BUS CONVERTED TO A SERVICE VEHICLE

Bus operators would often convert a redundant bus into a service vehicle, typically as a towing wagon, sometimes doubling as a mobile workshop. This would be more economical than buying a purpose-built breakdown lorry.

This vehicle was new as a Midland Red double-decker bus with 63 seats, its Metro-Cammell bodywork being to BMMO's design. It worked from Hereford and Leicester Sandacre Street garages before being withdrawn from passenger duties in May 1972.

It was then converted into a towing wagon. The upper deck and rear platform were removed. However, unusually for Midland Red conversions - there were only two others like it - the main lower saloon was retained with a new roof fitted. Thus it looked rather like a shortened single-decker bus.

As a towing wagon, it served from Midland Red's Rugby and Cannock garages until October 1978. Then in March 1979, it was sold to Mid-Warwickshire Motors of Balsall Common, where it was used for just short of two years.

Preservation
It was acquired by the Museum in January 1981.