I remember when I first started working as a bus driver in the 70s, the Sheffield Corporation buses were painted a very smart blue and cream livery, with the Sheffield coat of arms prominent in the middle, since privatisation, the colour schemes seem to have gone from bad to worse, either very dowdy, or just very gharish, or am I just being nostalgic?

I agree Malc ..last time I visited Sheffield I was Horrified when i saw those big grey trams..did a salesman find half a million gallons of battleship grey paint and flog to the Transport dept...and whats all that sructure down by Queens road area with traffic lights hanging from it and cables and steelwork and such it looks awfull.

Originally posted by Timbuck
I agree Malc ..last time I visited Sheffield I was Horrified when i saw those big grey trams..did a salesman find half a million gallons of battleship grey paint and flog to the Transport dept...and whats all that sructure down by Queens road area with traffic lights hanging from it and cables and steelwork and such it looks awfull.

The trams are no longercoloured that "invisible-in-fog grey".

They were repainted a few years ago, when stagecoach took them over.

They are now in white livery with the blue, orange, and red, striped bottom panel. (there's a couple that have been jazzed up in funky pink and cyan colours to advertise meadow hell)

The structures on queens road are called a tidal flow system; they alter the road priorities so that there are more lanes of traffic going into the city at morning peak hours, and then in the evening, the flow is reversed , so that there are more lanes being fed out-of-town at the evening peak.

The idea is that it makes the traffic run more eficiently...

hth

PT

Originally posted by Plain Talker
The trams are no longercoloured that "invisible-in-fog grey".

They were repainted a few years ago, when stagecoach took them over.

They are now in white livery with the blue, orange, and red, striped bottom panel. (there's a couple that have been jazzed up in funky pink and cyan colours to advertise meadow hell)

The structures on queens road are called a tidal flow system; they alter the road priorities so that there are more lanes of traffic going into the city at morning peak hours, and then in the evening, the flow is reversed , so that there are more lanes being fed out-of-town at the evening peak.

The idea is that it makes the traffic run more eficiently...

hth

PT

For nostalgia freaks (myself included) some of the old 60s & 70s Sheffield buses in their original livery are preserved at a bus museum. I'll stand corrected on the exact location, but I seem to remember it was around the bottom of Prince Of Wales Road. It never seemed to be open last time I was in Sheffield, so it may have moved/closed since then. Can any of the locals fill in the gaps?

I believe that the sheffield bus museum is based at the old tinsley tram sheds, near the carbrook hall pub.

(that is, it's on the meadow hall/ attercliffe side, not the actual tinsley side)

From sheffield, Just follow attercliffe common, out past the arena and carbrook, and it's on the left hand side, on the continuation of attercliffe common, (Sheffield road), there's an old pub just beside it, and a tile place nearby.

(NOTE! if you get to the tinsley viaduct, you have gone too far!!!)

I understand that they hold open days, quite regularly.

PT

For anyone interested, the Sheffield bus museum has a very interesting web site, not sure of the correct address, but google will bring it up for those interested.

Plain Talker - you know just a little too much about busses for my liking. Stop it, you're frightening me :) I think that you're the person who used to pinch busses from bus stops to joyride who was in my year at school!

no, Tony,

I have a poppa and four uncles who were bus drivers, (as well as steam and train enthusiasts) so, I was brought up being dragged (not 100% unwillingly :D) around steam/vintage/ train rallies, from being a small girl.

In fact me and the four-years-old-tomorrow granddaughter went to the national railway museum at York a couple of weeks ago, and she enjoyed it as much as I did!!!! she loved seeing the Duchess of Hamilton, and the Mallard! and as for the train trip, on "yer actual" Thomas the Tank Engine!! Well! sheer magic for her!

And no, I have never "nicked " a bus, ever. (chuckle)

PT

Originally posted by Plain Talker

In fact me and the four-years-old-tomorrow granddaughter went to the national railway museum at York a couple of weeks ago, and she enjoyed it as much as I did!!!! she loved seeing the Duchess of Hamilton, and the Mallard! and as for the train trip, on "yer actual" Thomas the Tank Engine!! Well! sheer magic for her!

PT

I took my teenage son to York a while back and he was less than enthusiastic when I suggested we visit the NRM.

However, when he saw Mallard for the first time he changed his tune completely.

Why? A painting of Mallard is featured on the cover of "Modern Life Is Rubbish" an album by his favourite band Blur, so he was thrilled to actually see her in the metal.

There must be a lesson there somewhere for teachers

Originally posted by mojoworking
Originally posted by Plain Talker

In fact, me and the four-years-old-tomorrow granddaughter went to the national railway museum at York a couple of weeks ago, and she enjoyed it as much as I did!!!! she loved seeing the Duchess of Hamilton, and the Mallard! and as for the train trip, on "yer actual" Thomas the Tank Engine!! Well! sheer magic for her!

PT
ok my teenage son to York a while back and he was less than enthusiastic when I suggested we visit the NRM.

However, when he saw Mallard for the first time he changed his tune completely.

Why? A painting of Mallard is featured on the cover of "Modern Life Is Rubbish" an album by his favourite band Blur, so he was thrilled to actually see her in the metal.

There must be a lesson there somewhere for teachers

the granddaughter, (with nannan's help, naturally) phoned her grandad from the NRM, and she told him "I saw the Mallard, the fastest steam train ever!"

Bless!

PT

The most amazing thing when I think about it, being an old git, is that most of the old Sheffield buses in the museum I have actually driven when they were still operating! God!! I feel old.

Originally posted by little malc
The most amazing thing when I think about it, being an old git, is that most of the old Sheffield buses in the museum I have actually driven when they were still operating! God!! I feel old.

My dad was a bus driver in Sheffield during the 50s & 60s. Growing up, I thought it was the coolest job in the world and wanted to be just like him.

He said one of the best aspects of the job was driving the football specials on Saturday. The drivers & conductors got into Hillsborough and t'Lane for free. The only trouble was, they had to leave 10 mins before the end to bring the buses round to the front of the ground ready for the final whistle.

