Staffordshire County Council is seeking a new home for two historic railway vehicles—the Bass Saddle Tank Locomotive No. 9 and the Director's Coach—both built in 1901 and once used by the Bass brewing company in Burton-upon-Trent. The council has proposed transferring ownership to an alternative nationally accredited museum within Staffordshire to ensure their preservation and public display.
Historic vehicles need urgent care
The locomotive, which transported heavy barrels of ale and ingredients around the brewery, and the coach, used for visitor tours, have been part of the council's Archives and Heritage Service since 1978. They have been on long-term loan at the National Brewery Centre in Burton-upon-Trent, but the centre closed in 2022. As a result, the specialised facilities needed to care for these large and complex objects are no longer available, and the items are deteriorating due to a lack of ongoing preservation.
Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said: "Staffordshire is steeped in history and this proposal is about safeguarding two incredibly important items from our past and making sure they have a secure future." She added, "These railway items are closely tied to our county’s industrial and brewing heritage. We want the items to remain in Staffordshire and our best option is to relocate them to an accredited museum where they can be cared for properly and restored to their former glory."
Transfer proposal and public display hopes
The council is now inviting expressions of interest from eligible museums that may be interested in hosting the items. The transfer to an accredited museum is intended to protect and preserve the vehicles, allowing them to go back on public display for future generations to enjoy.
This move follows a pattern of successful relocations of large artefacts from the National Brewing Heritage Museum in recent years. Notable examples include the M&B Beaver, a motorised delivery dray now at the Black Country Museum, and the WaterWitch Fire Engine, which is now with the West Midlands Fire Service Heritage Community Group.
Industrial heritage at stake
The Bass Saddle Tank Locomotive No. 9 and the Director's Coach are closely linked to Staffordshire's industrial and brewing history. The locomotive played a key role in the brewery's internal transport system, moving heavy loads efficiently around the site, while the coach offered a unique experience for visitors touring the facilities.
Coles emphasised the importance of keeping these items within the county, stating that the council's best option is to find a local accredited museum. The council is encouraging interested institutions to come forward with proposals.
For museums interested in hosting the historic vehicles, further details on the expression of interest process are expected to be released by the council in due course. The council has not yet set a deadline for submissions.
