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This page is a profile of the fleet of Leyland Tiger single-decker
buses and coaches that Maidstone & District Motor Services operated both
before and after the war.
A classic example of the typical Maidstone & District Leyland Tiger coach
is pre-war Tiger TS7 CO558 (DKT 16), seen here at the Eastbourne Bus Rally
in September 1996. Gloriously restored, it sports its post-war Harrington
body, and we are fortunate to have it still around today. Its survival is
probably due to it being kept on for boat-carrying duties after its colleagues
had been retired, and a view of the same vehicle in this
guise can be seen below. The small boy alongside (can he be one of the
next generation of spotters?) is definitely not me! (Photo: Dick Gilbert)
INTRODUCTION AND CREDITS
Maidstone & District Motor Services purchased over 190 Leyland
Tigers over three decades. They appeared as buses and coaches, and in many
forms and styles. What follows is an attempt to create a brief history of
the type, in the form of records and images designed to give even the casual
reader some impression of the development and classic styling of this extensive
fleet. All batches are arranged in order of delivery.
Maidstone & District Motor Services started by operating
four second-hand buses to Chatham in 1908, and by the outbreak of World War
I the fleet had grown to eleven. In 1922 they built what was to be the first
bus station in the country, at Palace Avenue, Maidstone, and by the end of
the decade the company had opened seven depots throughout the area, from
Bexhill to Ashford, and as far afield as Dartford and Sheerness.
A large number of local companies were acquired in the following
years, including the absorption of Autocar of Tunbridge Wells. In 1935 M
& D got into the trolleybus business by gaining control of the Hastings
Tramway Company, a service they maintained until 1959.
A very extensive express coach network was established, linking
London with towns all over west Kent, the Medway towns and parts of Sussex,
as well as providing connections between towns throughout that area. A fine
fleet of coaches was acquired for that purpose, many of which are represented
on this page. During the second world war, their fleet of express coaches
had to curtail operations, and many were converted to ambulances for emergency
duties.
Services recommenced in 1946, and new vehicles were purchased
to replace the ageing, and sometimes war-worn pre-war fleet. During the 1950s
smart Maidstone & District coaches and single-deck buses could once again
been seen operating regular routes, express services, private hires and
excursions, all over the south-east of England and beyond. Some might say
that this was their finest hour.
By the mid 1960s the pre-war fleet had all but disappeared,
and halfcab buses of all kinds were considered dated. New single-deck equipment
was arriving, largely in the form of the AEC Reliance, and the proud fleet
of halfcabs had either been scrapped or passed to 'downstream' operators
for their twilight years. We are fortunate to have a few survivors in
preservation today. Sadly the Maidstone & District name is no more, having
been assassinated by Arriva after more than 80 years of fine service to the
people of Kent and East Sussex.
Maidstone & District vehicle identification changed over
the years. Originally only fleet numbers were used, although certain express
coaches seem to have been given the prefix 'EX'. In 1950 coaches were given
the prefix 'CP' for 'Coach, Petrol', and 'CO' for 'Coach, Oil' (i.e. diesel
engined). Similarly single-deck buses became SP and SO. By 1961, as there
were no petrol engined vehicles left in service, it was decided to change
'SO' simply to 'S', and 'CO' to 'C'. Subsequently prefixes were dropped
altogether, and the system reverted to the use of fleet numbers only.
Owners of pictures, when known, are credited, and their use
is much appreciated. However the photographers of some pictures are not shown
on the original photograph, and therefore are not known to me. Whoever they
were I thank them, and if they contact me with their names they will of course
be credited. If a rightful owner wishes me to remove any image, it will be
done forthwith. However I hope that photographers (or copyright holders)
will permit the use of these fine pictures in their proper context.
My thanks to all those who helped me assemble the information,
in particular to Ralph Adams and other sources of the M & D and East
Kent Bus Club, whose data has been invaluable, and to Ian Smith for his help
with details of the transfers to Green Line.
As with my other lists, there are bound to be mistakes, and
some relevant information may be missing so, in order to make it as accurate
a reference as possible, I would of course welcome any additions or
corrections.
FLEET LIST
============
LEYLAND TIGER TS2 COACHES - 700-704 (Total 5)
Delivered to Redcar 1930
Chassis: Leyland Tiger TS2 (6.8 litre 6-cylinder petrol
engines).
Body: Beadle C26D.
Notes; These coaches were jointly purchased by Redcar Services,
Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone & District in 1930. Complete takeover of
Redcar's operations took place in February 1935. However the coaches were
quickly transferred to the London Passenger Transport Board in July of the
same year, where they became part of the "TR" class.
700 (KR 1166) c/n 60390, delivered 1/30. To LPTB 7/35 as TR
37. Withdrawn 1938. Later with Matthews, Rhymney.
701 (KR 1167) c/n 60476, delivered 1/30. To LPTB 7/35 as TR
38. Withdrawn 1938. Davies, Bridgend 7/39. Morris, Pencoed 4/43 as C25F.
Starkey, Tonypandy 7/50 rebodied C31F. Withdrawn 1954.
702 (KR 1168) c/n 60788, delivered 2/30. To LPTB 7/35 as TR
39. Withdrawn 1937. Reliance Coaches (Taylor), Shillington 6/38. Withdrawn
and scrapped 10/51.
703 (KR 1169) c/n 60970, delivered 3/30. To LPTB 7/35 as TR
40. Withdrawn 1938. Lansdowne Motors, Fleetwood by 12/38, Shaw, Oldham 5/40,
Morecambe Motors (Silver Grey) 5/48, K & S Motors, Manchester 3/50, withdrawn
3/51.