Later on, he became a ticket inspector and that didn't seem so glamorous. It was almost like being a cop in some ways and I recall the drivers & conductors didn't like the inspectors much either, as they had to lay the law down about getting the buses out on time.

It was just like On The Buses where everyone hated the inspector Blakey. In fact, that became my dad's nickname for a while :)

For anoraks and saddos like me who enjoy these things, here is the address of the Sheffield Bus Museum website:

http://freespace.virgin.net/neil.worthington/sheff/shefhome.htm

I remember those buses well. Didn't they look smart? Not like the filthy, polluting old bangers on the roads today.

Buses used to be renewed fairly regularly in the 'olden' days. We seem to have gone backwards rather than progressing.

Hey! Mojo, what was your dad's name when he was an inspector? I'll bet I knew him. Malc

Originally posted by little malc
I remember when I first started working as a bus driver in the 70s, the Sheffield Corporation buses were painted a very smart blue and cream livery, with the Sheffield coat of arms prominent in the middle, since privatisation, the colour schemes seem to have gone from bad to worse, either very dowdy, or just very gharish, or am I just being nostalgic?

The cream and blue buses were replaced by the coffee and cream colour of SYT in the 1970s I think.

Both Sheffield and District and Sheffield Omnibus have used Blue and Cream/white livery since deregulation.

Ah yes,
Fares please ,upstairs only,Hold tight

I drove for SCTD in 1963, and I believe they at one time had plans to paint all the buses dark green! They did manage to paint a couple, but the public soon put a stop to that!

my husband started work on s.t.d. in 1965,as an apprentice diesel mechanic.He tells me that not only were the cream panels hand painted but all the stripes,be they red,black or blue,top and bottom decks,were also painted by hand in the bodyshop at Queens road depot.The repainting and interior body renovation,with mega mechanical overhauls,were all part of a process known as "recertification" by the ministry of transport.Not quite sure wether the coat of arms were hand painted or not.

I also heard the lines where painted by hand,
The brush they would use was a "Lining Fitch"
I think the coat of arms was a transfer

I began work as an apprentice diesel fitter at Queens Road bus depot in 1965.We had our own body shop,where all newly "certified" buses were re-painted and all the upholstery was refurbished.All the painting was done by hand and brush,including the top and bottom deck blue,red and black stripes.I'm not too sure about the Sheffield Crest,that was a guarded secret.The painted lines,around the bus,8ft wide and 30 + ft long ammounted to a lot of patience and skill which I doubt could be matched today as you couldn't see the join!76ft of red,black and blue took some doing.

Originally posted by sweetdexter
I also heard the lines where painted by hand,
The brush they would use was a "Lining Fitch"
I think the coat of arms was a transfer

Yes, I can tell you that the lines were all hand painted. My ex husband served his apprenticeship as a coach painter at Queens Road depot starting in 1959. This was in the days when there was pride in having a nice looking and roadworthy fleet. I was appalled when I saw the state of the buses running around Sheffield when I came home for a visit in 1988. Sad to say things haven't improved much in more recent years either
I'm also not sure about the transfers although I know my ex has a photo of himself taken whilst working on one. I will ask next time I see him.

If anyone is really interested in the colour scheme of the ex. S.T.D. buses,and trams, there are some excellent examples of both in the Crich bus and tram museum in Derbyshire.Well worth a visit.

The Sheffield Bus Museum website is as follows:-

http://www.sheffieldbusmuseum.com

hope that helps as there is directions on the site to get there.

I agree bring back the blue and cream buses.

take care john in Parson Cross

Originally posted by jmrweb


I agree bring back the blue and cream buses.

Wouldn't make any difference to the timekeeping and reliability. I reckon that congestion charging is the answer, like London. Then the council could use the money to buy back the service and repaint the lot in the old corporation colours. Oh, and pay the drivers a decent wage.

It should never have been sold off. What were they thinking!!

Old fashioned Socialism is not yet dead. We can make it work.

Originally posted by jmrweb

I agree bring back the blue and cream buses.

take care john in Parson Cross [/B]

I don't know if anyone has seen it, but the past few days a First bus has been on the 51 route in the old cream and blue colours with Sheffield transport on the side in blue ond the only First sign was a sticker in the back window.

I must say that it looked a lot smarter than the yelllow buses.
Also did anyone see the brand new bendy bus going round? It wasn't on a route so I wonder if they were testing it?

As an ex s.t.d. apprentice of the late 60's I remember quite clearly the colour schemes and the types of buses.Leyland Atlantean {rear engine bus} as was the Daimler.In latter years when the fleet came up for renewal,the major U.K. bus producers were asked to supply.However,a two year waiting period and an extra cost for the livery,was not acceptable to S.T.D. who went further afield to Sweden and actually ordered Volvo buses which were cheaper than Leyland ,A.E.C. and Daimler,were available within 6 months and no extra cost for the livery!The mechanics were a bit ante as they had to re-learn their trade as the new buses were a different breed to that which they were used to.Still,I think they hacked it eventually and things worked out.Just a foot note one of your correspondents remembers a "bus museum" at the bottom of Prince of Wales road? Almost a museum- it was Greenland Road bus depot where I worked!

When I was a kid ,late 40's early 50's.I could identify the make of the bus by the sound of the engine.
There were Leyland ,Regent,Crossley ,Guy.
On another subject during the blitz kids could tell the aircraft from the sound of the engine.
I always remember being in the air raid shelter and one of the older boys listening to the planes and saying "It's O.K.it's one of ours

i have also seen one the cream and blue buses, it was on the x78 bus route .

i have spent quite a bit of time listening to some older passengers saying that with one bus company you knew where to find buses and the old bus timetables were a godsend when planning trips out ,what happened to them now you can have a bag full and still the bus doesnt turn up.

I've seen a single decker blue and cream bus on Olive Grove Road at the side of the Council's depot on Tuesday 7th. They must be running some of them for something!

Little Malc, I think I answered your post about inspectors, but I can't find it on here. I was asking if you knew my uncle? His name was Alf Stones. I know he was an inspecter in 1964, when I worked at SCTD. He was always at the top of Commercial Street. He used to wear his uniform off-duty, he said it was cheaper to ride buses that way!

