Transport Archives - Page 7 of 16

How Many Left? This Sunday At GTM

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

May 222015

Final preparations are well underway for an exciting new event at the Grampian Transport Museum. With thanks to Martyn Smith.

How Many Left? will celebrate mass-produced vehicles which are now considered ‘endangered’ – those which have less than 500 of any specific model still licensed, according to DVLA statistics.

More than one hundred entries have been received for the inaugural event, including vehicles once considered every day cars – those which played an active part in many people’s day to day lives.

How Many Left? will feature static displays which will be further complimented with the addition of two vehicles believed to be the only examples of their type left; a 1976 Ford Granada Ghia Coupe and a 1978 Opel Commodore Coupe. The Opel has been owned by Alan Norrie of Longside, near Peterhead, for the last four years and was fully restored by a previous owner.

Visitors will be encouraged to take a trip down memory lane, with a number of vehicles taking to the museum’s road circuit for the ever popular passenger rides sessions at 12noon and 3pm. The light hearted event will feature further track activity including a grand vehicle parade (1.15pm – 1.45pm) and parallel auto test (2.00pm – 2.30pm), complete with expert commentary, will also add to the occasion!

There will be a presentation of awards at 2.35pm for the rarest vehicles of the day, assessed by the museums unique Rarity Index; a calculation which takes account of numbers known to exist and the original production run.

Public admission to How Many Left? is £5 for adults with children under the age of 16 and gtm+ members are admitted free! Museum admission will also be discounted on the day with adults £5, concessions £4 and students £2. 2 children are admitted FREE with every adult.

How Many Left? gets underway at 12noon and runs until 4pm.

How Many Left? Museum Appeals For Forgotten Gems

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

May 072015

Vauxhall Cavalier MK2

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

With just under three weeks to go entries are still being accepted for the inaugural How Many Left? at the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford.
‘How Many Left?’ is open to any mass-produced car from the 1960s onwards, which has less than 500 licensed examples left, according to DVLA records.

The event, which takes place on Sunday 24th May from 12noon – 4pm, is designed to celebrate some of the not quite classics of the motoring world.

Take, for example, the Vauxhall Cavalier MK2. First introduced in August 1981, the car was considered a huge success, challenging the Ford Cortina as the front runner amongst company car fleet buyers.

By 1982 Cavalier sales topped 100,000 effectively establishing a two horse race between Vauxhall and Ford. Ultimately over 800,000 examples of the second generation Cavalier were sold, making it the third most common car on Britain’s roads. Staggeringly there are now as few as 1,300 of the 800,000 on the records of the DVLA!

Appearing at How Many Left will be a great example of the Cavalier, restored by current owner Robert McLean, of Banchory in 2010. His special edition Antibes – only ever available in red, blue or white – is now reduced to just 7 examples in the UK and will be appearing at How Many Left.

How Many Left will feature prizes awarded to the rarest survivors, assessed by the museums unique Rarity Index; a calculation that takes account of numbers known to exist and the original production run.

The event will feature static display areas as well as the ever popular public passenger rides, where visitors can jump into participating vehicles for a trip down memory lane. There will also be a chronological vehicle pageant and parallel autotests with expert commentary to enjoy.

Commenting on the event Martyn Smith, Marketing & Events Organiser said:

“It’s fascinating to look at some of the vehicle entries we’ve already received, the original production numbers and then the latest DVLA figures. Cars which were produced in their thousands and were once a common sight on the roads are simply disappearing!

“‘How Many Left’ is bound to rekindle lots of memories – some good, some perhaps not so good, but the ethos of the event is to celebrate these cars with light hearted track activity and of course our Rarity Index where we’ll identify the rarest car of the show”

Entries for How Many Left are being accepted until Monday 18th May. As well as entry to the event, vehicle owners will receive free museum admission and free BBQ. Full information and entry forms can be found online at www.gtm.org.uk

Pro-Rail Councillors Urge Consultation Response

Aberdeenshire, Opinion No Responses »

May 072015

With thanks to Martin Ford.

Democratic Independent and Green Aberdeenshire councillors are urging residents to respond to a North East of Scotland Transport Partnership (Nestrans) consultation survey on transport options between Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Aberdeen.

Councillors Paul Johnston and Martin Ford see the Nestrans survey as a potentially important source of information that could strengthen the case for re-opening the rail line from Dyce to Ellon or beyond.

The survey asks a range of questions on roads, bus services, cycling and walking, but also specifically on reinstating a rail service.

The Nestrans study follows backing from Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, including Green councillor Martin Ford, for an investigation into the feasibility of restoring a modern rail link to the ‘Buchan area’.

