THE BUS DRIVERS' DREAM OF HOME

Midland Red built its first D9 in 1958 and 344 more during its production run from 1960 to 1966. They took advantage of the increased length of 30 feet (9.3 metres) permitted for double-deckers. New features included a powerful engine coupled to a semi-automatic gearbox (which did away with the heavy clutch) and power steering. A trade paper hailed it "The Bus Drivers' Dream of Home".

Extensive use of fibreglass, such as the roof and sleek bonnet area, saved weight. Midland Red became unable to compete with local car factories for designers so the D9 was its last double-decker to enter quantity production.

5399 entered service at Cradley in July 1965, moving to Dudley in 1971 and Harts Hill 1973. When the Black Country services were sold to the WMPTE at the end of 1973, it stayed with Midland Red, moving to Stafford. It worked at Leicester garages from 1976 until withdrawal from service in March 1980. It was kept as a historic vehicle and, after the company was split, found special work with Midland Red North.

Preservation

5399 was loaned to this museum for a time before being formally acquired. It last received a body overhaul and repaint in 2002. This powerful bus is always very popular with visitors when it is offering rides.