Originally posted by OneofThree
I've seen a single decker blue and cream bus on Olive Grove Road at the side of the Council's depot on Tuesday 7th. They must be running some of them for something!

The bus company's main depot is over the road from the council depot, at olive grove. so it is possible that the bus was not in service at that time, and travelling either to or from the "Firstbus's" Garage.

Alternatively, it might simply have been running, "in service", as that bus is usually to be found on the number 51, Lodge Moor to Charnock route, which also would take the bus past the Olive Grove Road depots.

PT

Hi! oldtimer, no, I didn't know Alf, 1965 was before my time on the transport, I was made an inspector in 1973, now I live in Scarborough and am enjoying doing B---all.
The current project is building a model railway in the loft, who say's playtime is over, yippee!!

When I wa very young , every Saturday morning a very large bus queue would assemble at the top of Shiregreen Lane (all blokes going to see the "Wednesday" play) ..they used to put on as many buses as was needed to carry all the supporters to see the game....sometimes they brought in some "grey" double decker buses with no roof on, with an open staircase at the rear ..does anyone know where these came from ?? This was about 1949.

Originally posted by Timbuck
When I wa very young , every Saturday morning a very large bus queue would assemble at the top of Shiregreen Lane (all blokes going to see the "Wednesday" play) ..they used to put on as many buses as was needed to carry all the supporters to see the game....sometimes they brought in some "grey" double decker buses with no roof on, with an open staircase at the rear ..does anyone know where these came from ?? This was about 1949.

I have a vague recollection that during the war all the Sheffield buses were painted grey for some reason (but I'm open to correction about this). So could have been a leftover from the war, but I don't know why it was roofless.

here is a website to a precerved sheffield 1960's bus!

http://members.aol.com/AEC7874WJ/7874/index.htm

Andy

Just a few notes on the subject of buses (and trams)

The blue and cream single decker everyone is seeing is part of a programme by First to repaint one bus into each of the old company liveries. There is the blue/cream one you've all seen, a different design of blue cream representing Rotherham Corporation and a red/purple double decker representing the old Doncaster colours.

The crests on the side of the buses were something called a varnish fix transfer. The outside of the bus was varnished, and while it was wet, the transfer was applied. I think another coat of varnish then went on and finally the transfer backing paper was removed. Another coat of varnish sealed the whole thing.

It may not be blue and cream, but the very first bendy-bus ever to carry passengers in Sheffield survives. I know this cos it now belongs to me!!! I've been given some funny things over the years!!!:hihi:

Also....
Did you know that for last tram week in Sheffield in 1960 two trams were specially painted? They had pictures of older trams on the sides and the people in these hand-painted pics were actually characatures of the heads of the Transport dept at the time.
;)

Yes, the Roberts tram which was painted for last tram week is now at Crich museum, the paintings were preserved, but I don't know if it currently display's them, as it will surely have had a repaint by now. I still have a couple of pennies which were squashed by the wheels of this tram as a memento on the last procession night.
Interesting that you now have a bendy bus Andy, is this one of the M.A.N. buses? I remember our chief driving inspector and other driving school inspectors going down to Dover to collect these, we all had to learn to handle these as inspectors, but I must admit, I allways had fun reversing!

Does anyone remember the tram covered in lights to celebrate the end of World War 2? I remember seeing it pass my aunt's shop on Attercliffe Common (with very young eyes!)

There is at least one bus in the Mainline Fleet painted in the old colours. I see it running regularly on the 51 route.

For me the blue and cream livery was so unique it gave Sheffield an identity. look at any video of Sheffield 'The city on the move' from the 70's and there are blue/cream buses everywhere.

These days there are so many garish and bland schemes, that all city centres now look alike.

Originally posted by stevo
For me the blue and cream livery was so unique it gave Sheffield an identity. look at any video of Sheffield 'The city on the move' from the 70's and there are blue/cream buses everywhere.

These days there are so many garish and bland schemes, that all city centres now look alike.

I totally agree. The busses in that footage truly look great. (Infact, the city looks really clean with some very impressive flower-beds and fountains actually working!)

It would be great to have this colour scheme back on the First busses, just as you say, to have a bit of an individual identity. And the Sheffield Coat of Arms on the side. Where has all the pride gone?

Look at the trams at Crich Tramway museum and the amount of care taken in their design.

We lost the blue and cream around 1973 when Sheffield Transport became the South Yorkshire Transport Executive. An impressive moniker for a second rate colour scheme of coffee and cream! Still, a ride from Fulwood to Stannington at 2p - and this was only 20 odd years ago - was good value for money.

..........and because of the ridiculously cheap fares, everyone used the bus, so there were hundreds of them. People even used to talk to one another and the only thing they may have had in common, was that they were Sheffielders. Incredibly men used to stand up to let ladies sit on seats when the bus was full. This must seem strange to many of todays young 'uns.

;)

And as I said previously, you knew it was Sheffield because there was cream and blue everywhere. As much a part of Sheffields identity as the cooling towers at Tinsley and The Goodwin fountain (RIP).

The last comment about cheap fares in Sheffield is very interesting, this was one of the deliberate ways of enticing people to use public transport, and it worked!
Now we have a so called labour government trying to encourage people to use public transport more often, but by the very policy of privatisation have priced it so there is no incentive for a car driver to leave there car at home. For public transport to really work, it must meet three main criteria;- it must be cheap, reliable, and frequent. Current bus and tram services do not meet all these essential ingredients. Of course, to keep fares at an attractive price, a government subsidy is essential.

Good point. I thin kone of the great problems with the cheap fares before deregulation, was that they were subsidised by the rate payers (I believe). With the motor car becoming ever more popular and rates in Sheffield being quite expensive at the time anyway, there was a lot of opposition to this subsidy.

The results are there to see. Public transport within cities works well and everyone needs to pay a share, otherwise the cityscape becomes unpleasant and congested. It's a little different in rural areas.

So Sheffield, bring back the cream and blue, bring back the crest, bring back cheap fares and make the city look like Sheffield once again. There - I've had my say!

