EARLY POST-WAR MIDLAND RED DOUBLE-DECK BUS


Midland Red introduced underfloor-engine single-deckers, maximising the space for seats, in 1946. Floor height meant the idea needed more development before it could be extended to double-deckers so they retained front engines and half cabs for the time being. Midland Red modernised their appearance by concealing the radiators, an idea soon followed by others.

Midland Red took 300 buses with this styling between 1948 and 1952 on AEC and its own BMMO D5 chassis. The last 100 introduced electrically operated rear platform doors. This was an important development for a company running many long interurban routes.

The generous specification of the bodies added weight so many were reallocated to local work, being replaced by livelier buses on the longer runs. Bus 3795 spent much of its life at Sutton Coldfield and Hinckley garages. It was delicensed in July 1964 and then sold without running units to Hednesford Hills Raceway where for many years it was the pavilion and scoreboard, hence the missing windows on the nearside.

Preservation

Despite its poor condition, in 1977 the museum decided 3795 should be preserved as no others of these 300 buses survived. Hednesford Hills Raceway was helpful and agreed that a newer double-decker could replace it. 3795 is a major restoration job, requiring running units and significant bodywork attention.