Bradford trolleybuses were the 'first and the last' in the UK - first
introduced in 1911 and last used in 1972. With only one flat route road
out of the center, appropriately called Canal Road, Bradford city center
is in a 'bowl' surround by 200 to 400 meter hills. Therefore, the
operating environment in Bradford was perfect for quiet passenger
transport that soared up the hills that surround the city. This book
focuses on the 50th anniversary year of 1961, and the 19 variations of
trolleybuses used in that year are illustrated along with a fleet
history from 1934 (many 1934 chassis were still working in 1961). It
also details the second-hand trolleybuses Bradford bought after 1951 and
the extensive rebuilding and rebodying programs that ran from 1944. The
changes in livery are fully explained and illustrated, with a look at
the fleet bought new and those bought from other operators, and the
depot structure and service vehicles used to maintain the network are
also covered. Finally, the route history and development from 1911 is
fully detailed. With over 180 images, this book, the first of two
volumes on Bradford trolleybuses, showcases the trolleybuses at work on
different routes around the city, returning them to their heyday of
1961.