:rolleyes:

Interesting to see you are living at Filey Stevo, i'm just up the road from you at Osgodby! small world ain't it?

A fellow missionary!

:hihi:

Originally posted by little malc
Hey! Mojo, what was your dad's name when he was an inspector? I'll bet I knew him. Malc
little malc -might you have known my dad george keatley he was an irishman - he lived at lane top and i think he worked on the buses in the 50's and 60's i also think he drove some of the last trams - i don't know what year that would have been - anyone help with that one?

My Uncle Lol Francis worked on the buses for some 30 yrs & my brother John was a conductor in the early 70s.

as i kid i always remember the odd cross-hatching pattern on the backs of the seats....

:|

Hi! Erino, the last tram ran in 1960, I remember your dad although he was a bit older than me, used to see him knocking about Lane Top as I also lived there.
I have lived in Scarborough for a while now, but your mail certainly brought a lot of memories flooding back.

If anyone is nostalgic for the old cream and blue Sheffied buses the Corgi model car people do two or three of them. You can buy them from the model shop in Fitzallan Square.

Originally posted by little malc
The most amazing thing when I think about it, being an old git, is that most of the old Sheffield buses in the museum I have actually driven when they were still operating! God!! I feel old.


Trouble is Malc, I feel we should be part of that bloody museum with the service we put in and the back breaking job we had to handle those damn buses that had NO powered steering. Cheers !!!

Whenever we went on holiday - usually Blackpool, (late 50's) I used to play a 'game' with me mum to see who was first to spot a Sheffield Cream and Blue.

When we saw one it made me feel good cus I knew then we were 'home'

Scenic has certainly hit the nail on the head about buses with no power steering! most modern buses seem to be from the Volvo stable, they seem to have cornered the bus market, full automatic transmission, power steering, good heating, shock absorber mounted drivers seat etc, the Leyland, Daimlers, Bristols etc we had right up to the mid 70s were just the oposite.
The Daimler type Atlantean needed plenty muscle to steer, and it got much worse with a full passenger load. The even earlier back loaders had no heating at all, very draughty cabs, crash gearboxes, and often a strong stink of diesel fuel.
Oh happy days eh!!!

Originally posted by little malc
The even earlier back loaders had no heating at all, very draughty cabs, crash gearboxes, and often a strong stink of diesel fuel.
Oh happy days eh!!!

The old back loaders weren't very comfortable for the pasengers either, - it coul be pretty draughty upstairs in the winter ;)

At least on those you didn't have passengers bending your ear :P

For those of you needing a cream and blue fix - check this out !http://www.cooperline.com/pages/B086.htm - even got my old 74 route centre stage. Remember wondering as kid if they'd make it up Greystones with a full load - sometimes they didn't and you'd have to walk up :mad: They'd also lean wildly on tight corners and the platform would scrap the road - really scary if you were stood on it at the time! Conductors all seemed to be Teds with DAS hair and low-slung satchels, but the banter was great.:hihi:

Does anyone remember Walt Jordan ?
He was a tram driver ,when the trams were scrapped he drove buses.
He lived next door to me in the 50s

Memories, memories!

Some good, such as being able to watch the driver and copy him - downstairs, front, right. Failing that, upstairs, front, and using the bar across the window as a steering 'wheel'. Also collecting tickets from the 'used tickets' box on the platform. The conductor "waiting until passengers were seated" before ringing the bell twice to tell the driver to go.

Some bad, such as falling down stairs and rolling off the platform prior to the bus pulling up. Several failed attempts at jumping off safely before bus stops...only to find that I was supposed to be facing forwards on landing. Nobody can run backwards at 10 mph can they?

The comment about jumping on and off backloaders while on the move brings a smile to my face, platform accidents used to take up a lot of conductors time, someone was always misjudging the speed of a bus when they attempted some impossible move. I can well remember a man grabbing the rear pole of my bus when it was just starting off, he fell flat on his face but refused to let go of the pole, after being dragged horizontal for a few yards he was assisted on to the bus with two big holes in his trouser knees, pride refused to let him admit his knees were pretty sore, and he refused any medical help.
This sort of incident was very common, some had endings that were quite serious, and others quite funny.

guess what Malc, in Sheffield town center last Saturday along came what looked like a brand new single decker in the original Sheffield Livery complete with the Sheffield badge on the front. I wonder if First are having a rethink.

That would be something to see, perhaps its some sort of nostalgia event I don,t think actually, First would be allowed to use the old corporation colours without special permission, the coat of arms and colour scheme are the property of Sheffield City Council.
Whatever the reason, there was no doubt that the cream and blue livery with red wheels looked outstandingly smart, and in my opinion has never been bettered anywhere in Britain.
P.S Bits, have a look in your PM box, best regards, Malc.

As a young lad in the years after the War, it was exciting to see the various new buses which were bought to replace the older long-service buses.
One morning, when leaving home for school, I saw a bus on the Shiregreen route coming down Nottingham Street before turning into Rock Street. I thought it was the most beautiful bus I had ever seen. It was a new AEC, all shiny cream with the blue lines. The council had bought a whole fleet of these beauties.
In the air conditions which applied in those days, it wasn't practical to keep the tops of the buses painted cream, and later these buses were repainted with grey roofs - and suddenly looked very ordinary!
Like a lot of people, I didn't like it when buses and trams started appearing wearing green paint - yuk. Even brand-new Leyland buses delivered in the new green livery were smart, but not beautiful.
An old AEC (Bus number 8) was used to try out various colour schemes. I seem to remember seeing cream buses with a lot of blue, and after the trams had disappeared someone decided that cream and orange was the way ahead. Oh dear.
Sheffield Transport colour schemes went from good to bad to worse over the years, in my opinion.

:cry: :( :mad:

Memories of smelly Greenland Road garage as a child - sweet!
My Dad worked as a welder there - I loved to visit and watch buses going thru buswash as a kid.