Cllr Martin Ford said:

“This Nestrans survey on transport between Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Aberdeen is well timed, given the increasing support for including rail re-opening to Ellon in the proposed Aberdeen City Region Deal.

“There is no doubt we need better public transport to cut road congestion and the emissions that are causing climate change.

“Reinstating rail services on part of the Formartine & Buchan line does look a potentially achievable option that would undoubtedly bring considerable benefits.”

Democratic Independent councillor Paul Johnston said:

“I urge residents to take part in the Nestrans survey – and if they support re-opening the rail line to Ellon or beyond, to say so in their response.

“It’s also important to start thinking about what intermediate stations would be needed, for example Udny Station and Newmachar, to serve the population along the route.”

Another decision to be made about a possible re-opening is whether the line be reinstated past Ellon. Peterhead is the largest town beyond Ellon, but the direct route to Peterhead – the former Boddam branch – is blocked by development over the alignment. The route to Peterhead via Maud (currently part of the Formatine & Buchan Way) is probably too circuitous to compete with road transport.

“The 14 miles from Dyce to Ellon are, I believe, the most likely prospect for a rail re-opening scheme with a favourable cost:benefit ratio,” said Cllr Martin Ford.

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Rover SD1 Vitesse on ‘For the Love of Cars’

Aberdeenshire, Featured, Information No Responses »

Apr 232015

Grampian Transport Museum vehicle to feature on Channel 4 this Sunday. With thanks to Martyn Smith.

A former Grampian Police vehicle will be the star of the small screen this weekend when it is featured on Channel 4.
Now in its second series, For the Love of Cars is presented by Philip Glenister (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes) and Ant Anstead of Evanta Motor Company as they set about restoring iconic cars to their former glory, before selling them on at auction.

The Rover SD1 Vitesse – the only such example operated by Grampian Police – was in operation from 1985 to 1988 and would patrol the then new Stonehaven bypass, checking for speeding vehicles. Along with six other vehicles which were also restored for the series, it was put under the hammer on 10th January at Coys auction at the NEC in Birmingham.

Commenting at the time, curator Mike Ward was delighted to be able to bring the vehicle back to Aberdeenshire:

“We’ve been aware of this particular vehicle for some time now – it’s no stranger to our museum and in fact has appeared here before. When we found out that it was up for sale it was always our intention to try and bring this rare example ‘back home’. The hammer went down at £9,750 which is a new world record for a Rover SD1 at auction.”

The Rover has been on display at the Alford museum since the start of the season and was the star of the recent ‘Emergency Vehicle Rides’ afternoon, driven by former police driver Ian Slorach.

Series 2 of For the Love of Cars continues at 8pm on Sunday 26th April on Channel 4.

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Emergency Services Return To Transport Museum

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Apr 032015

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

The emergency services will be returning to the Grampian Transport Museum on Friday 10th April for the annual ‘Emergency Vehicle Rides’ afternoon.

The inaugural event, which took place in 2014, proved extremely popular with over 900 visitors flocking to the museum for the opportunity of a ride in a police car or fire engine and there are even more vehicles confirmed for this years event!

The museums recently acquired Rover SD1 Vitesse police car will make its first public appearance since returning to the North East in January. It will be driven by Ian Slorach, a former officer with the Grampian Police Force.

Ian will be taking to the wheel and chatting to passengers about the vehicle, which was a one-off in the Grampian fleet when commissioned in 1985.

A privately owned 1970s Commer Fire Engine, which made its debut appearance at the first Emergency Vehicle Rides event, is also set to return.

Other vehicles already confirmed include a Mountain Rescue Land Rover and Green Goddess fire engine – the type originally used by the Auxiliary Fire Service and latterly held in reserve by the Home Office. The Green Goddess famously made a return to service during the fire fighters strikes in 1977 and, more recently, in 2002 when they were operated by members of the Armed Forces.

Emergency Vehicle Rides take place from 2pm to 4pm and are included in the museums standard admission. Due to popular demand there will be a second Emergency Vehicle Rides afternoon taking place on Thursday 6th August.

On Wednesday 15th April the Easter fun continues with a Spring Activities afternoon. There will be fun activities, crafts and quizzes for all of the family plus face painting and performances from local magicians ‘Allan’s Magic’

Enzo Ferrari At The Grampian Transport Museum

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Mar 312015

Rare supercars and steam car on display for 2015 season. With thanks to Martyn Smith.

A million pound supercar is to go on display at the Grampian Transport Museum, Alford, this season.

The Enzo Ferrari – named after the company’s founder – is the only such example in Scotland and has been loaned to the museum for the duration of the 2015 season.

With a price tag believed to be in the seven figure mark the Enzo was established to commemorate Ferraris first Formula 1 title of the new millennium and initially just 349 were produced.

