SWANSEA

BMUUSEUS M

NTheree’s alwawys somes thing going on at our growing museum. If nothing else a peep inside this magazine is evidence enough to convince even the most doubting of Thomases of that fact! Inside you will find restoration reports, memories, and accounts of the recent events we have held. A grand old lady gets a very July important health check – page 5. 2017 £2

Another bumper 28-page magazine! Information Welcome Contacts All correspondence to: Back to back shows The Secretary SWT Preservation Group The Courtyard, that kept us all busy 100 Brynau Wood, Cimla, ere we are once again, almost half despite a major problem with toilets or Neath SA11 3YQ Hway through the year already with rather the lack of them when we were let Where we are: SWANSEA lots happening at the museum, not down by our regular supplier. Unit D least two very successful running days Everything seems to be getting better at SA1 Business Park that came almost back to back. the museum and on many occasions of late Langdon Road If that wasn’t a stiff test for the loyal band it has been a hive of activity. It would be Swansea, SA1 8DB of volunteers who help keep the museum nice to see a few more volunteers in operational then nothing will be, evidence on Wednesdays and Sundays [email protected] particularly as one of them was on the particularly with the plethora of jobs to be hottest day of the year so far and boy did done. Don’t forget you don’t need to be a Website: BMUUSEUSM we swelter. mechanic, there’s much more to running a swanseabusmuseum.com museum than tinkering with vehicles and I couldn’t let this opportunity slip away facebook.com/ On the cover every member, every volunteer can play without saying a huge thank you for the Up, up and away! Our very own AEC Regent V, their part. efforts of all those who did anything, 447 took a trip skywards recently for an up however small, to help make it happen. Thank you all for your support , long close and personal examination. The oldest may it continue . swanseabusmuseum surviving vehicle of its kind, 447 is one of Many of them are people who don’t want the prized exhibits of our museum. their name in bright lights, but just lend a hand in a no-fuss manner. We just couldn’t The opportunity to give her underside a run such events without their involvement close examination fortunately revealed st so thank you one and all. Alan We Chairman, @swanseabus nothing untoward and once again she turned South Transport plenty of heads during our successful and sun As I said two shows back to back is something of a challenge, but we had Preservation Trust. Swansea Bus Museum is blessed Father’s Day show. some kind comments after both days operated by The A volunteer of the Preservation Trust, a Newsletter published by future perhaps? registered charity in Swansea Bus Museum Young Ashley & Wales, No. 1117096. Layout and design by Bryngold Books. Horobin of Committee Copyright: South Wales Transport Bancffosfelin in West Trustees : Alan West, Preservation Trust 2017. Wales won the star Chairman; David Wita; prize in our June Huw Morgans, Events. Views and opinions expressed in this show raffle. The Treasurer Ray Evans; publication do not necessarily reflect those super Range Rover Secretary (inc membership) of the trustees, committee, or the editor. David Roberts; Website & Sport and speedboat social media , John Adams; Unauthorised copying of any part of this set was kindly Media & Promotion, publication is prohibited. donated by Mike & David Roberts. Michelle Kidwell.