Caz

Originally posted by bits
guess what Malc, in Sheffield town center last Saturday along came what looked like a brand new single decker in the original Sheffield Livery complete with the Sheffield badge on the front. I wonder if First are having a rethink.
:clap: One of these was in service today. I was going down Ecclesall Road and coming towards me was the 82 Ecclesall - only in the cream and blue livery with the coat of arms on the side. This one was a backloader and a double decker.

I'm far too young to remember them 1st time round :D but have to say it looked fantastic.

Originally posted by MysTique
:clap: One of these was in service today. I was going down Ecclesall Road and coming towards me was the 82 Ecclesall - only in the cream and blue livery with the coat of arms on the side. This one was a backloader and a double decker.

I'm far too young to remember them 1st time round :D but have to say it looked fantastic.

That will be one of the two old backloaders that the bus museum owns.

They do special trips, exhibitions and excursions.

PT

As we turned off Norfolk St. onto Arundel Gate this morning about 1045 we ended up behind an old blue and cream rear-loader, it had 82 on the indicator and the vehicle number was 904. There were passengers and a conductor on board but I doubt it was in service, - perhaps hired for a wedding or something. ?

Couldn't see what make it was but it looked like the same type used on the 8/9 circular route in the 1950s, -anyway a delight to see it on the road again :)

Originally posted by bits
guess what Malc, in Sheffield town center last Saturday along came what looked like a brand new single decker in the original Sheffield Livery complete with the Sheffield badge on the front. I wonder if First are having a rethink.

Currently first have a bus in Old Sheffield Transport livery normal seen on 51 route and another in Old Rotherham corportation livery can sometimes be seen on X78 and has been used on service 17 several times as this route is operated out of Rotherham garage.

When I think Sheffield buses I think white

Originally posted by Paxobird
When I think Sheffield buses I think white

i always think loppy wrecks

I hate to see all the colours that we have on the buses - it looks "sloppy" why can't we have a uniformed colour of cream and blue - whatever the bus company, they should be made to follow the chosen colour of Sheffield - how smart would that be?? :)

Not a bad idea - a bit like all buses in London being red. Make it a bit dodgy though trying to work out what buses you can get on with your First ticket though.

I think one or two posts have merged here, however, as mentioned previously, the blue and cream Sheffield Corporation colours were probably the smartest and most attractive in Britain, but the scheme is copyright owned by Sheffield Council.
When the buses were privatised, they refused permission for any private operator to use the old colours, and of course, the private operators in any case wanted to use the colours of there own fleet.
No 904 that you saw is a preserved Leyland operated by a group of bus enthusiasts, and can be hired for private functions.
I,m not sure who the actual owners of this bus are, as over the years I have lost touch with details, but I am sure the Sheffield bus museum could give you the information.
The P.T.E which took over the tendering etc of bus services in South Yorkshire, are as far as Sheffield Council is concerned, classed as a private op, hence when they first started we saw the ghastly brown and cream colours which they picked, then when Mainline, which was the buses once owned by the council, were split off, we saw the even more gharish yellow and red, nuff said!!!

Originally posted by kirky
i always think loppy wrecks Another intellegent answer....keep em coming.:confused:

Nostalgia!!




http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/saxon51/THE%20buses/DSCI0030.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/saxon51/THE%20buses/DSCI0024.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/saxon51/THE%20buses/DSCI0017.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/saxon51/THE%20buses/DSCI0006.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/saxon51/THE%20buses/DSCI0007.jpg

I love the photo,s Saxon, obviously taken at the bus museum, do you have any connection there?
Blitzkid mentions the "lovely shiny new A.E.C buses" they certainly looked well, but in all truth were bloody awful things to drive! They had the governors set to cut in at about 38 to 40mph, very frustrating when on a longer journey route like 69 to Rotherham.
They were extremely noisy, everthing in the cab would rattle, and one of the peculier features of this bus, the body work was mounted on springs while the cab and drivers seat was mounted directly on the chassis.
This , when going round corners, caused the cab window to lean into the corner while the driver was still sitting bolt upright.
A rubber strip below the drivers window was suposed to keep the draught out, as it wore over the years it did no such thing, and in winter, a cold icy blast would hit the unfortunate driver in the midrift, looking at the cold weather today, the memory of this is very real!

I've said it before in a previous run of this topic, that the cream and blue gave Sheffield Transport a unique identity. When you saw cream and blue, you knew you were in Sheffield. Nowadays you get the feel that could be in any city.

Why is the colour of the buses so important to many Sheffielders? I think it is that many remember the city crawling with cream and blue in the halcyon days of the 60's.

Why don't we all bombard the City Council with requests to bring back cream and blue? There might just be someone within the walls of the town hall, who will take heed of a very good idea.

Then they can 'presuade' First to comply!



:D

Originally posted by little malc
I love the photo,s Saxon, obviously taken at the bus museum, do you have any connection there?


No.....I'm an SF spy. :heyhey:

Naughty Saxon!
An interesting point when we talk about the old Sheffield colours, is that all the buses, (and trams prior) were painted by hand, ie brush! highly skilled coach painters would apply all the enamel by brush, then finish the job off with a few coats of varnish.
It was amazing what a superb finish was obtained, a classic example was the trams which were painted for the last tram procession in 1960, wonderful scenes depicting trams past and present were painted on the sides of the cars, a beautiful example being preserved at Crich tram museum.
I wonder if anyone today could still tackle a job like this?

that quite interesting , i like it :)

Originally posted by stevo
I've said it before in a previous run of this topic, that the cream and blue gave Sheffield Transport a unique identity. When you saw cream and blue, you knew you were in Sheffield. Nowadays you get the feel that could be in any city.

Why is the colour of the buses so important to many Sheffielders? I think it is that many remember the city crawling with cream and blue in the halcyon days of the 60's.

Why don't we all bombard the City Council with requests to bring back cream and blue? There might just be someone within the walls of the town hall, who will take heed of a very good idea.


There are one or two cream-and-blues in the city, with Sheffield City Transport as the operator. They're modern single-deckers but with the old livery for some reason. Anyone know why?

Originally posted by Plain Talker
That will be one of the two old backloaders that the bus museum owns.

They do special trips, exhibitions and excursions.

