The British
Transportation Museum is intentionally a work in progress. (See https://www.britishtransportationmuseum.org/.) Vehicles in various states of
repair line the spacious floor of a decommissioned factory building in Dayton,
Ohio. Some are rallied; others are not yet that far along in the process of
restoration. Taking a leisurely tour with President Pete Stroble offers a great
way to learn “about the engineering, design, and history of the vehicles,” as
the museum’s brochure promises. Automobiles of all sorts and bicycles, too, are
arrayed for the enjoyment of enthusiasts and novices.
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| British Transportation Museum's 1936 Austin 20/6 Mayfair Limousine |
I am
definitely a novice. At the outset, I said to Pete that I knew nothing and that
anything he could tell me would be welcome news to me. He laughed but took me
seriously. As we strolled along, he pointed out fascinating facts that, I am
sure, were rudimentary to him. Whenever I asked questions, he took the time to
give full answers and often opened a car door or a hood to show me what he
meant.
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| Irish Currach Boat |
The
collection even includes a currach boat—from Ireland, naturally, although such
boats can just as easily be from Scotland! Canvas is stretched over a wooden
latticework frame consisting of hoops and stringers. A coating such as
water-repelling tar covers the canvas and seals the seams. My Irish DNA was
dancing while I made a close examination of the currach.
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| Morris Mini Van |
A TE-A-20
Ferguson tractor rounds out the collection. For readers wanting more
information, here is expert Robert Sybrandy’s explanation of variations among
Ferguson tractors: “There are actually three basic versions of the gas engine
Ferguson 20: the TE-20, the TE-A-20 and TO-20. The TE-20 was built by Standard
Motors in Coventry, England, beginning in 1946. The TE-20 used a
Continental Z120 engine imported from the U.S. TE-A-20 was also built by
Standard Motors in Coventry, England, beginning in 1947 and was produced alongside
the Continental engine–equipped TE-20 during 1947–1948. The
TE-A-20 uses a Standard Motors engine. Production of the
TE-20 with the Continental engine was supposed to have ended by 1948,
but there is evidence a few additional Continental engine TE-20s were
built after 1948. The TO-20 was built in Detroit, Michigan, beginning in
October 1948. The TO-20 used a Continental Z120 engine and was built
through 1951, when it was replaced by the TO-30. All the TE models (the TE-A-20
and others including the TE-B, TE-C, TE-D, TE-E, TE-F, TE-G, TE-H, TE-J, TE-K,
TE-L, TE-M, TE-N, TE-P, TE-R, TE-S, TE-T, TE-Y and TE-PT, TE-TT,
TE-PZD, TE-PZE, TE-TZD, and TE-TZE) use Lucas electrical
components. The TE series was built through 1956, when it was
replaced by the FE-35, an English version of the U.S.–built TO-35. TO
models including the TO-D-20 use Delco Remy electrical components. While
looking similar, the TE and TO series have other differences
including the steering, clutch, transmission, brakes, engine bracing, hood
and grill, and different materials for the transmission and steering gear
case castings, etc. The TE series was built in many variations including
narrow and vineyard versions, industrial versions, multiple fuel engines,
and diesel engines. Nearly all TO series were equipped with gas engines,
though a few TO-D-20 versions that use kerosene or distillate were also
built.”
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| Phill Stewart Visiting British Transportation Museum |
The
British Transportation Museum was founded in 1998 and is an entirely voluntary
organization. From the moment my friends and I met Pete Strobel at the door
until we thanked him for showing us around the museum, we had a delightful time
discovering the intricacies of British vehicles covering a broad span of years.
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| Bicycles on Display at British Transportation Museum |
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| Packard Undergoing Restoration |
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| Sunbeam Resembling Car Driven by Sean Connery's James Bond in Dr. No |
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| Peerless from 1960 in British Transportation Museum |
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| British Transportation Museum in Dayton, Ohio |
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