scene.
May 2010Dave Chick gives the latest news on the possibility of Leeds operating trolleybuses by 2016.
Graham Bilbe gives a comprehensive report on the second stage of his travels towards the end of 2009 when he reached New Zealand. He gives a brief account of each trolleybus system that has operated there and also reacps on what is in each museum.
There is a further update on the re-launch of Cardiff 203 at The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft on Sunday 30 May 2010.
The usual round up of World News is provided by Bruce Lake whilst Dave Lawrence brings us up to date with the latest news on the trolleybus preservation scene.
Behind the Scenes at Techmania Science Centre - Dave Chick sneaks a look and takes some pictures!
Martin Eady and John Zebedee continue their report on a visit to Canada and USA, West Coast in May 2009. Part 2 - USA
There are tributes to Trisha Harrison, John Cooper and Peter Beaumont, all who have sadly recently passed away.
Details are included of the Re-launch of Cardiff 203 into service at The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft on Sunday 30 May 2010.
Dave Lawrence brings us the latest news on the Preservation Scene whilst Bruce lakes keeps us up to date with his World News Column.
Australia abandoned the last of its trolleybus systems more than 40 years ago, but there are many interesting survivors, as Graham Bilbe found on a tour in late 2009. Graham gives a comprehensive report on what he found.
Trolleybuses featured on Pathe News and trolleybus connections on the big and small screen are also featured.
Dave Lawrence reports the latest Museum & Preservation News whilst Bruce Lake brings us the latest World News.
February 2010Dave Chick recounts the history of Solingen's Vohwinkel - Burg trolleybus service
Gunter Mackinger reports on his visit to Marianske Lazne system in Western Bohemia
The recent publication on Walsall Trolleybuses by David Harvey is reviewed
Dave Lawrence brings us the latest news from the trolleybus preservation scene in the UK
Bruce Lake brings us up to date with World News
January 2010Martin Eady & John Zebedee tell us about their visit to North America and Canada back in May 2009.
There are details of the revamped BTS website and also the Technical Museum Of Denmark.
Dave Lawrence brings us up to date with Museum & Preservation news from the Cardiff & South Wales Project, Carlton Colville, Sandtoft and New Zealand.
Bruce Lake gives the latest trolleybus news from around the world.
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