2 3 In the news In the news

help. Everyone wanted to travel on the bus which took mourners to Margam Tales of a unicorn and Crematorium and then back to the Castle Hotel, Neath for refreshments. steamy adventures “The bus looked in fantastic condition and I would like to thank the owner for magine telling your mates that you allowing its use for this occasion. It really Ihad won a unicorn! They wouldn’t meant a great deal to everyone, friends believe you of course and then they and family in particular. might start questioning how many pints you had seen off in the pub the “I know my dad would have been thrilled night before. by what the museum’s help allowed us to achieve on Tuesday, June 20.” Stalwart volunteer Bob Nicholas was faced with such a situation when he took a break from driving duties at the end of our June Missed meeting event. His number had well and truly come Some news just in as they say: as your July up in our prize draw and the result . . . yes newsletter was going to press the he had in fact, honestly, won a unicorn. management team took the decision to He was a little unsure of being captured on cancel the July members meeting at The film cuddling the thing, but your intrepid Ford’s Club in Treboeth. This was based on newshound managed to convince him that a number of factors, but primarily the lack it was the thing to do. of availability of officers that night. It had nothing to do with the fact that the Bob wasn’t exactly over the moon at his chairperson was sweltering in ‘luck’ but the gentleman he is, passed on temperatures topping 38 degrees the amazing pink and plushy creature to a somewhere far, far, away at the time. little girl who had persuaded her family to Museum member Bob Nicholas spend their life savings on tickets in a Normal service will be resumed as soon as clutches the prize he won at our desperate bid to win. Bob’s good deed for possible and hopefully with some exciting Father’s Day show. Our proud exhibit, 447, which carried the day was met with huge appreciation news. Although this information will have out her recent funeral salute to Glyn from the family and he was happy that his been communicated to most members arrangements his daughter Deborah Morgan in fine style. prize had found a good home! electronically, please pass it on. Morgan had so many salutes to Glyn from former workmates she thought it would be an appropriate send off if mourners were . . . and finally Glyn’s farewell Steamy story Another of our Regent V exhibits is Many of our members who worked for conveyed to and from Margam It’s perhaps handy that we have a photo of beginning to blossom again. After weeks of South Wales Transport during past times Crematorium by a vintage bus. 447 above as her life and times recently dragging himself under 586 to attend to may recall a well-liked colleague who have also included a steamy wash and When she approached our secretary, problems related to air supply leaks and went by the name of Glyn Morgan. brush up courtesy of Swansea Bay arrangements were put in hand to allow problematic valves owner Ray Evans can Commercials. She was given a serious her to use 447 for this creative salute to now be seen much higher up the vehicle Glyn worked in the Neath area for many steam clean in order that her important her much missed dad. cleaning off paint overspray. years and was popular with colleagues and bits underneath can be checked over passengers alike. Sadly he passed away “His full name was Glyndwr,” she said, thoroughly. It is anticipated that other “Yes, It’s nice to be working in daylight for recently after a bravely bourne illness. “But everyone called him Glyn. I was so vehicles will follow suit as and when time a change,” said Ray. “The bus will be a While attending to the funeral pleased with the way the museum could and of course funds permit. useful asset as we move on.”

4 5 Miniature memories Miniature memories Model way to keep our transport heritage alive

