Hastings Trolleybuses

An Online Video production going down memory lane by looking back at the trolleybus system that operated in the East Sussex town of Hastings between 1928 and 1959. After a brief history of the 3 foot 6 inch gauge tram system constructed between 1905 and 1906, we see the first day of trolleybus operating in 1928. Following on is scenes of development and changes made through the 1930’s and 1940’s including sale of surplus stock to other operators such as Nottingham, Derby and Mexborough and Swinton. A tour of the system is taken in 1948 and again in 1951. The tour of 1951 also features a visit to Hellingly Electric Railway that operated between Hellingly Station and Hellingly Hospital. Scenes from the coronation year of 1953 are shown including trolleybuses specially decorated to mark the celebrations. Tour of the system that remained in 1958 is taken then onto the final days of operation in 1959. Other features of the trolleybus system is showing the remains post withdrawal and trolleybuses that have been able to be preserved. Special features also include scenes of main line railway, West Hill Cliff Lift, East Hill Cliff Lift, 15 Inch Gauge Eastbourne Miniature Tramway, 15 Inch Gauge Hastings Miniature Tramway and 10 ¼ Inch Gauge Hastings Miniature Railway all with scenes filmed during the 1950’s.