Big Bertha takes a bow
Most bus companies had a breakdown lorry. For most it was a converted old bus, or perhaps an ex-military lorry. But SELNEC, as one of the biggest bus operators in the country, decided that for the very biggest jobs a dedicated, new lorry was needed - and this was the result.
We think 'Big Bertha', as she was dubbed, is brand-new in this picture taken in early 1974. With a big Gardner 6LX engine she could handle the strongest pulls, and the crane equipment could handle the worst bus accident aftermaths. We have several photographs showing her 'in action; recovering various broken-down or accident-damaged buses, and she lasted until the late 80s when she was sold off.
The location is Bennett Street yard in Ardwick, and the hump to the right is a newly-built man-made hill so that learner drivers could practice hill starts.
If you'd like to know more about the Museum of Transport Greater Manchester and its collection of vintage buses, go to www.gmts.co.uk.
© Greater Manchester Transport Society. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction is strictly prohibited and may result in action being taken to protect the intellectual property interests of the Society.
Big Bertha takes a bow
Most bus companies had a breakdown lorry. For most it was a converted old bus, or perhaps an ex-military lorry. But SELNEC, as one of the biggest bus operators in the country, decided that for the very biggest jobs a dedicated, new lorry was needed - and this was the result.
We think 'Big Bertha', as she was dubbed, is brand-new in this picture taken in early 1974. With a big Gardner 6LX engine she could handle the strongest pulls, and the crane equipment could handle the worst bus accident aftermaths. We have several photographs showing her 'in action; recovering various broken-down or accident-damaged buses, and she lasted until the late 80s when she was sold off.
The location is Bennett Street yard in Ardwick, and the hump to the right is a newly-built man-made hill so that learner drivers could practice hill starts.
If you'd like to know more about the Museum of Transport Greater Manchester and its collection of vintage buses, go to www.gmts.co.uk.
© Greater Manchester Transport Society. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction is strictly prohibited and may result in action being taken to protect the intellectual property interests of the Society.