was born in Swansea in 1942 and around 1949 I was given one of my Lifelong b us enthusiast fIirst model buses a Dinky 29c Double Decker in red and cream livery which Royston Morgan recalls I still have in my bus model cabinet. how he has helped bring Some of the prized South Wales Transport models that have appeared thanks My interest in South Wales Transport and some model ideas to life to the efforts of Royston Morgan. particularly AEC buses was certainly encouraged by my grandparents who lived lettering and registration numbers to make were added to their already extensive were never true scale models and on the Townhill routes to Gwynedd Avenue the model just like the real bus. range of cars, vans and lorries. I have considered to be toys, although many of us been involved in advising on all and Mayhill. This interest became a Around 1993 Corgi took the decision to painted these in our favourite operators the buses and coaches which have been hobby, later in life, visiting the SWT produce a range of accurate 1/76 model livery and I still have a Dinky double produced so far which includes, of course, garages in Swansea taking pictures and buses to compete with EFE and I became a decker I painted in South Wales transport the wonderful Weymann Fan fare coach of collecting all manner of memorabilia from member of the Bus Advisory Group of five colours on the 23 route to Cockett where which SWT and N&C have already the real buses which then led to producing people made up from professionals within I lived until 1950. appeared. SWT buses in miniature. the bus industry, transport writers and In 1989 the model bus scene was about to My parents retired back to Swansea in enthusiasts. We advised Corgi on the What is involved in planning and bringing dramatically change when a new company, 1970 and lived in Fforestfach very near to design and the choice of models for the a model to the collector market? First of Gilbow Holdings produced a very good the Corgi factory. I was able to visit the "Original Omnibus" range and this grew all, is the planned model collectable and 1/76 scale model of the RT double factory on a number of occasions and met into a large range and included SWT, will it sell in sufficient numbers? A London decker bus under the brand name EFE the people who were responsible for United Welsh and N & C models. bus such as the RT or Routemaster will (Exclusive First Editions).This bus was planning and designing the range of I provided the reference for these models always be popular as these are iconic highly decorated with fleetnames, models. They soon learned of my and many other operators from all over vehicles which many people can relate to destination blinds, adverts and of course particular interest in buses and a voluntary the UK until Corgi glazed windows which Dinky buses never working relationship began which closed the Design had. Apart from self assembly model bus The Oxford model of SWT’s AEC Reliance continues with one person today, albeit Offices in Swansea kits available to the enthusiasts such as Weymann Fanfare in SWT guise. now at a different manufacturer of die and later in Anbrico, Westward and Pirate the new cast buses. I provided Corgi with the Leicester when scale model bus from EFE took the market reference required to produce the popular Hornby bought the by storm and a large number of British Routemaster toy bus in a variety of liveries die cast division buses was subsequently added to their from different operators from all over the around 2008. range over the years until 2016 when EFE UK. More about Corgi later. went into receivership and were taken My contact from The Dinky double decker bus appeared over by Bachmann. I worked with the Fforestfach days first in 1938 based loosely on the London owner of EFE, Frank Joyce, and provided left Corgi in 2008 to STL and it appeared in various liveries the the reference for many of these bus join Oxford Models most popular being red and cream and models including 7 of SWT and 2 N&C and it followed that green and cream. More buses and coaches Coaches. This reference included the a range of 1/76 die were added to the Dinky range but they operator, livery, destinations, legal cast model buses 6 7 Miniature memories Miniature memories and the tourist market for these things is operated buses of a similar type such as huge. Remember that the companies the AEC Regent Weymann double decker producing model buses are all in it to would always be a good choice. return a profit and therefore quantity of In the early days of the Corgi OOC range it the numbers produced and sold is very cost between £8 ,0000 and £10 ,000 to tool important, so asking a model bus up for production and the real vehicle was manufacturer to consider producing an measured, photographed and drawn up to obscure model from a local bus company is produce manufacturing drawings. The first not viable although disappointing to the 10,000 models produced would recoup the collector. Popular and well known cost of the tooling and the first model if it operators such as London Transport, was Southdown for example could sell Southdown, General, , 8000 pieces so a few more popular liveries Maidstone, East Kent, South Wales, Oxford following on with a number of other bus and many Municipal fleets who may have companies with 4000 pieces would well pass the magic figure and start producing a healthy profit. Things have changed now in Royston’s fleet of the collector market as most of the popular and well known vehicles have Swansea Bay buses already been produced since 1990 and the numbers produced are now a lot lower and Some of the models closest to Royston Morgan’s heart. This is a list of just some of the costs have risen particularly in China companies and their South Wales Transport models that Royston Morgan where the majority of die cast models are viewed from any angle is exactly like the My own model cabinet has a selection of has been involved with: produced. Tooling costs have risen and it real thing but in 1/76 scale and is without SWT vehicles including an AEC Regal can cost £20 to £25 ,000 to tool up a new EFE doubt one of the finest models in recent Townhill bus built from a Westward kit, model and around £2 ,000 to digitally scan times. Accurate detail has been An AEC Renown Townhill bus converted AEC Regent V Orion — NCY 467 the real vehicle. With modern vehicles reproduced particularly on the plastic from an EFE bus and my pride is a AEC AEC Regal Windover Coach — GCY 432 being so highly decorated with upper section of the model making the Renown 6 wheel double decker bus made AEC Regal Bus — CTH 931 complicated liveries and advertising etc glazing very real which was a first for from a Corgi Regent II of which I have AEC Reliance — VWN 13 the photo etching plates to produce each AEC Regent III Lowbridge — GCY 522 Oxford models. The observant amongst you memories of the real beast running in detail can cost £100 each and a model may have noticed that the gothic style Swansea in 1949 when I was just seven., AEC Renown Park Royal — 311 ECY could require up to 50 of these. AEC Reliance Harrington Cavalier South Wales was omitted from the front SWT and N&C The SWT Weymann Fanfare coach is a panel and these mistakes can happen if A typical boxed EFE model. Bristol VR Skyrider — RTH 930S recent and good example of how a new not picked up early enough before production commences. CORGI model is brought to the market. This particular coach had not been modelled It is becoming more difficult to AEC Regent !! Weymann — DWN 650 previously and there were sufficient Bristol FS United Welsh recommend a bus or coach to model operators with different liveries to make it as a mass produced item as most of Burlingham Seagull N&C viable with new releases in the coming Panorama N&C the popular and well known iconic AEC Regal Coach 1/50 years. I knew that a real example of the models have already appeared and vehicle existed in Swansea and I wanted the demand changes as the younger OXFORD MODELS SWT to be the first release so this was collectors are interested in the more AEC Reliance Weymann Fanfare SWT digitally measured using a camera and modern vehicles they associate and AEC Reliance Weymann Fanfare N&C other equipment and the results speak for want in miniature. themselves in that the model produced 8 9 The name game The name game

