suffolkexplorer
Ipswich Trolleybus 44 returns
Finally returning home on 22nd April to Ipswich is this 1930 Ransomes trolleybus.
One of the last saloon trolleybuses (or "Trackless Trams" as they were known locally) it was built in the town by Ransomes (now Textron), and operated allover Ipswich by the local municipal operator, particularly on the Bramford Road service due to a low bridge.
Since withdrawal in the 1950s, it was put in the custody of first the Clapham Transport Museum and then the Science Museum Reserve Collection. Following some time at Carlton Colville, a failed attempt at restoration at Ransomes again in the 1980s, it languished in storage at Wroughton Airfield, seemingly unloved and unwanted.
Thanks to the perseverance of several ITM members, now that the Science Museum has decided to dispose of it, the Museum is now the proud owner of 44 with it being put on display "as found" prior to one of the restoration teams commencing preliminary work on it next year.
44 is quite significant to Ipswich as an example of its Engineering heritage and one of only a few vehicles to be built and operated in the town. It joins unrestored souble deck Trolley 46 in the collection and potentially are the only two Ipswich Ransomes trolleybuses in existence?
It is seen arriving back at Priory Heath Trolleybus Garage on 22nd April 2022 on the back of Derek Spall's lowloader.
Ipswich Trolleybus 44 returns
Finally returning home on 22nd April to Ipswich is this 1930 Ransomes trolleybus.
One of the last saloon trolleybuses (or "Trackless Trams" as they were known locally) it was built in the town by Ransomes (now Textron), and operated allover Ipswich by the local municipal operator, particularly on the Bramford Road service due to a low bridge.
Since withdrawal in the 1950s, it was put in the custody of first the Clapham Transport Museum and then the Science Museum Reserve Collection. Following some time at Carlton Colville, a failed attempt at restoration at Ransomes again in the 1980s, it languished in storage at Wroughton Airfield, seemingly unloved and unwanted.
Thanks to the perseverance of several ITM members, now that the Science Museum has decided to dispose of it, the Museum is now the proud owner of 44 with it being put on display "as found" prior to one of the restoration teams commencing preliminary work on it next year.
44 is quite significant to Ipswich as an example of its Engineering heritage and one of only a few vehicles to be built and operated in the town. It joins unrestored souble deck Trolley 46 in the collection and potentially are the only two Ipswich Ransomes trolleybuses in existence?
It is seen arriving back at Priory Heath Trolleybus Garage on 22nd April 2022 on the back of Derek Spall's lowloader.