18-Ton Energy Truck Retires

She's big, she's blue and she weighs 18 tons! This beautiful truck is a 1963 AEC generator. The big, blue box on the back of the truck is a generator machine and this would make electricity.

Until the early 1990s, she provided the back-up power in the North West of England if there was an emergency.

Pauline Webb, Collections Manager of Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) says the truck, 'prevented countless blackouts and potential catastrophes across our region and was once one of the most cutting edge pieces of equipment of its type in Britain.'

The truck was based at the Bolton depot of electricity company United Utilities.

Here she is having made her final journey to retirement at MOSI.

©MOSI

Also pictured are her two drivers: father, Harry Davies and his son, Graham, who are from Wardley in Lancashire.

They've kept the truck in amazing condition haven't they?

Here's Pauline Webb from MOSI and Chris Hawkins from United Utilities in front of the museum.


©MOSI

There's lots more to see at MOSI. Why not click on the link to find out how energy has been used to keep Manchester going ?

And there are energy games to play at the Science Museum's Energy Zone.

Don't forget we'd love to see your truck and car pictures and stories! So get in touch with us here at Show Me!