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Thursday 11th May 2023 The Valley, Warwickshire WR11 4DS

Join us for a day of vintage transport photography in the Cotswolds with two 1930s/1940s vehicles

A full day of vintage transport photography in the Cotswolds using a 1940s Midland Red C1 coach and a 1930s half-cab, both in authentic and extremely photogenic liveries set against splendid rural backdrops

£80.00

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Only 15 tickets left

About this event

We are delighted to have been offered a day of rural photography featuring the classic lines of C1 coach No,3301. This is an extremely rare chance to see and photograph one of only two preserved C1 Midland Red coaches in action The C1 coaches were introduced in 1948-49, when No.3300 emerged as the first of what would number forty-five vehicles of that type. These were the very first post-war coaches introduced by the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company at Carlysle Works in Birmingham. These stylish vehicles were built with Duple bodywork constructed to a BMMO design and based on the S6 bus. Although they were introduced in the late-1940s and were followed by further new designs over the next decade, the C1s proved remarkably long-lived as they were retained as smaller tour buses well into the 1960s with a few continuing their active lives even longer as dual-control driver training vehicles.

Our first vehicle for today is C1 coach 3301 (KHA 301) which completed a lengthy restoration in 2021 and is finished in absolutely immaculate condition. This coach was new in November 1948 and then worked in service until 1963, at which point it was equipped with a revised seating arrangement prior to an extended period based at the Company’s Bearwood Depot (now reincarnated as a pin Aldi supermarket) as the Midland Red orchestra coach. It was used for a further eight years until early 1971. Upon withdrawal, KHA 301 passed to the 3301 Preservation Group who have made a superb job of returning it to the road after a long spell out of traffic in recent years.

Our second vehicle is Leyland Tiger TS7 JA 5515, built in 1936. The Leyland Tiger is not going to appear until mid-April so no pictures, but rest assured it will be in a condition which is both appropriate and will beautifully complement the C1.

Our day will start from and finish at The Valley Country Park just outside Evesham, which is located at the northern end of the A46 Evesham bypass. There is free parking and, for those who are bringing their wives, partners or significant others, there is plenty of scope for shopping at the variety of retail outlets on site, along with a restaurant. We are aiming for an 09.15 meeting for an 09.45 departure time; we will be back at base by 18.00 hours. Rather than a long lunch break, we plan two shorter stops for refreshments during the day.

Grateful thanks goes to the owners of both our vehicles for their great help and co-operation in bringing this event to fruition, and we look forward to seeing you in Worcestershire for what we hope will be another memorable day of vintage transport photography.

Event requirements

Equipment

  • Spare batteries
  • Camera
  • Lenses
  • Camera protection - rain covers etc

Knowledge

  • All levels welcome

Fitness

  • Low

Other essentials

  • Sturdy outdoor shoes
  • Wet weather gear

Event location

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