704 (KR 1170) c/n 60971, delivered 3/30. To LPTB 7/35 as TR
36. Withdrawn 1937. Lansdowne Motors, Fleetwood by 12/38. Mee, Pinxton by
1/40, ATO Transport, Pinxton 1/47, Johnson, Rushden by 11/53.
Chassis: Leyland Tiger TS2 (6.8 litre 6-cylinder petrol
engines).
Body: Original body Harrington B31D half-canopy. All rebodied
by Harrington as C32F in 1937, and some original bodies passed to other vehicles,
but all then broken up in 1937-38.
Notes; These were known as "Pullman saloons", used largely for
express services. Originally designated 'EX' 601-615, for 'Express', survivors
renumbered 'CP' in 1950.
601 (KR 1735) c/n 61124, delivered 4/30. Rebodied Harrington
C32F 3/37, old body scrapped 3/38. To Royal Navy as ambulance 6/41. To Holmes,
London N15 3/48. To Horseshoe Coaches, Kempston 11/48. Withdrawn 1/53.
602 (KR 1736) c/n 61125, delivered 4/30.
Rebodied Harrington C32F 5/37, old body to Dawson (dealer/breaker),
London SW9 1/37. Renumbered CP602 7/50. To Clark, Paddock Wood (dealer) 12/52.
Seen in Cambridge 5/53.
603 (KR 1737) c/n 61126, delivered 4/30.
Rebodied Harrington C32F 3/37, old body to Dawson (dealer/breaker),
London SW9 1/37. Requisitioned by Army 6/41. Loaned from Admiralty to Belfast
Corpn. as No.173 in 1943, with Short B32C body. With Burrows, Wombwell as
No.59 Mar 1949. Withdrawn 12/54.
604 (KR 1738) c/n 61127, delivered 4/30.
Rebodied Harrington C32F 2/37, old body scrapped 3/38.
To Royal Navy as ambulance 6/41. To James, High Littletown 5/47.
To Pow, Paulton 11/47 to 4/51.
605 (KR 1739) c/n 61128, delivered 4/30.
Rebodied Harrington C32F 2/37, old body to Dawson (dealer/breaker),
London SW9 1/37. Renumbered CP605 7/50. Sold to Parkis
(dealer), London 7/52, to Elephant Autos (dealer), London 7/52. In use as
caravan, London N17 4/53.
606 (KR 1740) c/n 61129, delivered 4/30.
Rebodied Harrington C32F 4/37, old body scrapped 6/38.
Renumbered CP606 7/50. Sold to Lest-we-Forget
Association, Kingston 10/52 as ambulance, still with them 7/56. To St.George's
Ambulance & Nursing Service, Worcester Park by 1/58.
607 (KR 1741) c/n 61130, delivered 5/30.
Rebodied Harrington C32F 4/37, old body scrapped 6/38.
Renumbered CP607 7/50. Sold to Parkis (dealer),
London 7/52. In use as chicken shed, Ashley Green, Chesham 1/55.
608 (KR 1742) c/n 61131, delivered 5/30.
Rebodied Harrington C32F 4/37, old body scrapped 6/38. Sold
to Kent Police 1/50, for use as mobile police station, and later as B24F
personnel carrier based Maidstone.
609 (KR 1743) c/n 61132, delivered 5/30.
Rebodied Harrington C32F 2/37, old body scrapped 3/38.
Requisitioned by Army 6/41. To Broughton, London E2, 8/52.
610 (KR 1744) c/n 61133, delivered 6/30.
Rebodied Harrington C32F 2/37, old body scrapped 6/38.
Requisitioned by Army 6/41. With Roberts, Houslow (as No.5)
4/48. Roberts & Dickson, Ashford Belle Coaches 6/48. Withdrawn May 1951
(or maybe still with them in 1956).
611 (KR 1745) c/n 61134, delivered 6/30. Rebodied Harrington
C32F 2/37, old body scrapped 6/38. Used as ambulance during WW2. Renumbered
CP611 7/50. Sold to W.Basson (dealer) 3/52. With showman in Maidenhead
7/57.
612 (KR 1746) c/n 61135, delivered 6/30.
Rebodied Harrington C32F 2/37, old body scrapped 6/38.
Requisitioned by Army 6/41. With Crosby & Co., London (non
PSV) 8/43. With Warren, Alton 6/47, to Fountain, Cowes 6/47. Withdrawn 2/57,
derelict 9/63.
613 (KR 1747) c/n 61136, delivered 6/30.
Rebodied Harrington C32F 3/37, old body to Dawson (dealer/breaker),
London SW9 1/37. Renumbered CP613 7/50.
Sold to Parkis (dealer), London 7/52. To Boughton, London E2
7/52, withdrawn 12/53.
614 (KR 1748) c/n 61137, delivered 6/30.
Rebodied Harrington C32F 4/37, old body scrapped 6/38.
Renumbered CP614 7/50. Sold to Parkis (dealer),
London 7/52, to Elephant Autos (dealer), London 7/52, to Barnes, London NW11,
to Boughton, London E2 c.1952, to Watson, Strood by 8/53, withdrawn
4/54.
615 (KR 1749) c/n 61138, delivered 6/30.
Rebodied Harrington C32F 4/37, old body to Dawson (dealer/breaker),
London SW9 1/37. Requisitioned by Army 6/41. To Hooper,
Marston Meysey 9/43, withdrawn 1/53.
