GPO Pedestrain Van TGC 815

Manufacturers are very clever at designing delivery vehicles that can access and turn in tight spaces but often something even smaller is needed. The General Post Office was a major user of these battery-electric vehicles which were steered and controlled by a person walking at the front.

After trials with prototypes, the GPO placed its first production order with Harborough Engineering (better known as Harbilt) of Market Harborough which specialised in this type of vehicle.

TGC 815 was delivered to the Head Postmaster at Dudley in 1957 and allocated to the GPO workshops at Stourbridge. It worked on town deliveries in Stourbridge until its retirement in 1987. Fortunately Royal Mail realised its historical significance and ensured it escaped the cutter's torch.

Preservation

TGC 815 was acquired by this museum in July 1987. It is currently being restored to original condition and livery.