Transport Museum Wythall Autumn Events
_xl.jpg)
Published: 25/08/2019
Autumn Events Update
WMPTE 50 Sponsored by Cummins
- Sunday October 6th – WMPTE 50 and Autumn Running Day sponsored by Cummins
- Display of today’s Cummins electric/hybrid technology and an ADL double decker
- Sunday September 8th - Meet the ADO16 Club
- Sunday September 29th - Austin J40 Club Gathering
Transport Museum Wythall has a full programme of events for the autumn including the big one – the annual October running day, this year with a WMPTE theme. Along with special events, the museum is open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays until the end of October. The museum is home to over 90 buses from the major West Midlands fleets, independent operators and provincial companies.
The October Main Event sponsored by Cummins - 50 years of WMPTE
This year’s main event day on October 6th is sponsored by Cummins, celebrating its centenary in 2019.
Commemorating 50 years since WMPTE (West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive) took over the operation of the local West Midlands corporation fleets in 1969, 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.
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. The Coventry fleet and much of Midland Red were not absorbed until 1974 but it’s planned that both fleets will be represented on the day. We’re hoping the West Midlands Buses fleet of Corporation heritage liveries will join us too.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
The Austin/Morris 1100/1300 Owners Club National Gathering – Sunday 8th September
Meet the ADO16 Club, formed for the enthusiasts of the ADO 16 family. Another of Alec Issigonis’s masterpieces, the ADO 16 family offered amazing space and comfort for the whole family in a compact saloon. In addition to the bread and butter Austin and Morris variants, BL’s infamous ‘badge engineering’ also brought us the up market MG, Riley, Wolseley and Princess variants, the latter offering the wood and leather of a Daimler limousine in miniature.
The event is the Club’s 2019 national gathering so there will be plenty of variety on show. Normal admission prices apply but there will be no bus rides on this day.
Austin J40 Club National Event – Sunday 29th September
Many young lads and of the 1950s and 60s only dreamed about owning the Rolls Royce of pedal cars the Austin J40. 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.
Come and join the club’s Annual National Event, the fun which will even include J40 races. For more information on the J40 Club, click here: https://www.austinj40pedalcarclub.co.uk/
The Museum opening times
Transport Museum Wythall is open to visitors on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from the end of March until the end of October. On Wednesdays and Saturdays during local school holidays and half terms, classic bus services are operated at 12.30, 1.30 and 3.30pm. All main event days feature bus rides and special timetables. Please see the website for further details.
In addition to the bus collection, Wythall houses the world’s largest collection of battery electric vehicles, many static exhibits and bus ephemera including insights into the operating and manufacturing aspects of the industry plus a ride-on miniature railway and café/gift shop. There’s something for all the family to enjoy.
Classic Car and Motorcycle Events – all are welcome
Throughout the year, Transport Museum Wythall is pleased to welcome modern and classic car and motorcycle clubs. With much to see and plenty of space to exhibit vehicles, Wythall is an interesting transport alternative for car and motorcycle enthusiasts.
Please note that Club pre-booking is essential. For further information on club visits please email: enquiries@wythall.org.uk
Transport Museum Wythall is conveniently located near to the M40, M42, M5 and M6 motorways.