This early 1930s picture of the first of the batch, No.616 (KR 6301),
is not only a delight (along with the gentleman in plus-fours on the left),
it is also a puzzle. The board on the side of the roof says " ??? (unreadable)
- Maidstone - London" so presumably this bus - and the other two behind -
are on some express run or excursion up to the city, but where have they
stopped ? The substantial building on the right seems to be largely
made of corrugated iron, yet it seems to be guarded by a policeman. Can anyone
throw some light on the situation ? Photographer unknown.
Delivered 1930
Chassis: Leyland Tiger TS2 (6.8 litre 6-cylinder petrol
engines).
Body: Originally Harrington B31D buses. Some rebodied by Harrington
as C32F in 1937.
Notes: Six of these were transferred to the London Passenger
Transport Board on its formation in 1933, and became part of their Leyland
Tiger 'TR' class. They were subsequently withdrawn in 1938 and replaced in
London by T-class AEC Regals of the '10T10' type.
Coaches still in the M.& D. fleet in July 1950 were redesignated
as 'CP', for 'Coach, Petrol'.
616 (KR 6301) c/n 61285 delivered 10/30.
To LPTB as TR11 7/33. Transferred to Private Hire fleet (Old Kent Road) Mar
1938, withdrawn later in 1938. To Lancashire Motor Traders, Salford 5/38,
to Raymond (Union Jack), London E2 5/38, last noted April 1945.
617 (KR 6302) c/n 61286 delivered 9/30.
To LPTB as TR12 7/33, withdrawn 1938. Arlington (dealer) London
SW1 11/38. With Valliant, Ealing by 4/39, to Primrose Coaches, Wembley 4/39,
then to Valliant, Ealing c.5/39.
618 (KR 6303) c/n 61287 delivered 9/30.
To LPTB (Green Line) as TR13 7/33, used on Route 'A' (Gravesend
- Ascot), withdrawn 1938. To Lancashire Motor Traders,
Salford 5/38, to Browning, Cefn Cribbwr 8/38, withdrawn 1/51.
619 (KR 6304) c/n 61288 delivered
10/30. To LPTB as TR6 7/33. Later to B30C, then B29C
12/36. Slough garage 1936, withdrawn 1938. To Lane (dealer/breaker), London
SW10 9/38.
620 (KR 6305) c/n 61289 delivered 9/30.
To LPTB (Green Line) as TR14 7/33, used on Route 'A' (Gravesend
- Ascot), transferred to Private Hire fleet (Old Kent Road) Mar 1938, withdrawn
later in 1938. Arlington (dealer) London SW1 11/38. With Valliant, Ealing
by 4/39, with Pulham, Bourton 6/44, to Kearsey, Cheltenham (No.36) 6/45,
withdrawn 12/51.
621 (KR 6306) c/n 61290 delivered 10/30. To Harrington
C32F 3/37. Original body to Dawson (dealer/breaker), London SW9 1/37. Renumbered
CP 621 7/50. To Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 3/53. Showman's caravan 7/53,
and still as such 3/57.
622 (KR 6307) c/n 61291 delivered 9/30. To
LPTB (Green Line) as TR15 7/33, withdrawn 1938. Sold to Morrell (dealer)
Leeds 7/38, to Primrose, Wembley 4/39, to Valliant, Ealing c.5/39, later
to Hall, Hillingdon.
623 (KR 6308) c/n 61292 delivered 9/30. To Harrington C32F 3/37.
Original body to Dawson (dealer/breaker), London SW9 1/37. Renumbered CP
623 7/50. Sold to Penfold (dealer), Strood 10/52. With showman 5/53, caravan
at Borough Green, Kent opposite M&D depot, 1/56.
624 (KR 6309) c/n 61293 delivered 10/30. To Harrington
C32F 2/37. Original body scrapped 6/38. Renumbered CP 624 7/50. Sold to Chaney
(dealer), Rainham 10/52. With showman, Palmers Green around 1953. Caravan,
Hackney 5/54. Caravan, Godmanchester 4/57.
625 (KR 6310) c/n 61294 delivered 9/30. To Harrington C32F 2/37.
Original body to Dawson (dealer/breaker), London SW9 1/37.
Renumbered CP 625 7/50. Sold to Parkis (dealer), London 7/52,
to Elephant Autos (dealer/breaker), London 7/52.
626 (KR 6311) c/n 61295 delivered 9/30. To Harrington C32F 4/37.
Original body to Dawson (dealer/breaker), London SW9 1/37. To Admiralty 6/41,
to Royal Navy 6/43, to Davies, Pen-y-Craig 7/48, reregistered HTG 604.
627 (KR 6312) c/n 61296 delivered 9/30. To Harrington C32F 4/37.
Original body to Dawson (dealer/breaker), London SW9 1/37.
Renumbered CP 627 7/50. Sold to Parkis (dealer), London 7/52,
to Elephant Autos (dealer/breaker), London 7/52.
628 (KR 6313) c/n 61297 delivered 10/30. To Harrington C32F
4/37. Original body to Dawson (dealer/breaker), London SW9 1/37. Renumbered
CP 628 7/50. To Kelson (dealer/breaker) 7/52.
629 (KR 6314) c/n 61298 delivered 10/30. To Harrington
C32F 4/37. Original body to Dawson (dealer/breaker), London SW9 1/37.
