Below you can see a timeline of the history of our museum and how far it has come from a field of waist high grass to the thriving world of transport it is in 2025.
1962 - Just a thought of a Museum
Our story began back in 1962 when four local tramway enthusiasts rescued the body of an old Lowestoft Tramcar No 14. It was in use as a summerhouse in Gunton at the time. From this grew the idea of forming a transport museum. Lowestoft Tramcar No 14 is still in our fleet today.
1965 - Museum established on present site
The museum we know today was founded in 1965. Alongside this a society was formed to develop and run the museum. This started with a handful of vehicles, mostly loaned to the organisation with no real assets of it’s own.
1966 - Tram & Bus Depots Erected & Tram Track Laying Commenced.
1967 - First Vehicle Rally Held
1968 - Power House & 1st Phase of Trolleybus Depot Erected
1969 - Trolleybus Depot Extended & Workshop Established
1970 - 1st Traction Poles & Wiring Put Up
1970 saw the first traction poles and wiring erected within the museum. This paved the way for the First Tram (159) to Run under power later that year. This was utilising power generated by the Paxman Generator.
1971 - First Trolleybus Ran Under Power
On 10th January 1971 history was made when London Transport Trolleybus No 1521 was the first of its kind to run under trolleybus overhead in a museum anywhere in the country.
The Freehold of Museum Land was also purchased in 1971, a huge leap forward for future of the museum.
1972 - Locos Arrived for use on the newly laid 2' Gauge Railway
The Museum also had it’s Public Opening on 28th May
1973 - East Suffolk Light Railway Commences Operation
Our light railway commenced operation in 1973 with a basic route between Chapel Road Station and woodside Station. Over the years this has naturally developed but still runs along that original route to this day.
1973 - Railway Service Commenced
1974 - Society Reformed as a Company Limited by Guarantee with Charitable Status
Chapel Rd Trolleybus Turning Circle was also completed this year.
1977 - Tram & Trolleybus Depot Extended
1980 - Mercury Arc Rectifier Commissioned
1980 saw the Museum overhead powered by a Mercury Arc Rectifier which utilised power from the National Grid. The Paxman Engine previously used to generate the 550v DC power was reduced to standby use only.
1981 - Regular Trolleybus Operation Commenced
The 17th May 1981 marked a momentous occasion for the museum. Regular Trolleybus operation commenced using the new roadway down to woodside.
1982 - Woodland Tramway Extension Opened
In 1982 the Tramway extension down to our woodland stop (Hedley Grove) opened marking a significant increase in the museum tramway length.
1984 - Modern Silicon Rectifier Commissioned
In 1984 the Mercury Arc Rectifier was decommissioned and a more modern (although still second hand) Silicon Rectifier was Commissioned to power the Museum Overhead Power Lines. This travelled all the way from Southend Pier.
1986 - 'London Event' sees Tramcar 1858 Enter Service
1988 - Eastern Coach Works Rally
1989 - Single Deck Trolleybus Depot Built
1990 - ``Diddler`` Trolleybus Stars at Second ``London Event``
We also opened our New Bookshop this year.