PT

Thanks for that PT - yep it certainly looked a little too clean to be in 'normal' service.
Was nice to see it out and about on the roads though!

slimsid2000 was quite right - "The cream and blue buses were replaced by the coffee and cream colour of SYT in the 1970s I think". It came about (as per a later post) as a result of Sheffield Corporation Transport Department becoming South Yorkshire Transport. This in turn was due to the local government reorganisation of 1973-74. I suspect that the reason for the awful coffee and cream livery was that the South Yorkshire authority could not be seen to favour any of its municipal predecessors by using their livery (cream and dark blue in Sheffield, a truly horrible blue in Rotherham and bright red in Doncaster). So they had to introduce a new colour scheme, and the awful "coffee and cream" was the result. There was such a public outcry that they darkened the colour of the "coffee" but it was still awful. We went from having the smartest buses in the country to having the worst. Later on (after a respectable period, presumably so that the perpetrators would not lose face) the red and cream livery was introduced, and this was much better. But not as good as the old cream and blue.

These are not all blue and cream (there is on of a Fleetline at Sandtoft) but thet might bring back memories for some


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/hjdary/P9107789-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/hjdary/P9107787.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/hjdary/PB048187.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/hjdary/PB048186.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/hjdary/P6256870.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/hjdary/P5016520.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/hjdary/Dom7.jpg

Aha - now I realise that the "coffee & cream" brigade really didn't like to lose face - they cunningly added a "coffee" stripe to the much smarter red & cream. I never did like the red & yellow buses. Politicians.... Whatever one might think of First, their livery isn't bad.

Am I right in thinking that the name of either I or T Humpidge, General Manager, appeared under the crest on the blue and cream buses? It is such a long time ago. Showing my age now.

Yes - well remembered! It was actually C.T. Humpidge, who was General Manager of Sheffield Corporation Transport from 1961 - I was at school (King Edward's) with his son Roger. The General Manager's name actually appeared near the front nearside wheel arch of most buses - so with front loaders you would notice it when getting on. The late Chaceley Thornton Humpidge (what a splendid name!) had spent 10 years as General Manager of Bradford Corporation Transport before coming to Sheffield. He was a big believer in electric traction, and if he had been at Sheffield in the 1950s the trams would probably have survived longer (cf. Bradford's trolleybuses which were finally scrapped in 1972). Chaceley Humpidge was the first President of the Tramway Museum Society. He died in 1972, aged only 67.

The photo's brought back many memories, all nicely polished up and looking pristine. However, in reality, the early Leylands and Daimlers were all without power steering, and required real muscle power.
The weight of the steering went up as the passenger number went up, the Daimler Fleetline being one of the worst, taking a sharp corner with a full load meant bracing your back against the bulkhead, and really pulling and pushing the large diameter wheel, it could be very hot and sweaty work!
All the old blue and cream Sheffield buses were hand painted by master coach painters, and finished with clear varnish. Every bus had to go through the wash when "running in" at night, regardless of how late the duty finish was. This often meant a flat out run on the last trip of the night, as most staff wanted to get the first staff bus home, missing this and having to wait for the second staff bus home could make a difference of two hours in getting home. Very few of us in the late sixties and early seventies had our own transport.

Hi All, Especially 'Oldtimer' of Canada. We have comunicated before on the subject of The S.T.D (Sheffield Transport Department) Herris Rd I believe you said you worked from. Hope you had a good Xmas and have a Happy New Year.
I worked for STD from 1963 as a conductor at East Bank Rd and then to Townhead St Garage conducting on the Leeds-Bradford keyboard. Went driving in 1966. Did a spell at Leadmill Rd Garage and then went back to East Bank Rd until I went back to Townhead St. When Townhead St closed I went back to East Bank Rd onto The Leeds-Bradford keyboard. I left the STD in 1970 when, with my family moved to Cornwall to live. I must admit that at that time I was very proud to be working for the Best Bus Company in the Country. Renowned for 1/. Smartest Bus Fleet. 2/. Best Service. (every 4 min on 82 Ecclesall - Middlewood) 3/. Cheapest Fares.
If any one worked between 1963 to 1970 STD my name is:-
Ken Foster and at the start lived on Valley Rd, Meersbrook.
then moved to Norfolk Park, Beeches Drive. The first flats to
be demoloished.

Do not let anyone take it from us but those Cream an Blues were bl---y smart and I was proud to tell people where I worked.
Thanks
Ken.

Does anyone remember Walt Jordan ?
He was a tram driver ,when the trams were scrapped he drove buses.
He lived next door to me in the 50s

Hello,
I thought you may be interested to know that I was a bus driver at Herries Road garage at the same time as walt Jordon, My friend who was later my best man at my wedding,, was a bus conductor in 1967, his driver was Walt Jordon, sadly no longer with us but remembered with fond memories. My friend Trevor who I am still in touch with, will have some stories to tell I am sure.

Hi! oldtimer, no, I didn't know Alf, 1965 was before my time on the transport, I was made an inspector in 1973, now I live in Scarborough and am enjoying doing B---all.
The current project is building a model railway in the loft, who say's playtime is over, yippee!!


Not much has changed for you then, is it norman v. ?

Am I right in thinkingg that the name of either I or T Humpidge, General Manager, appeared under the crest on the blue and cream buses? It is such a long time ago. Showing my age now.

I seem to remember the name R C Moore, Director of Transport appearing underneath the crest

I seem to remember the name R C Moore, Director of Transport appearing underneath the crest

R.C Moore was general Manager Sheffield Transport Department until retirement his replacement was C.T. Humpidge who was later to oversee the transition to South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive in 1970.

Thank you. As I left Sheffield in 1959, I had no knowledge of any one later.

These are not all blue and cream (there is on of a Fleetline at Sandtoft) but thet might bring back memories for some


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/hjdary/P9107789-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/hjdary/P9107787.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/hjdary/PB048187.jpgblue,cream

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/hjdary/PB048186.jpg
red

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/hjdary/P6256870.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/hjdary/P5016520.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/hjdary/Dom7.jpg

a couple of these are parked at olive grove depot, if any one wants to go and see them, you could look over the fence onto the top yard or sign in as a visitor/ask to go and have a look.

