MID-1960s MIDLAND RED SINGLE-DECK BUS


Midland Red's first single-deck design built from 1962 to the newly permitted length of 36 feet (11 metres) was the BMMO S16. This was a stretched version of earlier buses, retaining the 8 litre engine and manual gearbox. The extra weight and length meant S16 drivers were hard pressed to cope. The S17 was introduced in response in 1963 and, although looking very similar, the mechanical components were significantly updated by employing the 10.5 litre engine and semi-auto gearbox first seen on the D9 double-decker.

The result was a competent and reliable service bus which remained in production until 1966, by which time over 260 had been built. With a modest unladen weight of around 6.5 tons, the S17s were lively and rugged with plentiful reserves of power, well suited to all areas of the company's operations.

To speed construction Midland Red sent most S17 bodies to Plaxton or Willowbrook for completion. 5767 entered service from Leicester (Sandacre Street) in September 1966. It was moved to Wigston garage in October 1967 and survived to become one of the last half dozen S17s in service, retiring in September 1979.

Preservation

Midland Red offered 5767 to the Museum, mainly on account of its good mechanical condition and low mileage major units. 5767 proved irresistible upon inspection and joined the Museum collection. It has its place in Museum history, being the bus which operated on our first event day in 1980. Overhaul and restoration began in 1993 and completed in 1999.