Wirral Transport Museum

{{Short description|Transport museum in Birkenhead, Wirral, England}}

{{Infobox museum

| name = Wirral Transport Museum

| native_name =

| native_name_lang =

| image = Wirral Transport Museum, Taylor Street, Birkenhead - geograph.org.uk - 1433326.jpg

| caption = Wallasey Corporation tram No. 78 in the tramshed, with Hong Kong tram No. 69 to the rear.

| alt =

| map_type =

| label =

| map_caption =

| map_alt =

| coordinates = {{coord|53.3961|-3.0192|display=inline,title|region:GB}}

| established = 1995

| dissolved =

| location = Taylor Street, Birkenhead,
Merseyside. CH41 1BG
United Kingdom

| type = Transport museum

| collection = Trams, buses, other vehicles, static displays, model railway

| visitors =

| director =

| president =

| curator =

| publictransit =

| network =

| website = [https://www.wirral.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-events/museums-and-theatres/wirral-transport-museums Wirral Transport Museum]
[http://www.mtps.co.uk/ Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society]

}}

Wirral Transport Museum is a museum situated approximately {{convert|1/2|mi|m}} from the Mersey Ferry service at Woodside, Birkenhead, England.

A tram line links the museum to the ferry terminal at Woodside. The museum closed in April 2023.

History

The museum was established in 1995 as the tram shed for the Wirral Tramway. In 2009, as part of its Strategic Asset Review, owners Wirral Borough Council planned to dispose of the museum, transferring it to a Community Development Trust. It recommended that "... the specialist role of the Transport Museum be protected as far as possible."{{citation|url=http://www.wirral.gov.uk/News/news_0000881.html|title=Council approves Strategic Asset Review|publisher=Metropolitan Borough of Wirral|date=16 January 2009|access-date=19 June 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613215842/http://www.wirral.gov.uk/News/news_0000881.html|archive-date=13 June 2011|df=dmy-all}} By 2014, the council was in discussions to hand over management of the museum to a volunteer organisation.{{cite web|url=http://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/news/13012014-uncertain-future-for-wirral-museums|title=Uncertain future for Wirral museums|work=museums Association|date=10 January 2014 |access-date=22 June 2015}}

In 2011, the museum welcomed comedian Ken Dodd, who took a ride on one of the trams for a BBC documentary.{{cite web|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/ken-dodd-takes-nostalgic-wirral-3369229|title=Ken Dodd takes nostalgic Wirral Transport Museum tram trip for BBC documentary |work=Liverpool Echo|date=3 May 2013 |access-date=22 June 2015}}

Ownership of the museum was transferred in March 2023 from Wirral Council to Big Heritage, a non-profit company that also runs the Western Approaches Museum and two visitor attractions in Chester.{{cite news |last1=Barnes |first1=Edward |title=Transport museum in 'jeopardy' saved as charity takeover approved |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/transport-museum-jeopardy-saved-charity-26435818# |access-date=10 March 2023 |work=Liverpool Echo |date=9 March 2023 |language=en}} The council revealed that it cost £85,000 a year to run the museum, which attracts around 6,000 visitors per year. Big Heritage were granted a 25-year lease and hope to increase visitor numbers to 40,000 a year. The museum was closed in April 2023.{{Cite web |last=Barnes |first=Ed |date=2023-11-28 |title=Why Wirral Transport Museum has been closed for months |url=https://www.birkenhead.news/why-wirral-transport-museum-has-been-closed-for-months/ |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=Birkenhead News |language=en-GB}} It is hoped that it will reopen in the summer of 2026.{{Cite web |last=Barnes |first=Ed |date=2024-04-30 |title=Plans for new U-boat museum at Woodside given greenlight |url=https://www.birkenhead.news/plans-for-new-u-boat-museum-at-woodside-given-greenlight/ |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=Birkenhead News |language=en-GB}}