In the 50's, some of the King Teds lads used to 'bus spot'. Most of the buses were either Leyland or AEC. Some of the older, no doubt pre-war models used on, e.g. the inner circular route, were Guy (I think), Crossley (I think) and definitely Daimler.

The comment about jumping on and off backloaders while on the move brings a smile to my face, platform accidents used to take up a lot of conductors time, someone was always misjudging the speed of a bus when they attempted some impossible move. I can well remember a man grabbing the rear pole of my bus when it was just starting off, he fell flat on his face but refused to let go of the pole, after being dragged horizontal for a few yards he was assisted on to the bus with two big holes in his trouser knees, pride refused to let him admit his knees were pretty sore, and he refused any medical help.
This sort of incident was very common, some had endings that were quite serious, and others quite funny.

I was driving a front loader Atlantean from Townhead St depot to Angel Street for the 11:15 or 11:45 to Ecclesall, I forget which. There was a member of staff on the front and he wanted me to drop him off outside Boots so that he could run up to the Cutlers Hall and catch the 52 to Crookes.

The whistle blew for the 'off' and I steered right out of Angel Street and saw the 52 heading towards us from Commercial St. The staff member, dressed in his long raincoat decided to open the door and jump for it and wave the 52 'down'. As he opened the door he said, "OK mate, I'll shut it" and as he turned the handle to the close position he dived out the door. He made it perfectly, running like a good-un and still running and still running. After belting flat out up the road for about 100yds, I then realised that his raincoat was trapped in the door. He was b****y lucky he didn't finish up under the front wheel, but I couldn't stop laughing all the way to Ecclesall.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...y/P6256870.jpg

I've driven this bus in STD days. These buses had excellent gear boxes and were a treat to drive in preference to the Leyland back-loaders.

I took this shot of 706 at Rivelin Dams terminus after driving it there. It was probably mid-1968.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/escafeld01/NS-0004.jpg

I started as a conductor at Townhead St in '63. I worked mostly nights and from every depot in turn. 18 months later I went driving. Went to Leadmill Rd when it closed. My wife started same week (opposite shifts) as me at Herries Rd and we have consecutive badges, however we never met until a year later. We married in '67. We left the buses and Sheffield in '73. My Father retired off the buses with 42 years service.

Edited for link - http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/escafeld01/STDBus704.jpg

crookes, could you check your linkys, please, cos I'm getting a "not found" message. :(

TIA

crookes, could you check your linkys, please, cos I'm getting a "not found" message. :(

TIA

It works OK for me, sorry if you can't see it. Anyone else having trouble with the link? Did anyone link OK?

Got the Rivelin Dams photo printed off. Good one, but I couldn't access the previous photobucket.

Last time I visited the Street car museum in Kennebunk, Maine there was an example of the last of the Sheffield trams to be used during the 60s, along with a single decker Blackpool tram like the ones tha used to run along the promenade. The Sheffield tram was in daily operation, and very popular because it was a double decker. American street cars were always single decked.

Got the Rivelin Dams photo printed off. Good one, but I couldn't access the previous photobucket.

Try the same link from tom3t0, two or three posts previous to mine.

Cheers, Dave

Edited for my own link - http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/escafeld01/STDBus704.jpg

Thanks Dave. Photo fine. Mike

Have been here in Cornwall sice 1970 and still think of Sheffield all the time. Fantastic Sheffield Forum here, keeps me occupied for ages. Is there any one out there who worked at Townhead St. garage prior to the late seventies. I remeber walking around the garage when I was 0430 reserve trying to keep awake. I remember, walking around in the upper garage that there used to be a large wheel 'ring' which fitted around the wheel rim to retain the tyre, wedged between the garage wall and the floor. This was near to where the stairs went down to the canteen. I was told by the Depot Inspector that it was left leaning on the wall but by the time it was needed it had 'somehow' slipped down and was wedged solid. I know of a few drivers who spent a lot of energy trying to pull this thing out, me included. I wonder if it was still there when the garage was demolished.. Anyone know?..Ken Foster.

...Is there any one out there who worked at Townhead St. garage prior to the late seventies?

1963 - 1973 Transferred to Leadmill Road after Townhead Street closure.

Thanks to all for a very informative thread, and the excellent photographs. What has puzzled me for quite a while now is the subtle differences in the use of the blue striping on the buses. On some it was more prominent than on others. You can see this quite clearly on the CooperLine Print. So if anyone has info regarding the reason for these differences and also, if possible, any info on the A,B & C Fleets, I would be very grateful if they would post it. Thanks in anticipation. John.

I also enjoyed reading this "dormant" thread, and as it happens I also knew C.T. Humpidge, the General Manager whom "Wadsleyite" referred to in post #87. In regard to the A, B and C fleets, the distinctions are explained in my carefully-preserved 1957 Ian Allan bus spotting book (its official title is "ABC British Bus Fleets (2) Yorkshire Municipal"). The relevant text reads:

Powers were obtained by the main line railway companies in 1928 to operate services, and as a result the "Sheffield Corporation, L.M.S., L.N.E. Railways Joint Omnibus Committee" was set up to control services operating outside the City boundary. Services that operated to intermediate points outside the City were designated 'B' services and in these the railways obtained a half interest, whilst on the longer distance services (designated 'C') the railways assumed complete ownership. The 'B' and 'C' services are operated by the Corporation on behalf of the Joint Omnibus Committee.

The 1957 book states that buses in the 'A' fleet were numbered from 200 to 900, the 'B' fleet from 1 to 199 and 1251+, and the 'C' fleet between 1142 and 1207.

Naturally, after the railways were nationalised the "Sheffield Joint Omnibus Committee" consisted of Sheffield Corporation and British Railways. I remember what Reggie Binks, an ex-L.N.E.R. driver told me about this in c. 1962. He drily commented that the closure of railway lines by Dr Beeching meant that more people would use buses, and so British Railways would still collect their fares.