political!) But the word national also was Lincoln travel each day in a school road used by three companies that didn’t car? Amongst the oddities were bus Touring the world of appear to be national — I am referring to companies who insisted on using the word , Eastern National and traction in their titles. Here’s one from . the Midlands — Potteries Motor Traction. What the female passengers thought of puzzling fleet names Another widely used word was general as riding in a bus with PMT emblazoned on its in Devon General and Northern General, hat’s in a name? What indeed, sides is not recorded! But why Traction? you may ask? ‘South Wales ’– Former busman and of course, in earlier times, the London W General Omnibus Company. What the My dictionary defines traction as ‘the yes, that was the area of their DAVID L LOYD operation, and ‘Transport ’, yes, that word general was meant to imply has adhesive friction between a wheel and a was what they provided. questions the never been made particularly clear. surface ’ but apparently it can also mean ‘drawing or pulling by motive power ’ (from validity of unusual Here in Wales, a few years ago we had the According to my co-writer John Wright, the Latin tractus — dragged). Hence oddly-named coach company Mid Wales the company was also known locally as bus company names. Traction Engines. But hardly a name for a Motorways. There are no motorways in The Transport and transporting people bus company unless they dragged their Mid Wales! Why a coach company should about was undoubtedly what they did. buses along under steam power. This word crystal clear regarding its area of use this word in reference to its fleet is So far, so good. traction was also used in nearby Llanelli in operation, made no mention as to what anybody’s guess. But not all bus company names made so they actually did. Some bus (and coach) its trolleybus days from 1932 to 1952. much sense. As an example, take this bus companies sported very colourful titles Further north in my home territory we had The title on the vehicles was Llanelly company in : United with Red & White Services, Royal Blue, . Nearer the mark District Traction, although the parent Automobile Services. Greenline, Blue Bus, Black & White, as a title, but it would have been better to company was, in fact, the Llanelly & Midland Red, Yelloway, and lastly our own use the word bus in place of motor, but at District Electric Supply Company in the days The United sounds like a football team, Creamline of Tonmawr , near Neath . least they didn’t claim to run automobiles! when electricity was generated locally. Automobile sounds like an American term Two coach companies with very misleading So having trawled through some bizarre for a car, and Services creates an So what is the longest title ever bestowed titles are Grey Cars of Devon and Charlie’s impression that these footballers’ cars on a bus company? Here’s one contender and obscure names for bus companies, Cars of Bournemouth — we’re back at the let’s finish on a couple of sensible ones. were being hoisted up on the ramp for from Cheshire : the Stalybridge, Hyde, showroom again! some attention with a grease gun! Actual Mossley and Dukinfield Joint Board! How about Ulsterbus? Short and to the buses didn’t seem to come into the Thankfully the buses themselves only bore Just over the Severn Bridge we encounter point . Y ou can almost hear the northern picture! Further west we could also find on their sides the shortened legend of our neighbours the Bristol Omnibus Irish accent! Clearly it does exactly what it Lancashire United . SHMD Joint Board . T he parent company Company. This is a good title (if a little says on the bus. The same could apply to being the Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley and old-fashioned) but of course omnibus is the Bus. Whilst on the subject of automobiles, it Dukinfield Tramways and Electricity Board. original Latin-derived word for a bus, and appears that bus operators in Yorkshire One word we don’t seem to use in Britain One somewhat shorter (but rather clumsy) our friends in Bristol operated a very also had a penchant for American cars with is transit.Quite a logical word, and one title here in Wales is Newport Transport old established company that had their West Riding Automobile Company used extensively in Canada , hence the which , although brief and self-explanatory started life as the Bristol Tramways conjuring up an image of a showroom full Toronto Transit Commission. We won’t suffers from using the same suffix in Company in 1875. of cars. Did Yorkshire folk wait at delve into the word commission but I’m both words. Why not Newport Bus as in automobile stops? Standing there with Here’s an odd one — the Lincolnshire Road sure it’s valid. Cardiff Bus? them, perhaps you may have heard Car Company. What on earth is a road car? So there we are. What’s in a name? comments such as :“Ee bah gum, this We all fondly recall the long lamented I can only assume that it was so-named to Sometimes a bus company, although it’s automobile’s late today!” In the same National Bus Company . I t was National distinguish it from a rail car (or railway not always as obvious as with our own county there was a bus company called and it was a bus company (and it actually carriage). But let’s face it – their vehicles South Wales Transport! Plenty of food Yorkshire Woollen District which, although made a profit, but I mustn’t get too were buses ! Did the schoolchildren of for thought eh?