Trams

File:Liverpool Tram No.245, Taylor Street, Birkenhead (geograph 4533908).jpg No. 245, outside the museum at Taylor Street in Birkenhead]]

The tramway collection was set up in collaboration with volunteers from Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society.{{citation|url=http://www.visitwirral.com/site/attractions-and-activities/wirral-tramway-wirral-transport-museum-p18340|title=Wirral Transport Museum & Tramway|access-date=19 June 2009}} The Wirral Tramway commenced service in April 1995 with the Hong Kong-built, 1948-style units, operated under contract by Blackpool Tramways for Wirral Borough Council, who took overall control in 2005.

Hong Kong tramcar 69, which bears the name of George Francis Train & Phileas Fogg, received a new 'Prenton style' livery in 2005. Hong Kong tramcar 70, named Thomas Brassey after the well known 19th century railroad builder, has been painted in a fictional 'Birkenhead Blue' livery (which was only ever carried by the town's bus fleet after 1934).

Liverpool 245, a Baby Grand owned by National Museums Liverpool but kept at Birkenhead since 2006, was restored to operational use by the Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtps.co.uk/245.htm|title=Liverpool No.245|work=mtps.co.uk|access-date=22 June 2015}} This was funded with the help of a £50,000 lottery heritage fund grant in 2010, with completion of the restoration in 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtps.co.uk/245%20Restoration%20Progress%20Report.pdf|title=Liverpool No.245 Restoration Progress Report|work=mtps.co.uk|access-date=22 June 2015}}

Other operational trams of the fleet included Birkenhead 20, Wallasey 78, Liverpool 762 which were transferred to Crich Tramway Village in 2025{{Cite web |last=McGrath |first=Rebecca |date=2025-03-27 |title=Historic Merseyside trams move to Derbyshire tramway village |url=https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/25043578.historic-wirral-trams-move-derbyshire-tramway-village/ |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=Wirral Globe |language=en}} and Lisbon 730 which was moved to Beamish Museum transport collection in 2024.{{Cite web |date=25 January 2024 |title=Lisbon tram No.730 has moved to Beamish Museum |url=https://www.beamish.org.uk/news/a-new-addition-to-beamishs-tramway-fleet/ |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=Beamish |language=en-US}}{{cite web|url=http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/birkenhead.html|title=Birkenhead Heritage Tramway|work=britishtramsonline.co.uk|access-date=22 June 2015}} Meanwhile, horse-drawn tram Liverpool 43 was transported to its new home on Friday, 3rd November 2023, to Hooton Park Hangars.{{Cite web |title=MERSEYSIDE TRAMWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY. Liverpool No.43. |url=https://www.mtps.co.uk/43.htm |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=www.mtps.co.uk}}{{Better source needed|date=May 2025}}

Buses

File:Wirral Transport Museum, Taylor Street, Birkenhead - geograph.org.uk - 1433335.jpg]]{{Update|section|date=May 2025}}

The Technical Custodian held a National / Standard (2) Operator Licence. On his retirement in January 2014 the entitlement for the museum to use vehicles on a hire and reward basis ceased.

=Birkenhead Corporation=

BG 8557, a 1943 Guy Arab (324) rebodied in 1953 (242).{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/billogs/3378740977/|title=Birkenhead 242 - 1943 Guy Arab Massey BG8557|work=Flickr|date=14 September 2008 |access-date=23 June 2015}} Now restored with help from Paul Anderson / Home front funding, 1BG Project
BG 9225, a 1946 Leyland Titan PD1/1a (No. 105).{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/rossendalian2013/16819109031/|title=BG9225_26072014|work=Flickr|date=26 July 2014 |access-date=23 June 2015}} Restored with support of Ovaltine and match funding, 1BG Project.
RCM 493, a 1964 Leyland Leopard L1 (No. 93).{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/rossendalian2013/16207422903/|title=RCM493_26072014|work=Flickr|date=26 July 2014 |access-date=23 June 2015}} Restored by Wirral Museum / Hamilton Quarter funding.
GCM 152E, a 1967 Leyland Titan PD2/37 (No. 152).{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/22455491@N02/11243487814/|title=Has anyone seen the engine?|work=Flickr|date=6 December 2013 |access-date=23 June 2015}} Restored with Hamilton Quarter funding, Wirral Museums / 201 & 1BG Project.