Had accident with DH76 20 Mar 1949, and broken for spares at
Postley Works (M&D), Maidstone.
630 (KR 6315) c/n 61299 delivered 10/30. To Harrington
C32F 4/37. Original body to Dawson (dealer/breaker), London SW9 1/37. To
Admiralty 6/41 as ambulance.
631 (KR 6316) c/n 61300 delivered 10/30.
To Harrington C32F in 2/38, old body sold to Dawson (dealer/breaker) London
SW9. Renumbered CP 631 7/50. Sold to Parkis (dealer), London 7/52, to Elephant
Autos (dealer/breaker), London 7/52.
632 (KR 6317) c/n 61301 delivered 10/30. To Harrington
C32F 2/37. Original body scrapped 6/38. Renumbered CP
632 7/50. Sold to Parkis (dealer), London 7/52, to Elephant
Autos (dealer), London 7/52. To Leslie (contractor), London SW8 by 8/53,
then with showman in Harpenden 7/54 until at least 6/57.
633 (KR 6318) c/n 61302 delivered 10/30. To
Harrington C32F in 3/38, old body sold to Dawson (dealer/breaker) London
SW9. Renumbered CP 633 7/50. Sold to Parkis (dealer), London 7/52, to Boughton,
London E2 7/52, withdrawn 11/53.
634 (KR 6319) c/n 61303 delivered 10/30. To Harrington C32F
in 3/38, old body sold to Dawson (dealer/breaker) London SW9. Renumbered
CP 634 7/50. Sold to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 12/52, to showman 7/53.
Scrapped at Newington Salvage, London E11, 10/57.
635 (KR 6320) c/n 61304 delivered 10/30. To
Harrington C32F in 3/38, old body sold to Dawson (dealer/breaker) London
SW9. Renumbered CP 635 7/50. Sold to Chaney (dealer), Rainham 10/52. was
a caravan in Maidstone 2/55.
Chassis: Leyland Tiger TS2 (6.8 litre 6-cylinder petrol
engines).
Body: Harrington B31D bus body. Some rebodied by Harrington
as C32F in 1938.
Note; 636-639 probably did not actually enter service until
1931. 640-650 were "Pullman Saloons". Those still in the fleet in July 1950
were redesignated as 'CP', for 'Coach, Petrol'. All gone by end of 1953.
636 (KR 7401) c/n 61317 delivered 12/30. To Harrington C32F
in 5/38, old body sold to Dawson (dealer/breaker) London SW9. Renumbered
CP 636 7/50. Sold to Kelson (dealer) 7/52. With a showman, Mitcham 8/56.
637 (KR 7402) c/n 61318 delivered 12/30. Fitted with full-length
roof rack for band instruments. To Harrington C32F in 6/38, old body sold
to Dawson (dealer/breaker) London SW9. Renumbered CP 637 7/50. Sold to Clark
(dealer), Paddock Wood 3/53. With a showman in 1953, and still in 1957.
638 (KR 7403) c/n 61319 delivered 12/30. To Harrington C32F
in 3/38, old body sold to Dawson (dealer/breaker) London SW9. Destroyed at
Gillingham Depot in air raid 27 Aug 1940.
639 (KR 7404) c/n 61320 delivered 12/30. To Harrington C32F
in 3/38, old body sold to Dawson (dealer/breaker) London SW9. Renumbered
CP 639 7/50. Sold to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 3/53. Became mobile Evangelical
church based at Five Oak Green Tonbridge 7/53, owned by Mr.Friday (and his
son). Sides and rear cut away, and floor area extended. At Dargate Motor
Museum July 1987. To Hoare, Chepstow, scrapped 9/94.
640 (KR 7405) c/n 61321 delivered 1/31. To London Transport
7/33 as TR16. Sold 5/38 to Lancashire Motor Traders, Salford. To Hall Bros.,
Hillingdon 7/38 (still with them 7/39).
641 (KR 7406) c/n 61322 delivered 1/31. Body sold to G.J.Dawson
(dealer) 11/37 and rebodied Harrington C32F in 7/38. Renumbered CP 641 in
1950. Sold to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 3/53, to Uxbridge Queen Coaches,
Slough 6/53 as No.7.
642 (KR 7407) c/n 61323 delivered 1/31. Body sold to G.J.Dawson
(dealer) 11/37 and rebodied Harrington C32F in 5/38. Renumbered CP 642 in
1950. Sold to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 7/53. Converted to mobile church
and seen in Corringham 6/65.
643 (KR 7408) c/n 61324 delivered 1/31. Body sold to G.J.Dawson
(dealer) 11/37 and rebodied Harrington C32F in 5/38. Renumbered CP 643 in
1950. Sold to Chaney (dealer), Rainham, Kent 10/52.
644 (KR 7409) c/n 61325 delivered 1/31. Body sold to G.J.Dawson
(dealer) 11/37 and rebodied Harrington C32F in 5/38. Renumbered CP 644 in
1950. Sold to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 3/53. Seen in Cambridge 5/53.
645 (KR 7410) c/n 61326 delivered 1/31. Body sold to G.J.Dawson
(dealer) 11/37 and rebodied Harrington C32F in 4/38. Renumbered CP 645 in
1950. Sold to Parkis (dealer), London 7/52. In Birkenhead
6/53.
