(Above) United Utilities Transport Manager Graham Davies and his father Harry, who first drove the truck more than 40 years ago. Courtesy MOSI.
An 18-ton energy truck which saved North West England from power cuts for three decades is retiring to a museum after taking one last trip with the father and son team who knew it best.
Harry Davies and his son Graham, from Wardley, Lancashire, will pass the 1963 AEC generator to Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry after electricity giant United Utilities agreed to release the vintage lorry from their Bolton depot, where it had been kept “in tiptop shape”.
The father and son pair have differing views on the driving experience involved
A gas-guzzling beast devouring a gallon of fuel per minute, the truck was initially taken out of service in the early 1990s after being driven by Davies since 1965. His son later took pains to protect the vehicle from rust while serving his apprenticeship as a mechanic, and described it as “immaculate.”
“We’ve kept her MOT up to date and she has been a bit of a star at local shows,” said Davies, whose views of getting behind the wheel contrasted with his father’s recollection of the generator as “the pride and joy of our network.” “In her heyday she was one of the fastest vehicles on the road,” he observed. “But by today’s standards the driving experience is pretty horrible.”
Chris Wright, Chief Operating Officer of United Utilities, and Pauline Webb from The Museum of Science and Industry
Pauline Webb, Collections Manager of the museum dedicated to science and industry in the region, said she was “delighted” at the acquisition. “It 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,” she added.
Chris Wright, Chief Operating Officer for United Utilities, said: “The generator was a key part of the electricity network’s history and we’re very pleased it will now be used for educational purposes at the Museum.”