=Wallasey Corporation=

AHF 850, a 1951 Leyland Titan PD2/1 (No. 54).{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/rossendalian2013/16815530641/|title=AHF850_26072014|work=Flickr|date=26 July 2014 |access-date=23 June 2015}} Preserver Cedric Greenwood (1973). Funding purchased New Wallasey, 1BG Project.
CHF 565, a 1954 Leyland Titan PD2/10{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/transportuk/16022353269/|title=CHF 565|work=Flickr|date=5 October 2014 |access-date=23 June 2015}} (No. 106). Preserver Mayers. Restoration funding from New Wallasey, Wirral Museums 201 project.

=Crosville Motor Services=

319 PFM, a 1960 Bristol Lodekka / ECW FS6G{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/rossendalian2013/16639877998/|title=319PFM_26072014a|work=Flickr|date=26 July 2014 |access-date=23 June 2015}} Preserved by 1BG / N Moore / Wirral Museums (2007)
DVG 487, a 1981 Bristol VR / ECW Crosville is also resident at the museum (2010)
B200 DTU, a 1985 Leyland Olympian/ECW

=Other waiting projects=

Crosville MS18 1949 Bedford Beagle. Converted Mobile Office a 1BG Project funding needed.
HKF 820, a 1949 AEC Regent III, Liverpool A344.{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/billogs/3378741203/|title=Liverpool A344 - 1949 AEC Regent III Metro Cammell HKF820|work=Flickr|date=14 September 2008 |access-date=23 June 2015}} Preservers Bill Barlow / David Forrest. Transferred to Wirral Transport Museum in 2006.

=Former vehicles displayed=

101 CLT, a London AEC Routemaster (RM 1101). Purchased in 1994 via A1A Travel and restored with Hamilton Quarter funding. Withdrawn in April 2009, and is now to be found operating back on London streets with [http://www.theghostbustours.com/ theghostbustours.com]. RM1101 has reverted to its KFF 367 registration.{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/bens_transport_photos/14566201402/|title=The Ghost Bus Tours KFF 367|work=Flickr|date=3 July 2014 |access-date=23 June 2015}}
THM 692M, a London Transport Daimler Fleetline (DMS 1692), MCW bodywork.{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/busmanbuses/14365143295|title=THM692M|work=Flickr|date=17 May 2014 |access-date=23 June 2015}} Purchased by Wirral Local Education Authority in 1998, it was previously used as a mobile classroom. Withdrawn in April 2009. Now to be found operating as a mobile church/youth club at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
OFM 957K, a Daimler Fleetline, Chester City 75 Open Top ex 54. Sold to the North West Museum of Road Transport in January 2009.
F362 WSC, a Leyland Olympian, Alexander 81 seat bodywork. Operational since March 2009, the vehicle was re-registered as 101 CLT on 25 April 2009. Number previously donated back to RM 1101. This vehicle replaced the Millennium bus (DMS 1692). In April 2012 It was re-registered F362 WSC and the bus placed into preservation with a Yorkshire group. Routemaster Registration 101 CLT (from RM1101 now KFF 367), was exchanged for Ribble PD3 1841 registration TCK 841 and in line with museum policy its classic bus fleet continue to display their original registrations.