646 (KR 7411) c/n 61327 delivered 1/31. Body sold to G.J.Dawson
(dealer) 11/37 and rebodied Harrington C32F in 4/38. Renumbered CP 646 in
1950. Sold to Parkis (dealer), London 7/52.
647 (KR 7412) c/n 61328 delivered 1/31. Body sold to G.J.Dawson
(dealer) 11/37 and rebodied Harrington C32F in 5/38. Renumbered CP 647 in
1950. Sold to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 12/52.
648 (KR 7413) c/n 61329 delivered 1/31. Body sold to G.J.Dawson
(dealer) 11/37 and rebodied Harrington C32F in 5/38. Renumbered CP 648 in
1950. Sold to Parkis (dealer), London 7/52. To Boughton,
London E2 by 7/54.
649 (KR 7414) c/n 61330 delivered 1/31. Body sold to G.J.Dawson
(dealer) 11/37 and rebodied Harrington C32F in 9/38. Renumbered CP 649 in
1950. Sold to Chaney (dealer), Rainham, Kent 10/52, to
Boughton, London E2 by 7/54.
650 (KR 7415) c/n 61331 delivered 1/31. To London Transport
7/33 as TR17. To Arlington Motors (dealer, London SW1 11/38. To Valliant,
Ealing 4/39.
LEYLAND TIGER TS2 BUSES - 651-675 (Total 25)
Delivered May 1931
Chassis: Leyland Tiger TS2 (6.8 litre 6-cylinder petrol
engines).
Body: Original bodywork by Harrington as B31D half-canopy ("Pullman
Saloons"), but rebuilt as B31C in 1937 and downgraded to bus duties. Most
were rebodied by Burlingham as utility B34F during 1943-44, later becoming
UDP30F with coach seats.
Notes: All gone by end of 1953.
Looking gloriously antique, this is No.660 (KR 8380) taking a breather
on route 52, Tonbridge - Tunbridge Wells - Heathfield - Hastings. The bodywork
appears to be the original Harrington handiwork, so this photo is presumably
pre-1944, when 660 was given a Burlingham replacement, and with no wartime
signs it must then date from the 1930s. It appears in fine condition, apart
from a cock-eyed number plate. Thanks to Andrew Porter of 5 Tregony Road,
Orpington for this superb photo (ref: 30287).
651 (KR 8371) c/n 61332, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in
3/44. Renumbered SP 651 in 1950. Sold
to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 7/53.
652 (KR 8372) c/n 61333, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 6/44.
Later to UDP30F. Renumbered SP 652 in 1950. Sold to Clark
(dealer), Paddock Wood 7/53. Was a caravan, East Peckham 1954.
653 (KR 8373) c/n 61334, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 1/44.
Later to UB32F. Renumbered SP 653 in 1950.
Sold to Chaney (dealer), Rainham, Kent 10/52. Derelict in field
nr. Stockbury 1957.
654 (KR 8374) c/n 61335, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 5/44.
Later to UDP30F. Renumbered SP 654 in 1950. Sold to
Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 7/53.
655 (KR 8375) c/n 61336, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 6/44.
Later to UDP30F. Renumbered SP 655 in 1950.
Sold to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 7/53. With showman, Blackbushe
10/53 and Huntingdon 10/57.
656 (KR 8376) c/n 61337, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 2/44.
Later to UDP30F. Renumbered SP 656 in 1950. Sold to
Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 7/53.
657 (KR 8377) c/n 61338, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 5/44.
Later to UDP30F. Renumbered SP 657 in 1950.
Sold to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 7/53.
658 (KR 8378) c/n 61339, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in
12/43. Renumbered SP 658 in 1950. Sold
to Chaney (dealer), Rainham, Kent 10/52.
659 (KR 8379) c/n 61340, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in
10/43. Renumbered SP 659 in 1950. Sold
to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 7/53.
660 (KR 8380) c/n 61341, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 3/44. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 8/44.
Later to UB32F. Renumbered SP 660 in 1950.
Sold to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 7/53. With showman, Blackbushe
10/53.
661 (KR 8381) c/n 61342, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 3/44.
Later to UDP30F. Renumbered SP 661 in 1950.
Sold to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 7/53.
662 (KR 8382) c/n 61343, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in
2/44. Renumbered SP 662 in 1950. Sold
to Chaney (dealer), Rainham, Kent 10/52. With showman, Gravesend 1954, and
1956.
663 (KR 8383) c/n 61344, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 11/43.
Later to UB32F. Renumbered SP 663 in 1950. Sold to Brown
(dealer?) 7/52. Canteen with Hammond, Bexleyheath 8/52. In a field, High
Halden 7/56.
664 (KR 8384) c/n 61345, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. To
the Army 7/40. To Canbranis, Whittlesea 6/51, re-registered as EAC 318.
665 (KR 8385) c/n 61346, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 12/43.
Later to UDP30F. Renumbered SP 665 in 1950. Sold to
Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 7/53, later with Robinson, Flishinghurst, to
Chris Newman, Maidstone 9/03, in use as a store. ** SURVIVOR ** at
Ensignbus, Purfleet 2008. (photo by Chris Stanley, at
Ensignbus 3/08)
666 (KR 8386) c/n 61347, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. To
the Army 6/41.
667 (KR 8387) c/n 61348, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 3/44. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 7/44.
Later to UDP30F. Renumbered SP 667 in 1950.
Sold to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 7/53.
668 (KR 8388) c/n 61349, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. To
the Army 6/41.
669 (KR 8389) c/n 61350, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in
11/43. Renumbered SP 669 in 1950. Sold
to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 7/53.
670 (KR 8390) c/n 61351, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 3/44.
Later to UDP30F. Renumbered SP 670 in 1950.