However, after numerous requests from enthusiasts, Ferrari gave the green light to an additional production run of 50 vehicles. In 2004 one final Enzo was built and donated to the Vatican for charity – this example later sold at auction for $1.1 million, taking the total production figure to 400!

Another exclusive vehicle to feature in the museum this season is a 1910 Stanley Steamer.

This unique example is one of just three Stanley steamers in Scotland – and almost certainly the only one of its kind. This is believed to be the most original Stanley in Britain having not been subject to any restoration work to date. Stanley, of America, were the most successful steam car manufacturers and in fact held the world land speed record between 1906 and 1910, reaching an astonishing 127.65mph!

As part of a ‘Made in Scotland’ display for 2015 only, a rare Scottish supercar will also feature this season. The Argyll name was brought back in the mid 1970s by a new company who produced a mid-engined sports car, the ill fated Argyll GT, in Lochgilphead. Founded by Bob Henderson this new car was named in honour of the grandfather of one of the investors, who worked in the original Argyll factory at Alexandria.

The Argyll GT was based on a sturdy box section chassis and fiberglass body shell. The museum is displaying the original prototype that features a turbocharged Rover V8 engine however later examples used a non-turbocharged version of the Douvrin V6 which was featured by Renault and Peugeot.

Mike Ward, curator, is delighted with the latest additions to this years exhibition.

“The GTM is well known for its policy to change at least 33% of the exhibitions every season. This rate of change is very high and accounts for our high visitor numbers – visitors come back every season to see what’s new.

“This year has seen significant changes: virtually all of our motorcycles are new, including for the first time ever a Brough Superior, we have our first ever steam car and a section devoted to the surprising but rather sad story of the once great Scottish Motor Industry. I wonder how many people remember the Parabug which was made in Aberdeen?”

‘Re-Open Rail Line To Ellon’ – Shire Councillors

Aberdeenshire, News 16 Responses »

Mar 272015

With thanks to Cllrs Martin Ford and Paul Johnston.

Aberdeenshire councillors are voicing their support for reinstating the railway to Ellon as part of the proposed Aberdeen City Region Deal.
The suggestion of including re-opening the rail line to Ellon in any Aberdeen City Region Deal was made by Green councillor Martin Ford (pictured) and Democratic Independent councillor Paul Johnston.

The two councillors unveiled their idea when Aberdeenshire Council considered the City Region Deal at its meeting on 12 March.

“We believe the City Region Deal offers the best prospect for taking rail re-opening to Ellon onwards from being an aspiration to making it a reality,” said Cllr Ford.

Following the 12 March full council meeting, Cllr Ford and Cllr Johnston wrote to the leaders of Aberdeenshire’s coalition administration and SNP councillors seeking cross-party backing for their rail re-opening proposal. (See letter attached)

It is now clear there will be support from at least the Aberdeenshire SNP councillor group.

“The time has come for moving forward on re-opening the line to Ellon,” said Cllr Johnston.

“Better public transport is essential to cut road congestion and reduce carbon emissions, in line with commitments to tackle climate change. Reinstating the railway would also offer significant economic development opportunities.

“It is a good fit with the aims of the Energetica development corridor.”

A number of former rail lines in different parts of Scotland have been been rebuilt and re-opened in recent years. The longest new route, the almost thirty miles of rebuilt railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank in the Borders, is due to open on 6 September.

Said Cllr Ford:

“The former railway from Dyce to Ellon is about 14 miles long and, apart from one very small section, the whole of the track-bed is owned by Aberdeen City Council or Aberdeenshire Council. If the railway was to re-open, the current Formartine & Buchan walk/cycle way would have to be relocated to an adjacent position.

“A station at Ellon would not just serve the town, but act as a park and ride station for Fraserburgh, Peterhead and central Buchan. Newmachar is the largest settlement along the route, but the number of intermediate stations is one of many things that would need to be considered through a cost/benefit analysis to arrive at a detailed scheme for re-opening.

“Although there is a desire to re-open the line further than Ellon, we are proposing just the Dyce to Ellon section, at least for the time being. We believe this section of route offers the best chance for a successful new railway and is the most practical option.

“Of course, a great deal of technical work will be required for a transport project on this scale. The planning process too will take time. Aberdeenshire Council, though, has already expressed its support in principle for exploring re-opening. The City Region Deal offers a great opportunity to bring that hope to fruition.”

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Engineering And Science Careers Event At GTM

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Mar 272015

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

The Grampian Transport Museum (GTM) is holding a Careers Morning on Saturday 28th March from 11am to 12.30pm.

The event is targeted at Academy aged children from S2 to S5 from Aberdeenshire who are interested in finding out more about the subject choices and career stories from a number of people.

