Glasgow's original electric buses powered by Pinkston remembered

Some Times Past readers might recall the trolleybuses, which appeared on city streets in 1949.

In fact, the outstanding vehicle at the International Commercial Motor Transport exhibition in London in September 1950, was a single-decker trolleybus on order for Glasgow Corporation, the first of its kind in the country.

The electric vehicle could seat 28 people, with maximum standing room 
for 37.

The conductor remained seated, behind a hinged wooden counter bearing a ticket machine, push-button door control, and a signalling button.

Safety devices included a “trick” step next to the driver’s compartment, which caused a warning signal to be sounded when depressed by a passenger’s feet.

Glasgow had inaugurated its trolleybus service at midday on April 3, 1949, when five vehicles ran the route between Provanmill and Polmadie. Such was the passenger interest in them that they had to be augmented by ordinary buses.

In a pamphlet on Glasgow’s Trolleybuses, author Brian Deans quoted Glasgow’s transport manager Eric Fitzpayne to the effect the new arrivals did not mean the city was about to scrap its much-used trams.

“The trolleybus is certainly a pleasanter vehicle for the passenger than the motorbus,’’ Mr Fitzpayne said. ‘’It is quieter, with no engine vibration, and is free from smell and fumes.’’ 

However, the fact they were quieter and faster was exactly why Glaswegians disliked them.

Nicknamed “the silent death”, as the only noise they emitted was a dull whine, they often caught Glaswegians more used to hearing the clatter of trams unaware, with tragic results.

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Their acceleration, far quicker than the trams, appealed to the drivers, who took off at great speed, sometimes sending passengers sprawling on the floor.

The trolleybus, the power for which was generated at Pinkston power station, lasted until 1967. It never attained the popularity of the trams but, even so, when a group of transport enthusiasts organised a special tour to mark the end of electrically-powered transport in the city’s streets, they still managed to fill two trolleybuses.

As we reported yesterday Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust is holding its annual open weekend on Saturday and Sunday, October 8 and 9.

More than 2000 visitors are expected to be catapulted back in time at Bridgeton Bus Garage this weekend, in a celebration of the golden age of public transport.

At this weekend's event, the Trust’s collection of 130 classic buses, lorries and fire appliances will be boosted by guest vehicles from throughout the UK.

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Our photographers have captured many old Glasgow buses and trolleybuses on film over the decades - do these photos spark any memories for you?

Get in touch by emailing ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk to share your stories and photos.