THE Transport Museum in Wythall is building up to mark a major landmark in October – the 50th anniversary of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive – known as WMPTE.
Sponsored by engine manufacturers Cummins the day will uniquely feature two Cummins V6 powered buses running side by side (bring your ear defenders) with the return to the road of Wolverhampton Daimler Roadliner 719 alongside the giant Walsall Daimler double-decker 56.
Then, clearly illustrating the contrast between 20th and 21st Century technology and how the bus industry is addressing the challenging road to lower emissions, a hybrid-powered ADL (Alexander Dennis Limited) double decker will join the line-up, featuring a Cummins clean diesel engine.
The exhibits will also include Cummins electric battery technology for zero-emission buses and the Darlington-built successor to the V6 – the latest B6.7 engine meeting Euro VI emission regulations.
Cummins literature will also be available to take away.
West Bromwich Daimler 101 will also run side by side with a number of Birmingham City Transport and visiting WMPTE buses in support.
Meanwhile in the build-up to that, next Sunday, September 8 the Austin/Morris 1100/1300 Owners Club are holding a national gathering at the museum with plenty of variety promised. Normal admission prices will apply.
That will be followed on Sunday, September 29 with the Austin J40 Club national event – the Rolls Royce of pedal cars.
Built in Austin’s Bargoed factory in South Wales between 1949 and 1971, the full production version was based on the design of the Austin Devon and was built by disabled coal miners from off-cuts of metal from the Longbridge factory. Over 32,000 were produced.
The Wythall Transport Museum is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from March to the end of October.
All main event days feature bus rides and special timetables. Visit www.wythall.org.uk/ for full details.