Why don't they merge this thread with the other thread called 'Sheffield Buses Past', it just seems the most logical really, save a little confusion in the long run.

I also enjoyed reading this "dormant" thread, and as it happens I also knew C.T. Humpidge, the General Manager whom "Wadsleyite" referred to in post #87. In regard to the A, B and C fleets, the distinctions are explained in my carefully-preserved 1957 Ian Allan bus spotting book (its official title is "ABC British Bus Fleets (2) Yorkshire Municipal"). The relevant text reads:

Powers were obtained by the main line railway companies in 1928 to operate services, and as a result the "Sheffield Corporation, L.M.S., L.N.E. Railways Joint Omnibus Committee" was set up to control services operating outside the City boundary. Services that operated to intermediate points outside the City were designated 'B' services and in these the railways obtained a half interest, whilst on the longer distance services (designated 'C') the railways assumed complete ownership. The 'B' and 'C' services are operated by the Corporation on behalf of the Joint Omnibus Committee.

Thankyou for the information Hillsboro

The 1957 book states that buses in the 'A' fleet were numbered from 200 to 900, the 'B' fleet from 1 to 199 and 1251+, and the 'C' fleet between 1142 and 1207.

Naturally, after the railways were nationalised the "Sheffield Joint Omnibus Committee" consisted of Sheffield Corporation and British Railways. I remember what Reggie Binks, an ex-L.N.E.R. driver told me about this in c. 1962. He drily commented that the closure of railway lines by Dr Beeching meant that more people would use buses, and so British Railways would still collect their fares.

Thankyou for the info Hillsbro. It is much appreciated. I wonder if the differences in livery of the buses related to the different fleets?

I remember when I first started working as a bus driver in the 70s, the Sheffield Corporation buses were painted a very smart blue and cream livery, with the Sheffield coat of arms prominent in the middle, since privatisation, the colour schemes seem to have gone from bad to worse, either very dowdy, or just very gharish, or am I just being nostalgic?

I've just seen a very brief glance of a Supertram painted in these scheme!

I've just seen a very brief glance of a Supertram painted in these scheme!

...yes apparently out from today in retro Sheffield Tramway livery to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Closure of the original Tramway system in Sheffield (8 Oct , 1960)

Sorry this isnt a bus but think youll like it


http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o24/TRAMMANN/DSCN9747.jpg

Sorry this isnt a bus but think youll like it


http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o24/TRAMMANN/DSCN9747.jpgGreat pic, thanks for posting :) Must try and have a ride on that one! How long is it going to be liveried for, or is it for ever?

More detail on side

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o24/TRAMMANN/IMGP9619.jpg

nice shot of 510 on side

Great pic, thanks for posting :) Must try and have a ride on that one! How long is it going to be liveried for, or is it for ever?



the press release says till the end of this year

Heres a real sheffield bus for


http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o24/TRAMMANN/IMGP9683.jpg

it was out due to it been 50 years old this year and was doing a few of its old routes


We couldnt resist this one

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o24/TRAMMANN/IMG_0195.jpg

Ok bus fellahs, here's a challenge for you! I had a great photo off the interent of a 50's/60's bus coming down Ecclesall Rd passed the bottom of Greystones Rd, and on the left was the old Shell Filling Station where I worked. The bus would be a No 28 I think, or maybe No 4? Anyway I've lost it and would dearly like to get another copy, but have drawn a blank on all my searches. Can anyone find it please? Cheers.

Can you remember if it said any think on the back

did it have a name or the name of a group


Do you know if the bus was a backloader or a more modern atlantean - I assume its a double decker

It was coming towards the camera - 1950s/60's back loader, old enough I think to be a No28 before Bents Green became the No4. I think most of the cars were 50's models.

I also think there is a tram painted in the old livery colours

I also think there is a tram painted in the old livery colours



Yes there is a mention above , however here is the link


http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o...N/DSCN9747.jpg

It was coming towards the camera - 1950s/60's back loader, old enough I think to be a No28 before Bents Green became the No4. I think most of the cars were 50's models.

It would most likely be a 82 coming down Ecclesall Road past Greystones road as the number 4 from Bents green used to go down Psalter lane from Banner Cross and the 28 used to run out of Pond street Herdings or Rollerstone but the 82 ran from Ecclesall to Middlewood.

Cliffhanger :

Ive sent details of your request onto people who may be able to help you Iam awaiting replies

As an ex s.t.d. apprentice of the late 60's I remember quite clearly the colour schemes and the types of buses.Leyland Atlantean {rear engine bus} as was the Daimler.In latter years when the fleet came up for renewal,the major U.K. bus producers were asked to supply.However,a two year waiting period and an extra cost for the livery,was not acceptable to S.T.D. who went further afield to Sweden and actually ordered Volvo buses which were cheaper than Leyland ,A.E.C. and Daimler,were available within 6 months and no extra cost for the livery!The mechanics were a bit ante as they had to re-learn their trade as the new buses were a different breed to that which they were used to.Still,I think they hacked it eventually and things worked out.Just a foot note one of your correspondents remembers a "bus museum" at the bottom of Prince of Wales road? Almost a museum- it was Greenland Road bus depot where I worked!

My Dad was a welder at Greenland Road Depot. John "Woggy" Welton :hihi:

Have just seen this thread and strange enough i have just listed a diecast model of a sheffield corporation bus....with the name of the general manager and weight of the bus on the side...in blue and cream livery..if you want to take a look at the pics here isthe link.........
http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=990595

Two models I have. The single-deck has R.C.Moore at the front wheel and U.W 5.14.1 - Speed 30mph at the rear

The double-deck also has R.C.Moore, at the front wheel and forward of the rear wheel is, Seating capacity 56 - Lower deck 26 - Upper deck 30, Speed 30mph - U.W. 7.8.0.

The driving mirrors are still in the boxes.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/escafeld01/Extras/Dscf1510.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/escafeld01/Extras/Dscf1513.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/escafeld01/Extras/Dscf1512.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/escafeld01/Extras/Dscf1517.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/escafeld01/Extras/Dscf1521.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/escafeld01/Extras/Dscf1519.jpg