Current Opening Times
January – 31st March
Thursday – Sundays Inclusive 10.00 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
What's ON
The Shop
Follow the Big Story of Big Vehicles
Follow the ‘Time Line’ of pictures around the walls. It traces the development of transport from the days of horse-drawn buses right up to today’s newly developing hybrid and electric vehicles. Each of the historic vehicles nearby will have a story to be told and touch-screen panels provide interesting information and interactive challenges for all age groups.
And there are other tales to be told too! Stories of how people lived and travelled in the days of horse-drawn buses; why drivers of steam lorries ended the day with their bodies covered in coal dust, grease and oil; what it was like for long distance drivers before the days of sleeper cabs.
‘Once upon a time…’ has many starting points. Come and listen to them.
1400
Horse-drawn
Horses have pulled carts and carriages since time immemorial. Until the 1700’s journeys were made over little more than cattle tracks.
1800
Steam Driven
Early steamers had cart type wheels, black smoke and the noise as they passed over cobbled streets warned of their approach.
1900
Petrol / Diesel
Faster journey times were needed. Roads were improved. Lorries and buses started to carry bigger loads greater distance were traveled.
2000
Hybrid / Electric
Not as new an idea as you might think. New technologies are helping to improve performance and the same time reduce harful exhaust emissions.
MUSEUM
ARCHIVES
Our Archive Department holds comprehensive records dating far back to the 1890s. These include thousands of photographs, technical publications and engineering drawings which together provide a concise history of vehicle development by such famous names as Leyland, Albion, AEC, Maudslay, Thornycroft , and Scammell Lorries. At one time, all of them were major vehicle manufacturers in their own right. Examples of their vehicles are on display in the museum.
Help is at hand to assist those trying to Register or Re-Register their Leyland Group lorry or bus. The Museum Archive Dept. is officially approved to supply the DVLA with relevant information of vehicle chassis and build details needed. Thousands of vehicle ‘original build’ data sheets are held carrying the information to assist you.
Get Involved and Support Us
We welcome your help in ALL aspects of the museum’s operations and invite you to drop us a line. Please use the enquiry forms provided.
