WMPTE Leyland Fleetline KON 311P

1970s WEST MIDLANDS DOUBLE-DECKER

The new West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive took over the local Corporation bus fleets in 1969, plus Coventry in 1974. It soon developed its own standard bus, suitable for driver only operation.

Around 1200 buses of this type were received between 1971 and 1979.
Most were Daimler Fleetlines - later models had Leyland badges - although 200 were on Bristol VRT chassis. Park Royal or MCW built most of the bodies.

Gardner engines were standard although difficulties with supply led to 170 Fleetlines having Leyland O680 engines. The O680 engine proved unreliable and heavy on fuel in the Fleetline. Those delivered new to Dudley garage, with its very demanding hills, were exchanged with other garages. This bus, no. 6311, moved from Dudley to Yardley Wood garage. From 1980 onwards, as the O680s wore out, they were replaced by Gardner engines. Bus industry deregulation in October 1986 meant 6311 passed to West Midlands Travel.

Preservation

KON 311P was purchased by the Museum in 1989 and immediately repanelled and repainted, reverting to WMPTE lettering. The bus is now a rarity, having been returned to original specification with Leyland O680 engine during a mechanical overhaul in 2006.