Recent content by DavidGrain

My apologies to those who did not have access to Facebook but I thought it important to bring this to the notice of members of the Forum. Many thanks to A Sparks for copying them to this site.

This came up on my Facebook Feed today. Some photos and comments. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1686238825033310/permalink/3836331490024022/

Just being pedantic. The Midland Red, original official name Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company Ltd. was founded in 1904 and other BET companies were operating bus services at that time whose bus services the Midland Red took over. The BET logo is displayed on the side of the bus...

Burtons seem to have gone in for impressive buildings. The one in Blacheath, for example, outclasses the former bank building next door

The building is still there. I think it is just used for storage now.

I, too, was trying to remember what the Forum entrance looked like. I think I only went there a couple of times because we had good cinemas in the area where I lived so we got films as soon as they were on general release.

The advertisement hoardings are stepping down away from the camera so station is on the left of the street so Snow Hill not Livery Street.

Not necessarily. I think Quinton was the storage area for withdrawn buses or what they called the Reserve Fleet

Walked past that sight a few times. Now Tesco Supermarket, one of usual supermarkets.

The line in the centre of the tracks would be the conduit for the cable which hauled the original cable drawn trams. However it would have survived long after the line was electrified but there is no sign of overhead cables. So the date is some time between 1888 and 1911.

Welcome to the Forum. As you will see this thread has been very popular over the years and I think of all the Birmingham schools this is the most popular thread amongst those relating to schools. Enjoy reading through it. I was at GD Boys Grammar and later my sister was at GD Girls Grammar School

With this latest news, I think it is appropriate to start a new thread. Tunnel Boring Machine 'Mary Ann' (all TBMs have female names) has just broken through in Washwood Heath with the tunnel from Water orton for the HS2 Line into Birmingham...

Water Orton to Washwood Heath is underground in what is known as the Bromford Tunnel Latest info of progress is on I have heard that Mary Anne (Tunnel Boring Machined always have female names) is said to have 40m to go Elizabeth has 2160m to go as about a week ago.

The Colmore Row to Hockley Brook route was converted to cable traction in March 1888, because of the steep climb up Hockley Hill, and extended in April 1889 to Handsworth. Information from https://localtransporthistory.co.uk/fleetlists/birmingham1/ This information therefore is contemporary...

This was the normal layout for double deck trams but only the rear staircase was in use. The front staircase would have lead to an exit on the offside of the tram. Single ended trams require a turning circle at the terminus and at any short working turning points.