Plumtree - an early attempt at a transport museum
1st January 1968

The East Midlands Transport Society leased the goods yard of the former Plumtree station (south east of Nottingham) in the 1960s with the intention of establishing a transport museum there.

Limitations of the site saw the project eventually fail and most of the trolleybuses went to Sandtoft.

It would have been an interesting venue as immediately adjacent is the old BR Research test track (now an Alstom test track) and visitors to the museum would have been able to see the prototype APT on high-speed test and more recently the Virgin Pendolino fleet.

<-- Index | Showing 1-14 of 14 pictures | Index -->
This Leyland TD4 started life with Cumberland and was rebodied by ECW.  It has now been restored to Cumberland livery.  Seen at Plumtree on 8th September 1968.
This Leyland TD4 started life with Cumberland and was rebodied by ECW. It has now been restored to Cumberland livery. Seen at Plumtree on 8th September 1968.
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Barton_816__BRM_596__Plumtree_8-Sep-1968.jpg
A mystery Bedford OWB serves to prop up the sign indicating the workshop and small exhibits section in the goods shed (nowadays a restaurant), 15th April 1968.
A mystery Bedford OWB serves to prop up the sign indicating the workshop and small exhibits section in the goods shed (nowadays a restaurant), 15th April 1968.
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Bedford_OWB_Plumtree_14-Apr-1968.jpg
There are only two Daimler COG5 saloons in preservation.  This one ran for Blue Bus and has a Willowbrook body.
There are only two Daimler COG5 saloons in preservation. This one ran for Blue Bus and has a Willowbrook body.
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Blue_Bus_GNU_750_Plumtree_8-Sep-1968.jpg
Only seven months after the system was abandoned, three Derby trolleybuses stand together on 14th April 1968.
Only seven months after the system was abandoned, three Derby trolleybuses stand together on 14th April 1968.
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Derby_trolleybuses_Plumtree_14-Apr-1968.jpg
This Lytham Lion is still active and for most people is the only gearless Leyland they have ever experienced.
This Lytham Lion is still active and for most people is the only gearless Leyland they have ever experienced.
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Lytham_34__BTB_928__Plumtree_1969.jpg
One of fifteen six-wheel Crossley trolleybuses built after the war, Manchester 1250 now resides under cover at Boyle Street, Manchester.
One of fifteen six-wheel Crossley trolleybuses built after the war, Manchester 1250 now resides under cover at Boyle Street, Manchester.
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Manchester_1250__JVU_755__Plumtree_14-Apr-1968.jpg
Midland General 175 is an attractive Weymann-bodied AEC Regal III which still makes occasional and welcome appearances.
Midland General 175 is an attractive Weymann-bodied AEC Regal III which still makes occasional and welcome appearances.
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Midland_General_175__KRR_255__Plumtree_14-Apr-1968.jpg
Sadly, I do not believe that this Midland General Regent III currently survives in preservation.
Sadly, I do not believe that this Midland General Regent III currently survives in preservation.
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Midland_General_MRB_40.jpg
Nottingham 493 is a BUT 9611T with Roe body.
Nottingham 493 is a BUT 9611T with Roe body.
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Nottingham_493_Plumtree_14-Apr-1968.jpg
Nottingham 493 is seen
Nottingham 493 is seen "under the wires" at Plumtree. I am not sure whether this wiring ever served more than a decorative function.
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Nottingham_493__KTV_493__Plumtree_1969.jpg
Nottingham's 502 is a six-wheel BUT 9641T with a Brush body.
Nottingham's 502 is a six-wheel BUT 9641T with a Brush body.
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Nottingham_502__KTV_502__Plumtree_14-Apr-1968.jpg
This is believed to be a Vulcan which once ran at Skegness.  It is carrying an interesting contraption but what exactly it is is unclear.
This is believed to be a Vulcan which once ran at Skegness. It is carrying an interesting contraption but what exactly it is is unclear.
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Vulcan_steam_bus_2_Plumtree_8-Sep-1968.jpg
The same Vulcan seen on the same date (8th September 1968).  Behind is a Grimsby Guy Arab II 72 (JV 8699).
The same Vulcan seen on the same date (8th September 1968). Behind is a Grimsby Guy Arab II 72 (JV 8699).
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Vulcan_steam_bus_Plumtree_8-Sep-1968.jpg
This West Bridgford utility Daimler is seen at Plumtree, with the track used for testing the protype (gas-turbine powered) APT in the background.
This West Bridgford utility Daimler is seen at Plumtree, with the track used for testing the protype (gas-turbine powered) APT in the background.
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West_Bridgford_utility.jpg