10 11 Father’s Day scorcher! Father’s Day scorcher!

Scenes from our successful new or many years, almost two and a Father’s Day event. half decades in fact it was likely Fthat if you ’re a dad and live d in Swansea and had even the faintest interest in old transport then the advent of Fathers Day might have meant being treated to a slap up Sunday lunch and then whisked off to the city’s popular F estival of Transport. That couldnt have been the case this year because the festival had been retired from the City’s annual calendar of events. Instead, just a month after our Maytime extravaganza our small but brave band decided that, for better or worse they would at short notice try to fill the void the lack of the other event created. Those involved will tell you that it was hard work indeed. The one thing that we couldn’t arrange was the weather but as the pictures here show we needn’t have worried, for it was a super sunshine scorcher, blessed with blue skies. Many thanks to all those who came and all those who made it possible.

12 13 Starring role Starring role

Comedians and Elis James in their Sunshine supergirl takes own re-enactment of part in TV travelogue On the buses! opular comedians Miles Jupp and Mount Snowdon, and posed for a with a blue sky background, Elis James are making a Welsh photograph at its Mountain Railway before the backdrop might well tPravelogue for the BBC and starring walking to the summit . have been in the Bay of Naples rather than the alongside them is Swansea Bus They also visited James's home town of beautiful Bay of Swansea! Museum ’s very own legend 447 ! Camarthen, Pendine Sands, the In the currently untitled series, Welshman decommissioned Trawsfynydd nuclear Peter Nedin, as always James introduce s Jupp to his homeland, power station, a honey producer in the stylishly garbed in after The News Quiz host and his Welsh tiny hamlet of Coedcanlas, Richard authentic SWT uniform, wife and five children left London to move Burton's birthplace in Port Talbot and piloted the bus up and to Monmouth in 2015. Mumbles , which is where 447 came in down the coastline while when we were requested to supply a filming was underway. The programme is largely banter-driven bus in which the comedy pair travel led At one point Peter was and promises to be a lot of fun. In the around Swansea Bay. requested to drive fairly three 30-minute episodes, the comedians quickly towards the end of drive and sail around Wales. In one , they After a lengthy period of wet weather the the pier overlooking Knab travelled from Monmouthshire to climb filming day, April 7, was incredible and Rock slipway, come to a halt and allow the pair A break in the film making. to jump off the bus. The retakes began to bring the vehicle closer and closer to the edge, but Peter handled the requests with aplomb and the occasional funny look. Trusty 447 looked a million dollars in the sunshine and provided the backdrop at Knab Rock for the pair to A keen football fan, James got to visit share a seat and enjoy an extra large cone Swansea City's former ground , Vetch Field , complete with chunky chocolate flake, as on the trip. And in the same city, cricket can be seen from the picture over the devotee Jupp got to pay homage to Gary page taken by our secretary who was So bers ’ legendary six sixes at the riding shotgun with Peter on the day. St Helen ’s Ground. Chairman Alan West couldn’t be kept away either and with the company of Treasurer The pair were previously team captains on Ray Evans took some lovely video film of the BBC Wales panel show The Really the bus rolling along on the day. Welsh Quiz and James has become a 14 15 Starring role Star struck AEC Regent V 447 on the edge at Knab Rock regular on The News Quiz since Jupp began The travelogue is expected to air on BBC during a break in filming. INSET: Even comedians can have hosting the Radio 4 institution. One Wales in the autumn. a serious moment as this picture shows when Elis James Miles and Elis agreed that our AEC Regent “We walked up most of Snowdon. Actually, and Miles Jupp gave one of the cooler delights of Mumbles 447 was brilliant. “We couldn’t have hoped that's not true, ” James admitted. “We got on a sunny day a real licking! for better weather,” said Miles, adding the train three-quarters of the way and we that he couldn’t believe how picturesque walked the last bit . . . I think it's easier the Swansea Bay area was. than I assumed because I was overtaken by a six-year-old girl in a T-shirt . Elis, who claimed to have only visited Swansea once before, also praised the bay “We really enjoyed our bus ride scenery and vowed to return to soak up particularly the ice cream at the end. more of what it has to offer to visitors. That was certainly worth it!” All in a day’s work All in a day’s work

