Transport Museum Wythall celebrates 120 years of Midland Red

Transport Museum Wythall's Midland Red 120 anniversary event saw around 867 people descend on the museum to witness a stunning display of buses. 

A record number of 15 of the museum's own Midland Red fleet were on display alongside 12 Midland Reds which arrived with private owners. 

The museum's fleet provided supporting services from Birmingham City Centre and to and from local railway stations as well as local circulars. 

The running highlight of the day was Wythall's well-established 'happy hour' which operates on big event days and sees a variety of classic vehicles in attendance. 

Described as "pretty special", the 'happy hour' saw vehicles from the 1948 SON to the 1966 Leyland National with most decades represented including the Stratford Blue PD2, which was on hire to Midland Red, and examples from the National Bus. 

Seb Amos, TMW chairman, said: "Midland Red 120 was the most successful event we've had since I've been a member.

"We have to thank all the volunteers on site on the day and those that helped to set it up over weeks of planning for their dedication and support. 

"Many worked through without a break and there was a real buzz on site all day." 

Alan Dedicoat (Image: Transport Museum Wythall)

Vehicle highlights from the day were two BMMO C1 coaches, the BMMO S14 which was out for the first time following over 40 years on static display, the dual-purpose BMMO S16 and the 1934 SOS CON. 

The distinguished guest of honour at the event was the voice of Strictly Come Dancing and the National Lottery draws, Alan Dedicoat, who was born in Hollywood near Wythall. 

He has fond memories of spending his childhood years travelling on Midland Red services. 

A special Hollywood circular was created for the day which Alan conducted along with his driver, volunteer John Haden, following up with a 'happy hour' run.

Alan was very complimentary of what the museum has achieved and promised to be back soon.

He has also owned six Routemasters along with fellow enthusiast Ken Bruce.

MR120 4255 S14 (Image: David Cole) Local supporter Phoenix Insurance offered its employee car park, which helped the museum accommodate twice its normal capacity. 

The car park was shuttled by the trusty National Express ADL Trident and Optare Spectra.

Midland Red 120 also supported the big red Midlands Air Ambulance, with a helicopter on site and opportunities in the cockpit for photos for children of all ages. 

With the museum's D7 rapidly approaching its body reconstruction, the team are also asking for help to let visitors ride on the iconic vehicle in 2025 by supporting the restoration fund at www.wythall.org.uk/D7