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NTA Vehicles Huddersfield 541 Belfast 168 Hastings 45 Wolverhampton 654 NTA Depot

Bournemouth 202

Bournemouth Corporation 202 is now the only working open-top double-deck trolleybus in the world. It was originally built in 1935 as one of a fleet of over 100 similar closed-top double-deck trolleybuses to replace the Corporation's tramcars and is mounted on a three-axle Sunbeam MS2 chassis. The bodywork was built by Park Royal to Bournemouth's unusual specification with rear-entrance open platform, dual staircases and front exit through driver-controlled folding doors. In 1958, it was one of three such vehicles selected for conversion to open-top form for use on a new circular tour (route 39) and seasonal extra services linking the Southbourne and Fisherman's Walk area with Bournemouth Pier and the town centre. Use of these vehicles gradually declined as a result of staff shortages and all three were withdrawn and delicensed during the 1964 summer season. The Association registered an interest in acquiring one of this trio and, in July 1965, 202 was specially relicensed for an NTA fund-raising tour and then set aside until the purchase was completed. Ownership was officially transferred to the NTA during autumn 1965

Bournemouth 202
Bournemouth 202 during the important NTA tour of 4 July 1965,
held to raise funds for its intended purchase
(Photo David Pearson)

Riding on the top deck of Bournemouth 202 is a unique experience, as shown here looking forward under the trolley gantry at Christchurch during the tour of
4 July 1965.
(Photo Michael Russell)

After acquisition, 202 was periodically relicensed for special tours of the Bournemouth network and played a full part in the closing ceremonies of this once fine trolleybus system on 20 April 1969. In the meantime it had travelled to Reading, for a tour of that system's surviving route on 28 July 1968, and in October 1969 operated a tour of the remaining Cardiff system. These were part of the NTA's programme of operating members of its preserved trolleybus fleet on surviving systems, which became a hallmark of the Association's activities in its early years.

Bournemouth 202
202 uses the short-working turning circle at Norcot during its tour of
Reading on 28 July 1968.
(Photo Michael Russell)

In October 1969 Bournemouth 202 was on safari again, in this case in the Welsh capital,
with Cardiff Castle in the background.
(Photo Michael Russell)

For many years 202 remained in covered storage at Bournemouth, where restoration work was carried out by members of the Bournemouth Passenger Transport Association. In summer 2000 it was taken on tour to the three operational trolleybus circuits at British museums, first at the Black Country Living Museum at Dudley, then at the Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft, near Doncaster, and finally at the East Anglia Transport Museum (EATM) at Carlton Colville, near Lowestoft, where it still resides. 202 is in regular annual operation at the EATM during its open season under an Agreement that ensures its continued presence there until 2025, but to protect the structure of this venerable exhibit does not operate during inclement weather.

Whilst at the EATM, 202 was joined by Huddersfield 541 (q.v.) in September 2013 for a running weekend to mark the NTA's Golden Jubilee. In May 2019 it was displayed alongside its even older open-top compatriot, Hastings Tramways 3A, a Guy BTX double-deck trolleybus with open-top bodywork by Dodson built for the inauguration of trolleybus services in Hastings in 1928. The Hastings vehicle, however, although still carrying trolley gear, had its electric motor removed and was fitted with a two-stroke Commer engine after the final closure of the Hastings system in 1959 and is no longer capable of operating as a trolleybus.

Bournemouth 202
In fine summer weather 202 is regularly to be found operating at the East Anglia Transport Museum, Carlton Colville. In May 2019 another almost full load of passengers is seen starting off on their journeys around the museum's trolleybus circuit.
(Photo Michael Russell)

Bournemouth 202
An historic meeting on 11 May 2019 with the world's two surviving open-top double-deck trolleybuses at the East Anglia Transport Museum. Hastings 3A on the left, though still fitted with trolley gear, is no longer able to operate as a trolleybus, having been fitted with a motor bus engine after system closure in 1959.
(Photo Michael Russell)

The NTA plans that Bournemouth 202 will receive a full external repaint in the course of the next year.