to walk some Port Talbot steelworks. distance in order to Nightmare experience find a telephone box from which to call the inspector back in of first shift with SWT Pontardawe and advise him of the or most people tackling the first problem. Fday in a new job is never easy, “There were a but for one museum member it number of passengers turned into a nightmare. aboard the bus, but fortunately they didn’t workers going in. In those days when you arrived there buses would head for Terry Bevan had been a driver for Eynon’s have too much further to go. The foreman different parts of the works. The one I was Bakery in Pontardawe delivering to shops on the site said that a crane had been sent driving was destined for one of the in Port Talbot and Maesteg. In 1971 he for, but was around two hours away. furthest parts of the sprawling site, past decided the time was right for a change “When I told the inspector of this he asked the coke ovens. I had no passengers and of career and set about joining South if I could reverse and turn around. about half way through the works had to Wales Transport as a driver. I explained that because of the traffic cross a railway line and yes this is where One July day Terry embarked on an behind the bus, parked vehicles alongside another first day problem occured. afternoon shift from the company’s and the fact that I would need to reverse “There had been a derailment and my canteen in Brecon Road where crews almost half a mile until there was a side progress was well and truly blocked, so changed over. At the end of the day road I could turn into, I gave him an once again I couldn’t go any further, vehicles were returned to the garage in emphatic no! fortunately on this occasion I had space to nearby Tawe Terrace. Taking over a “On hearing this his instructions were to turn around, which I did and returned to manual gearbox AEC Reliance he headed stay put until the road was clear, then ring the works bus station before heading back off on his first trip to Gwaun Cae Gurwen him and tell him. I was then told to put to Pontardawe. Thankfully that trip at and back before heading down the valley ‘private’ on the destination board and least was uneventful. For me it was the to Swansea via Ystalyfera. On arrival in return to Pontardawe empty which I end of a shift that was certainly the city he would retrace the route eventually did. After my break I picked up memorable. As I shut down the engine of before returning to Pontardawe where, The Bristol VRT that today is a different bus and headed to the the bus I remember thinking to myself, following a long break, he would operate Terry Bevan’s pride and joy steelworks at Margam. The afternoon shift well after the day I have just had, life as one of the many shift change buses that the vehicle wouldn’t start. It wasn’t workers were coming off and the night a bus driver can only get better!” carrying workers to and from the Abbey long before he realised he had left the works in Margam. stop up. He pushed it down and right away “With a little trepidation I jumped in, put the engine started. my ticket machine right, altered the seat Read all about it! “Feeling somewhat relived that I was This newsletter and others previously produced and made myself comfortable. With all the finally on my way I headed off without any adventure of my new job ahead of me I are free to members or available , priced £2 by further incident. As I was travelling attempted to start the bus. It wasn’t to be mail or at our events. If you have anything you between Ystradowen and Brynamman I hit however. The engine was turning over with would like to include in future issues ,don’t be another unexpected snag. A JCB working no problem, but it just wouldn’t fire up. on repairs to a road bridge had toppled shy, contact one of the newsletter team now. “Not knowing what else to do I returned to over, blocking the road. I was on stop. We’d be delighted to hear from you. the canteen and told the previous driver There were no mobile phones then so I had Next issue: October 2017 18 Restoration report Restoration report Small jobs that can mean a big challenge