Sold to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood 7/53.
671 (KR 8391) c/n 61352, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
scrapped 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 10/43.
Renumbered SP 671 in 1950. Sold to Clark (dealer), Paddock
Wood 7/53.
672 (KR 8392) c/n 61353, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in
1/44. Renumbered SP 672 in 1950. Sold
to Chaney (dealer), Rainham, Kent 10/52.
673 (KR 8393) c/n 61354, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 4/44.
Later to UB32F. Renumbered SP 673 in 1950. Used as office
at Hastings Coach Station 1/53 - 5/53. Sold to Clark (dealer), Paddock Wood
7/53.
674 (KR 8394) c/n 61355, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 3/44. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in
8/44. Renumbered SP 674 in 1950. Sold
to Chaney (dealer), Rainham, Kent 10/52.
675 (KR 8395) c/n 61356, delivered 5/31. To B31C in 1937. Body
sold to Barwicks Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in
3/44. Renumbered SP 675 in 1950. Sold
to Chaney (dealer), Rainham, Kent 10/52. Caravan, Windmill Creek, Isle of
Sheppey 1954.
LEYLAND TIGER TS1 COACHES - 676-685 (Total 10)
Delivered 1931
Chassis: Leyland Tiger TS1
Body: Harrington B31D ("Pullman Saloons").
Notes; Last ones sold at end of 1955.
676 (KJ 2371) c/n 61906, delivered 8/31. Body sold to Barwicks
Garages (dealer) 9/43. Rebodied Burlingham UB34F in 4/44.
Renumbered SP 676 in 1950. Sold to Chaney (dealer), Rainham,
Kent 10/52. Caravan, Mitcham 1956, still there 1958.
677 (KJ 2372) c/n 61907, delivered 8/31. Body sold to Roberts
(dealer) 3/46. Rebodied Harrington C32F in 7/46. Renumbered CP 677 in 1950.
Sold to Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
678 (KJ 2373) c/n 61908, delivered 8/31. To the Army 7/40.
679 (KJ 2374) c/n 61909, delivered 8/31. Body sold to Roberts
(dealer) 3/46. Rebodied Harrington C32F in 7/46. Renumbered CP 679 in 1950.
Sold to Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
680 (KJ 2375) c/n 61910, delivered 8/31. Body sold to Roberts
(dealer) 3/46. Rebodied Harrington C32F in 7/46. Renumbered CP 680 in 1950.
Sold to Shoulders (dealer) 12/55. Seen. Mobile workshop for Chittenden &
Simmons (civil engineering), Crawley 1956, Botley Hill in 1957, still in
use 1960.
681 (KJ 2376) c/n 61911, delivered 1931.
To the Army 7/40.
682 (KJ 2377) c/n 61912, delivered 1931. To the Army 7/40.
683 (KJ 2378) c/n 61913, delivered 1931. To the Army 7/40. To
Harper Bros., Heath Hayes 1943 as No.26. Rebodied 1949 with 1935 Burlingham
C33F body from BRE 477. Scrapped 1955.
684 (KJ 2379) c/n 61914, delivered 1931. To the Army 7/40. Seen
with showman, Caterham May 1956.
685 (KJ 2380) c/n 61915, delivered 1931. To the Army 7/40.
LEYLAND TIGER TS4 COACHES - 686-698 (Total 13)
Delivered 1932
Chassis: Leyland Tiger TS4
Body: Harrington B31C ("Pullman Saloons").
Notes; All requisitioned by the Army in July 1940.
686 (KJ 5431) c/n 796, delivered 5/32. To the Army 7/40.
687 (KJ 5432) c/n 797, delivered 5/32. To the Army 7/40.
A.G.Disposals Ltd. (dealer), Northampton 6/53.
688 (KJ 5433) c/n 798, delivered 5/32. To the Army 7/40. To
Lomas (dealer) 6/51, Lancashire Motor Traders (dealer), Salford 1952. With
Showman, Mitcham 1956. Senn with Thurgood body at Odsal 9/62.
689 (KJ 5434) c/n 799, delivered 5/32. To the Army 7/40.
690 (KJ 5435) c/n 800, delivered 5/32. To the Army 7/40. Austin,
Stafford 1947, rebodied with Duple C33F (b/n 42720). Sold 1960, later with
showman.
691 (KJ 5436) c/n 801, delivered 5/32. To the Army 7/40.
692 (KJ 5437) c/n 802, delivered 5/32. To the Army 7/40.
693 (KJ 5438) c/n 803, delivered 5/32. To the Army 7/40.
694 (KJ 5439) c/n 804, delivered 5/32. To the Army 7/40.
695 (KJ 5440) c/n 805, delivered 5/32. To the Army 7/40.
696 (KJ 5441) c/n 806, delivered 5/32. To the Army 7/40.
697 (KJ 5442) c/n 807, delivered 5/32. To the Army 7/40.
698 (KJ 5443) c/n 808, delivered 5/32. To the Army 7/40.
LEYLAND TIGER TS2 BUS - 699 (Total 1)
Delivered to Hucks Bros. June 1932, transferred to M&D in
Jan 1933
Chassis: Leyland Tiger TS2
Body: Short B31C
Notes; Acquired with the takeover of Hucks Bros., Burham, Rochester
27 Jan 1933. Requisitioned by the Army in July 1940.
699 (KJ 7440) c/n 61929, delivered to Hucks Bros. 6/32. To M&D
27/1/33, To the Army 7/40. To Homewood, Kingsnorth 6/48, to
J.M. Holloway 8/48, to Marion Coaches Margate late 1948, to Mathieson,
Walthamstow 1951.
