Gas bag omnibus in Edinburgh, WW1
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Gas bag omnibus in Edinburgh, WW1
An example of a coal gas powered vehicle in Edinburgh - in this case a bus which holds a voluminous rubber bag for the gas on its roof. Coal-gas powered vehicles were used during the First World War in place of petrol which had become increasingly scarce. Date: 1917
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Media ID 14205910
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bags Buses Coal Edinburgh Fuel Omnibus Petrol Power Roof Rubber Shortage Shortages Vehicles
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the unique sight of a coal-gas powered bus, known as a Gas Bag Omnibus, making its way through the streets of Edinburgh during the First World War. The year was 1917, and the world was embroiled in the Great War. With petrol becoming increasingly scarce due to the war effort, coal-gas powered vehicles like this one became an essential alternative for public transportation. The bus in the image is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the time. Coal gas, produced from coal through a process of methanation, was used to power the internal combustion engine. The large, voluminous rubber bag on the roof of the bus held the coal gas, which was then fed into the engine through pipes. The coal-gas powered bus was a common sight on the streets of Edinburgh and other cities during the war years. It offered a reliable and relatively efficient means of transportation for civilians, freeing up precious petrol for the war effort. The use of coal gas for transportation was not limited to buses; coal-gas powered taxis, delivery trucks, and even fire engines were also in use. This photograph is a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering a unique perspective on the wartime experiences of everyday life. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of people during times of crisis and the importance of innovation and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.
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