Our speakers will each cover a range of questions including:

What did they do at school?
What were their reasons for choosing science or engineering?
What’s their current job and what do you do?
What do they know now which you wish you knew when you were at school?

Short presentations from the GTM Young Engineers Club, which meets regularly on a Saturday morning at the Museum, will also take place.

Commenting on the event, Trustee Paul Lawson, who has helped oversee the Young Engineers team, said:

“The Grampian Transport Museum, as an educational charity, is here to help do its bit to address the current skills gap in the UK and Scotland in engineering disciplines.

“We are here to explain to local youngsters through real life experiences how interesting and rewarding a career in science and engineering can be. Our Young Engineers club has definitely inspired several young people to choose engineering and we feel we can do more!“

Please note that all school aged children must be accompanied by an adult.

Anyone who would like to attend should email youngengineers@gtm.org.uk.

Exciting New Displays At Transport Museum

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Mar 242015

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

The award winning Grampian Transport Museum in Alford is preparing to open for the 2015 season with exciting new displays and a packed outdoor arena programme.

The museum has been closed to the public since the end of October, allowing the team of volunteers and staff to refresh and update the exhibition.

Following on from last years Independence referendum the museum will be unashamedly showcasing vehicles produced in Scotland with ‘Made in Scotland’.

Few people realise that in the dawn of the last century Scotland was amongst the world leaders in car production – Argyll’s palatial factory in Alexandria was often described as being amongst the most modern and advanced in the world!

Made in Scotland will include examples of each of the famous 3 ‘A’s (Albion, Argyll and Arrol Johnston) and will be brought forward to the modern era with the evocative Linwood story. Included is the very first Hillman Imp to be produced in the plant, which was sent to the national motor museum and has been loaned to the Grampian Transport Museum for the season.

The sense of lost opportunities is captured by the Proclaimers 1987 hit ‘Letter from America’ playing in the background.

A Rover SD1 Vitesse Police Car, a unique addition to the fleet of the then Grampian force, will also be on display and is due to appear on the forthcoming second series of the Channel 4 show ‘For the Love of Cars’ Presented by Life on Mars & Ashes to Ashes star Philip Glenister. Commissioned in 1985 the vehicle was bought at the Coy’s auction at the NEC in Birmingham at beginning of the year for a world record price of £9,750.

The vehicle will also be making a star appearance at the museums first activity of the season ‘Emergency Vehicle Rides’ which takes place on Friday 10th April.

The majority of the motorcycle display has been changed and for the first time in the museums 32 year history is headlined by one of the rarest and most sought after of all vintage motorcycles, the Brough Superior SS80.

Another key exhibit for the forthcoming season is a Foster Traction Engine – affectionately known as Olive – so named as it was new to the military in WW1 and has been repainted by the museums volunteers into War Department olive green livery.

Every year the museum aims to refresh around one third of the vehicles on display, however a few old favourites remain. Billy Connolly’s famous Boom Lowrider Motortrike, as seen on his ‘World Tour of England, Ireland and Wales’ TV series, can be enjoyed for another season. The popular Pop Icons collection, charting the rise of popular culture

MSPs Welcome Start Of AWPR Work

Aberdeenshire, Opinion 3 Responses »

Feb 202015

With thanks to Ann-Marie Parry, Parliamentary Assistant, Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP

Aberdeenshire East MSP Alex Salmond and North East MSP Christian Allard have welcomed the start of construction work on the £745 million Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie-Tipperty road project today.
Construction will support around 1,500 jobs and over 100 apprenticeships, graduate places, and other training opportunities.

The scheme will be delivered in stages, with completion expected in winter 2017, around six months ahead of schedule.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the beginning of the work at Balmedie, one of the key communities to benefit from the AWPR, today.

Alex Salmond said:

“This is a brilliant day for residents all across the north-east of Scotland who will benefit from increased connectivity and shorter journey times.

“The construction of the AWPR is expected to create 1,500 jobs at its peak as well as 100 apprenticeships, graduate places and other training which means that young people will get valuable opportunities to enter the workplace.

“The AWPR will deliver much needed relief from the congestion in and around Aberdeen and I am delighted that sections of the road, such as the junctions around the Airport, will be finished as early as next year.

“With an estimated £6 billion of investment and 14,000 jobs expected to be created in the north-east over the next thirty years, it is clear that the AWPR will help to boost business and keep Aberdeen internationally competitive.”

Christian Allard (pictured) said:

“I am delighted that construction work on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route is now underway as this will have a huge impact on the road network in the north-east of Scotland.

“Not only will journey times greatly improve but construction will bring thousands of jobs to the region.

“With this £745 million development underway and expected to be complete 6 months ahead of schedule this Scottish Government is clearly committed to delivering for the north-east.”

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