estoring buses from days gone by is never easy as almost every long sRuffering enthusiast will tell you. Take Dwayne Curtis for example. Plagued by problems with starting tow bus RM66 he set about solving the problem. Thinking it had been traced to a worn starter motor problem he shelled out the reddies, lots of them, on a replacement. After many hours spent first removing the old and then refitting the new he discovered to his Transport manager Huw Morgans dismay that his labours had made no supervising 903 for her turn on the difference whatsoever. lifts while his open topper hides shyly in the paintshop. RIGHT: Huw Deciding to think outside the box a little RM66 presented quite a challenge. stripping the old covering to make he proceeded to check his charging pack. rectified with Dwayne philosophically way for a fresh coat of red. Horror of horrors were revealed when it trying desperately to be positive and look became obvious that this was not working on the bright side, exclaiming: “Ah well, it Leyland Olympian C903 FCY and in a nutshell had led him up the needed a new starter motor anyway.” garden path. Matters were eventually Use of the lifts by kind permission of our There will be many who will surely supporters in the coachworks meant that a sympathise with his time consuming and number of vehicles were given a check costly dilemma. over last month. Among them were one of AEC Regent V 282 DWN 38 the final batch of new double deckers delivered to South Wales Transport in Better news was in prospect for this Roe- September 1985, our Leyland Olympian Bristol VR RTH 931S bodied rarity when she successfully picked which proudly sports Eastern Coachworks For those who haven’t seen it yet this up her new MOT recently. The vehicle, the bodywork. Dave Bemmer one of its joint vehicle has taken a step closer to its sole survivor of only eight such buses ever owners was delighted to have the reincarnation in red. The paint suppliers made is always popular with museum opportunity to take a first ever serious were presented with 447 one afternoon in visitors. The vehicle needed quite a degree peep underneath with her up on the lifts. an attempt to achieve a colour match. of TLC to overcome a problem with the Dave has been hard at work restoring The front section, the complete panel handbrake, but with the combined efforts panels at the rear of the vehicle including under the windscreen has now been of Huw Morgans and Ray Evans the demons the engine inspection cover. As can be splashed with this glorious colour and once were defeated and 38 got a fresh ticket. seen from the picture above this is work in the rest of the vehicle gets the same MOT success for 38 put a smile on progress which will contribute to an treatment along with a cream band it is eventual thorough restoration. many people’s faces at the museum. going to look superb. 20 21 Hero on the buses Hero on the buses Fitting tribute to an enterprising pioneer he name of Samuel Eynon & Sons, Trimsaran, was A peep into the pages of sTynonymous with a high quality Vernon Morgan’s book on reputable omnibus service in the the life and times of Gwendraeth Valley district of east Carmarthenshire, South Wales. Samuel Eynon & Sons. Founder of the business, Samuel Eynon, large family assisted with the driving. first became involved with public transport The colliery manager arranged their shifts in 1917 when he purchased his f irst motor so that there was always one family car a second-hand American Studebake r, A fascinating lineup of double beckers operated by Eynons. member available to drive the 'taxi' and which he used initially as an unlicenced later the f irst omnibus. road. Eynon's built up a tremendous This limited edition 240 page book has 'taxi' to ferry local Trimsaran people into reputation throughout their existence . more than 330 photographs and other the nearby town of Llanelli. Retaining his It can truly be said that Samuel Eynon was Management and staff alike treated their info rm ative memorabilia covering the job as an engine winder-man at the the 'Pioneer' of road passenger transport in customers like family or friends in the period, and has been produced to Trimsaran Colliery, other members of his the village of Trimsaran, and was called close-knit Gwendraeth Valley community. celebrate the 1OOth anniversary of the 'The Hero' for company, which was at one time However, deregulation brought about by inaugurating the Carmarthenshire's largest independent PCV the Tory Government was the final straw community's f irst operator with 35 vehicles. It's a fitting for the already f in ancially unstable omnibus service, a logo tribute to the Eynon family and their company. Immediately after deregulation he applied to his first devoted staff, and also a succinct history in August 1986, the South Wales Transport in 1920. of the business which has previously never Company vigorously challenged them on been told. His three sons and two their lucrative Trimsaran and Carway daughters joined the routes with brand new Mercedes-Benz expanding business minibuses, charging lower fares and when they came of age running just five minutes in front of and together they Eynon's. literally fought off The other ambitious Sadly, this brought the company to its cover of competitors on the knees . T he renowned and much loved Vernon Trimsaran- Llanelli transport operation with a name that had Morgan’s become a household word in the east book. One of the pictures Ca rm arthenshire communities, was sold to from the book that another Carmarthenshire independent tells the story of operator , Davies Brothers of Pencader , Samuel Eynon in June 1988, ending a fine story of enterprise and achievement. & Sons. 22 23 Carnival capers Busy buses

