NEW MIDLAND RED BOOK
Mike Greenwood and Malcolm Keeley are currently working on a new Midland Red book, which it is anticipated a well-known publisher will release in 2005. The joint authors are keen to hear from anyone who may have suitable colour material that could be considered. Mike and Malcolm are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have colour shots of SOS or early BMMO vehicles. Please contact Mike (on 0114-248-9166) or Malcolm at the Museum.
DERBY BUS STATION
The Derby Bus Station saga is finally drawing to a close as the City Council has now approved plans submitted by the developer, Metro-Holst, to build bars, restaurants and a new 29-bay "airport-style" bus station. The outcome was predictable, as a previous council had actually signed a contract with Metro-Holst to re-develop the site. Work is expected to commence in the Autumn so anyone who would like to photograph buses against the backdrop of Aslin's 1930's art-deco structure should come to Derby over the Summer.
Notably, Ann Crosby, who led the protest against the demolition of the bus station and subsequently got herself elected on to the council, did not stand in the recent elections. She has spoken of her frustration and disillusionment at the council's inability to change decisions and the lack of freedom that councils have in planning matters generally.
John Bowden
SOS MYSTERY OBJECT
In the cab of each of the SOS SON and SOS DON at the Museum there is a mysterious fitting, for which Peter Murphy is trying to determine a purpose. Perhaps you might know its purpose or, if not, at least make an educated guess; all sensible suggestions are welcome.
The item in question is a timber pattrass, about 6 inches diameter and about 2 inches thick. For about ½ inch near its base, the diameter is reduced by about ¼ inch, effectively creating a flat groove against the surface onto which it was mounted. There are two countersunk screw holes about 3-4 inches apart. From the paint/varnish marks, it appears that something about 2 inches diameter was originally fitted in the centre. The pattrass was fixed inside the cab, above the (nearside?) window, with its axis horizontal. Latterly, the one on the SON had a coat hook fixed to it, but clearly this was not its original purpose.
Neither the contemporary Trent vehicles, nor the early post-war BMMO vehicles have an equivalent item. This suggests it was peculiar to Midland Red vehicles and dates from either the immediate pre-war period, or during the war. We know that the pattrass was not for mounting a cab lamp, nor a switch, nor a bell, since these fittings are already located elsewhere in the cab.
Suggestions to date are:-
- A mounting for a clock, although this is unlikely, since one would expect more and/or different fixing holes;
- A carrier for the driver's gasmask and/or tin hat;
- A carrier for a spare blackout mask for the exterior lamps.
Andrew Gardner & Peter Murphy
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
