News

Midland Red 120 Blockbuster

Published: 09/10/2024

Transport Museum Wythall’s Midland Red 120 anniversary event on Sunday October 6^th was an undoubted blockbuster with 867 people attending a memorable day. A record number of 15 of the museum’s own Midland Red fleet were on display (14 running) and 14 Midland Reds arrived with private owners.

The museum’s fleet provided the usual supporting services from Birmingham City Centre and to/from local railway stations plus local circulars, but the running highlight of the day was Wythall’s now well established ‘Happy Hour’. Normally operated on big event days where there is a considerable variety of vehicles in attendance, this one was pretty special. From the 1948 SON to the 1966 Leyland National, most decades were represented with further opportunities provided by the Stratford Blue PD2 (on hire to Midland Red) plus examples from the National Bus years and later.

Vehicle highlights were not one but two BMMO C1 coaches, resplendent examples of the post-war coaching years, the BMMO S14 out for the first time following over 40 years on static display, the dual-purpose BMMO S16, another long term static display vehicle and the 1934 SOS CON, on display following decades hidden away in a barn.

Our distinguished guest of honour was none other than the voice of Strictly Come Dancing and the National Lottery draws, Alan Dedicoat. Alan was born in Hollywood, the next village to Wythall and has fond memories of spending his childhood years travelling on Midland Red services. Living outside the Birmingham City boundary, Alan had no choice, with Midland Red providing family travel.

A special Hollywood circular was created for the day which Alan conducted along with his driver, volunteer John Haden, following up with a Happy Hour run. Alan was very complementary of what the museum has achieved and promised to be back soon. He has also owned 6 Routemasters along with fellow enthusiast Ken Bruce.

Once again, local supporter Phoenix Insurance offered its employee car park, shuttled by our trusty National Express ADL Trident and Optare Spectra. Thanks to Phoenix we accommodated 380 cars, over twice the museums normal capacity.

Midland Red 120 also supported the big red Midlands Air Ambulance, with a helicopter on site and opportunities in the cockpit for photos for children of all ages!

Seb Amos, TMW Chairman said: ‘Midland Red 120 was the most successful event we’ve had since I’ve been a member. We have to thank all the volunteers on site on the day and those that helped to set it up over weeks of planning for their dedication and support. Many worked through without a break and there was a real buzz on site all day.’

The success of this event clearly indicates that ‘The Red’ is well loved by both bus enthusiasts and those that depended on the company for transport over decades. 2024 is the anniversary of the founding of the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company (BMMO) but it began operations in July 1905. With our D7 rapidly approaching its body reconstruction, who knows what may happen in 2025? Please help us to let you ride on this iconic vehicle in 2025 by supporting the restoration fund at www.wythall.org.uk/D7.

List of ‘Midland Red’ vehicles on display outside the museum halls at MR 120

Single Deckers