These buses which were kept busy on our successful Maytime running day. This event attracted a good crowd and with it some new members.

Last year’s attendance at Neath Carnival was something of a damp squib due to wet weather. This year was different and it was dry bringing more people to the event. We were represented by 447, 961 and Beth, the Brown Bomber exhibition coach. The SBM crew consisted of the three musketeers above: Roy Warren, Bob Nicholas and Dai Llewellyn plus Dave Roberts, behind the camera. All three vehicles made an impact at the event. Meanwhile Peter Nedin was making our presence felt with an Some of our vehicles among a line-up of buses at the successful Wales on open topper at Pennard Carnival. Wheels event held at Swansea Waterfront Museum a week before our May show.

24 25 SOUTH WALES TRANSPORT PRESERVATION TRUST Registered Charity No. 1117096 Our bus books will take Membership Application Please complete and send this form with a cheque for the appropriate amount you on a trip back in time payable to: The South Wales Transport Preservation Trust and mail it to: David Roberts, Secretary, 100 Brynau Wood, Cimla, Neath, SA11 3YQ. Please print your details clearly in capital letters: I wish to become a member of the South Wales Transport Preservation Trust. I understand that single annual subscription is £20, joint subscription (marriage or partnership) is £30 and that new membership subscriptions will run for 12 months from April 1st.

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GIFT AID: at bryngoldbooks.com Please complete this section if you are a new member or have not previously BAR GALLOIS

Using Gift Aid means that for every £1 you give, the South Wales A done so. Rberaevons Setafarontu - thre pearfecnt ventue Come and join us for 01639 887798 Transport Preservation Trust will receive an extra 25p, helping your Book now for your speci .. .and that’s not all! al occasion n hideaways y woode Christ or a relaxing meal witQh ualit mas Day and d and age! your family and friends.for every nee New Year’s E og cabins ve • Summer houses • L • Sheds es donation/subscription go further. To qualify you must pay an amount of Income Five c Potting sheds • Garag ourses - £42.50 • Playhouses •  oultry houses Stables • Kennels • P Our highly skilled team New Year • rtaken. s Eve Cabar ts unde et • Commercial contrac Tax and/or Capital gains Tax at least equal to the tax that the South Wales and Carvery - £35 Senio r citizens special Christmas week Jo in a Christmas party  can satisfy all your print with friends Transport Preservation Trust reclaims on your donations in the relevant tax year.    Ideal location 

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I would like to Gift Aid the enclosed subscription/donation of £...... brochures and flyers to Good food, good prices and a warm welcome I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give newsletters — just like this until otherwise notified. one — we handle them all. Signature ...... Date ...... /...... /...... Please notify SWTPT if you: 1 – Want to cancel this declaration. 2 – Change your name or 01639 643961 home address or 3 – No longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains. Please note that membership details are retained on a database. [email protected] Why not let us quote for your project? SWANSEA

BMUUSEUS M

NIf youe have wanythings you would like to include in future issues — articles, photos, memories etc — Don’t be shy, contact one of the newsletter team now. Next issue: October 2017

There’s always something new to discover at our museum. It’s just that Supporting it might not be where you Swansea ds Your museum nee expect. w. Bus Museum your help right no