LEYLAND TIGER TS7 COACHES - 580-600 (Total 21)
Delivered 1935
Chassis: Leyland Tiger TS7 (7.6 litre 6-cylinder petrol
engines).
Body: Harrington C31F, but rebuilt to C32F probably before entering
service. Most were rebuilt by Portsmouth Aviation in 1950.
Notes; Five were damaged beyond repair when Gillingham depot
was bombed in Aug 1940. Remainder withdrawn in December 1955.
The unmistakeable wrought ironwork on Madeira Drive, Brighton provides
a decorative backdrop for No. 583, one of the 1935 Tiger TS7s, with another
one behind and maybe more as well. This was some outing ! Since the fleet
number above the front mudguard says "CP" 583 (for "Coach, Petrol", a designation
introduced in 1950), the picture must have been taken between 1950 and its
retirement at the end of 1955, by which time it was a venerable 20 years
old. (Photo: Roy Marshall Collection, via East Pennine Transport Group)
580 (CKE 419) c/n 6943, new 6/35. Rebuilt by Portsmouth Aviation
6/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
581 (CKE 420) c/n 6944, new 6/35. Rebuilt by Portsmouth Aviation
4/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
582 (CKE 421) c/n 6945, new 6/35. Rebuilt
by Portsmouth Aviation 4/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
583 (CKE 422) c/n 6946, new 6/35. Rebuilt
by Portsmouth Aviation 5/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
584 (CKE 423) c/n 6947, new 6/35. Rebuilt
by Portsmouth Aviation 4/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
585 (CKE 424) c/n 6948, new 6/35. Rebuilt
by Portsmouth Aviation 7/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
586 (CKE 425) c/n 6949, new 6/35. Rebuilt
by Portsmouth Aviation 5/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
587 (CKE 426) c/n 6950, new 6/35. Destroyed
when Gillingham garage bombed 8/40.
588 (CKE 427) c/n 6951, new 6/35. Destroyed
when Gillingham garage bombed 8/40.
589 (CKE 428) c/n 6952, new 7/35. Rebuilt
by Portsmouth Aviation 5/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
590 (CKE 429) c/n 6953, new 7/35. Rebuilt
by Portsmouth Aviation 6/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
591 (CKE 430) c/n 6954, new 7/35. Rebuilt
by Portsmouth Aviation 6/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
592 (CKE 431) c/n 6955, new 6/35. Rebuilt
by Portsmouth Aviation 6/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
593 (CKE 432) c/n 6956, new 6/35. Fitted
with roof rack for band instruments. Rebuilt by Portsmouth Aviation 5/50.
To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
594 (CKE 433) c/n 6957, new 7/35. Destroyed
when Gillingham garage bombed 8/40.
595 (CKE 434) c/n 6958, new 6/35. Rebuilt
by Portsmouth Aviation 4/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
596 (CKE 435) c/n 6959, new 6/35. Rebuilt
by Portsmouth Aviation 5/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
597 (CKE 436) c/n 6960, new 7/35. Destroyed
when Gillingham garage bombed 8/40.
598 (CKE 437) c/n 6961, new 6/35. Rebuilt
by Portsmouth Aviation 5/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
599 (CKE 438) c/n 6962, new 6/35. Rebuilt
by Portsmouth Aviation 5/50. To Shoulders (dealer) 12/55.
600 (CKE 439) c/n 6963, new 7/35. Destroyed
when Gillingham garage bombed 8/40.
Body: Original bodies Harrington C32F. Rebodied by Harrington
as C32F half-canopy during 1949-50.
Notes: Redesignated as 'CO' 560-579 in 1950.
CO 578 (CKO 981) on the E10 express service between London and Rye.
Its replacement and typical Harrington body dated from 1950 and looks in
a fine condition. This coach soldiered on into the early 1960s, by which
time its chassis was around 25 years old. Photo: unknown.
560 (CKO 963) c/n 9667. With full-length roof rack for carrying
band instruments. To Harrington C32F (b/n 704) 3/50. Sold to Fleet Car Sales
(dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. With Tyler, Sandridge 12/58 to 10/60.
561 (CKO 964) c/n 9668. To Harrington C32F (b/n 518) 4/49. Sold
to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. To Diadem, Luton 11/58, withdrawn
9/59.
562 (CKO 965) c/n 9669. To Harrington C32F (b/n 712*) 3/50.
Sold to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. With Tyler, Sandridge
12/58 to 10/60. Passenger Vehicle Disposals (dealer), Dunchurch 6/61.
563 (CKO 966) c/n 9670. To Harrington C32F (b/n 592) 7/49. Sold
to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. Sold to Libya 11/58.
564 (CKO 967) c/n 9671. To Harrington C32F (b/n 512) 3/49. Sold
to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. Sold to Libya 11/58.
565 (CKO 968) c/n 9672. To Harrington C32F (b/n 557) 6/49. Sold
to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. Alexander & Tatham (dealer),
Chesterfield 1/59. McGowan, Kirkmuirhill by 9/59. Cowley (dealer), Salford
10/59.
566 (CKO 969) c/n 9673. To Harrington C32F (b/n 611) 9/49. Sold
to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. To Diadem, Luton 11/58, withdrawn
9/59 and passed to Faulkner (dealer), Fareham. Exported to Libya 11/59.
