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The museum expanded its fleet of buses with the addition of a Darlington Corporation Daimler CVG5, which will be used in the new 1950s Town.

Darlington Corporation Daimler CVG5, also known as Darlington 304.

The new bus accompanies Beamish’s Daimler CVG6, also known as Rotherham 220, very well. Both will transport visitors to the new 1950s Town, which is set to include a fish and chip shop, ice cream cafe, hairdresser’s and cinema, and will enable the museum to tell the story of North East social history.

After ceasing public operation, Daimler CVG5, otherwise known as Darlington 304, was bought by a private owner and used for weddings and other special occasions. The bus was discovered online during a search for spare parts for other Beamish vehicles. Following research carried out by the museum’s Transport Team, it was decided Darlington 304 would complement our existing Rotherham 220 perfectly.

Darlington 304 with Daimler CVG6, also known as Rotherham 220.

While the two Daimler buses are very similar, there are subtle differences between the two models. Darlington 304 has one less cylinder than Rotherham 220 and has a crash gearbox rather than a pre-selector gearbox. Aside from a handful of other detail differences, Darlington 304 also has slightly more seats than 220.

Darlington 304 underwent a period of maintenance work before being put into service. The bus, along with the addition of the bus depot, help to tell the rich and diverse story of transport in the region in the 1950s.

Be sure to keep an eye out for future Beamish transport additions!