Static and other exhibits

File:Model crane, Wirral Transport Museum.JPG cranes]]{{Update|section|date=May 2025}}

Other assets of the museum include an example model of one of the cranes at the former Bidston Dock, model buses, model trams and a model of the former Mersey ferry SS Thurstaston.{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/extrachewy2003/12048784195/|title=Wirral Transport Museum.|work=Flickr|date=19 January 2014 |access-date=21 June 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4533874|title=SJ3289: SS Thurstaston model, Wirral Transport Museum, Birkenhead|work=Geograph Britain & Ireland|access-date=22 June 2015}} A {{convert|26|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} OO gauge model railway layout, a reconstructed 1930s garage scene and a shop scene are also present.{{cite web|url=http://www.wirral.gov.uk/my-services/leisure-and-culture/arts-and-museums/local-museums-and-galleries/wirral-transport-museum|title=Transport Museum|work=Wirral Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103063335/http://www.wirral.gov.uk/my-services/leisure-and-culture/arts-and-museums/local-museums-and-galleries/wirral-transport-museum|archive-date=3 November 2012}}

Several vintage cars,{{cite web|url=http://www.visitwirral.com/attractions-and-activities/wirral-tramway-and-wirral-transport-museum-p18340|title=Wirral Tramway & Wirral Transport Museum|work=visitwirral.com|access-date=21 June 2015}} including an Austin 1800 dating to 1970,{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/billogs/3379555222/|title=1970 Austin 1800 UVR1|work=Flickr|date=14 September 2008 |access-date=21 June 2015}} an Austin 7,{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/billogs/3379555528/|title=Austin Seven EP5987|work=Flickr|date=14 September 2008 |access-date=21 June 2015}} a Morris Minor Traveller,{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/tompatto/8367544255/|title=THREE OLD VETERANS|work=Flickr|date=24 August 2008 |access-date=21 June 2015}} a Triumph Dolomite 1300{{cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4533690|title=SJ3289 : Triumph Dolomite 1300, Wirral Transport Museum, Birkenhead|work=Geograph Britain & Ireland|access-date=22 June 2015}} and a 1946 Wolseley 14-series police car{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/billogs/3379554930/|title=1946 Wolseley police car JP5583|work=Flickr|date=14 September 2008 |access-date=21 June 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/filmanddigital/2863102046/|title=Vintage Police Car|work=Flickr|date=14 September 2008 |access-date=21 June 2015}} are part of the collection.

Also in the collection are various vintage motorcycles,{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/scousesmurf/6873047468/|title=Wirral Transport Museum|work=Flickr|date=24 March 2012 |access-date=21 June 2015}} including a BSA Bantam,{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/tompatto/8083656240/|title=B.S.A. BANTAM|work=Flickr|date=2 September 2012 |access-date=21 June 2015}} a Douglas,{{cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4533769|title=SJ3289 : Douglas motorcycle, Wirral Transport Museum, Birkenhead|work=Geograph Britain & Ireland|access-date=22 June 2015}} a 1956 BSA C10L,{{cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4533742|title=SJ3289 : 1956 BSA C10L motorbike, Wirral Transport Museum, Birkenhead|work=Geograph Britain & Ireland|access-date=22 June 2015}} a 1938 Norton 16H{{cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4533713|title=SJ3289 : 1938 Norton 16H motorcycle, Wirral Transport Museum, Birkenhead|work=Geograph Britain & Ireland|access-date=22 June 2015}} and a 1964 Honda CB92.{{cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4533733|title=SJ3289 : 1964 Honda CB92 motorbike, Wirral Transport Museum, Birkenhead|work=Geograph Britain & Ireland|access-date=22 June 2015}} Mopeds include a Yamaha QT50{{cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4533779|title=SJ3289 : Yamaha QT50 moped, Wirral Transport Museum, Birkenhead|work=Geograph Britain & Ireland|access-date=22 June 2015}} and a 1967 Honda P50.{{cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4533747|title=SJ3289 : 1967 Honda P50 moped, Wirral Transport Museum, Birkenhead|work=Geograph Britain & Ireland|access-date=22 June 2015}}