567 (CKO 970) c/n 9674. To Harrington C32F (b/n 765) 5/50. Sold
to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. C.Davies, Pontlottyn 4/59.
568 (CKO 971) c/n 9675. To Harrington C32F (b/n 508) 3/49. Sold
to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. Sold to Libya 11/58.
569 (CKO 972) c/n 9676. To Harrington C32F (b/n 530) 5/49. Sold
to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. C.Davies, Pontlottyn 4/59.
570 (CKO 973) c/n 9677. To Harrington C32F (b/n 680) 1/50. Sold
to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. Sold to Libya 11/58.
571 (CKO 974) c/n 9678. To Harrington C32F (b/n 616) 9/49. Sold
to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. C.Davies, Pontlottyn 4/59.
With Way (dealer), Cardiff 1962.
572 (CKO 975) c/n 9679. To Harrington C32F (b/n 681) 1/50. Sold
to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. With Tyler, Sandridge 12/58
to 10/60. To Saunders Burgess, Waddesdon 10/60. Lumley Saville (dealer),
Stratford-upon-Avon 2/62. Reported at garage at Johns Cross 1/67.
573 (CKO 976) c/n 9680. To Harrington C32F (b/n 698) 2/50. Sold
to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. With H. Brooke, Great Houghton
by 12/58. Faulkner (dealer), Fareham 10/59. Exported
to Libya 10/59.
574 (CKO 977) c/n 9681. To Harrington C32F (b/n 699) 2/50. Sold
to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. To Portsdown Coach Co., Wallington,
Fareham 7/59. Faulkner (dealer), Fareham 8/59. Exported to Libya 11/59.
575 (CKO 978) c/n 9682. To Harrington C32F (b/n 772) 6/50. Became
C575 in 1961. Sold to Fleet Car Sales (dealer) Dunchurch 7/62. To Skey, Sywell
by 11/62. With Hadsphaltic (contractor) by 6/65, still in use 8/66.
576 (CKO 979) c/n 9683. To Harrington C32F (b/n 668) 12/49.
Sold to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. To Diadem, Luton 11/58.
Holmes, London SE15 7/60. Taylor, London SE1 4/61. With Elm Park Coaches,
Romford 8/61.
577 (CKO 980) c/n 9684. To Harrington C32F (b/n 662) 12/49.
Sold to Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58. C.Davies, Pontlottyn 4/59.
With Way (dealer), Cardiff 1962.
578 (CKO 981) c/n 9685. To Harrington C32F (b/n 712*) 3/50.
Became C578 in 1961 (but photo taken in 1962 shows it still as 'CO578').
Sold to Fleet Car Sales (dealer) Dunchurch 10/62. Reclaimed by M & D
11/62. To Transport (Passenger Equipments) Ltd. (dealer), Macclesfield
3/63.
579 (CKO 982) c/n 9686. To Harrington C32F (b/n 713) 3/50. Became
C579 in 1961. Sold to Fleet Car Sales (dealer) Dunchurch 9/62. Reclaimed
by M & D 11/62. To Transport (Passenger Equipments) Ltd. (dealer),
Macclesfield 3/63.
* The same Harrington body number (712) was recorded for both 575 and 578
when rebodied in 3/50. No explanation for this.
A typical Harrington-bodied single decker bus of the 1930s, SO544
(DKL 591) served Maidstone & District for more than twenty years. (Photo:
Thanks to R.Marshall, via Bristol Vintage Bus Group.)
Notes: Redesignated 'SO' 532-552 in 1950. The running units
from three of these buses were used in the creation of Beadle/Leyland rebuilds
CO301-303 (see below). All withdrawn by the end of 1955.
532 (DKL 579) c/n 11904. B32F body Renumbered SO532 in 1950.
Sold to Passenger Vehicle Disposals (dealer), Dunchurch 8/55. To William
Press (contractor), Edmonton, N.London numbered CH5, 5/57 to 7/59. Scrapped
by 12/62.
533 (DKL 580) c/n 11905. Renumbered SO533 in 1950. Broken up
4/55.
534 (DKL 581) c/n 11906. Renumbered SO534 in 1950. Sold to Passenger
Vehicle Disposals (dealer), Dunchurch 8/55. To Mitchell (contractor),
Peterborough. Returned to PVD, Dunchurch 1/61.
535 (DKL 582) c/n 11907. Renumbered SO535 in 1950. To British
Transport Commission, British Railways (N.E.Region) 10/54 numbered
ELB0101.
536 (DKL 583) c/n 11908. Renumbered SO536 in 1950. Broken up
3/55.
537 (DKL 584) c/n 11909. Renumbered SO537 in 1950. Broken up
2/55.
538 (DKL 585) c/n 11910. Renumbered SO538 in 1950. Sold to Passenger
Vehicle Disposals (dealer), Dunchurch 8/55. With Mitchell (contractor),
Peterborough 5/56.
539 (DKL 586) c/n 11911. Renumbered SO539 in 1950. To British
Transport Commission, British Railways (N.E.Region) 10/54 numbered ELB0102.
Withdrawn at Bradford Road Motor Engineers' Depot 9/62.
540 (DKL 587) c/n 11912. Renumbered SO540 in 1950. Body broken
up 1953. Running units used in Beadle/Leyland coach CO301
2/54 (see below).
541 (DKL 588) c/n 11913. Renumbered SO541 in 1950. Body broken
up 1953. Running units used in Beadle/Leyland coach CO303
3/54 (see below).
542 (DKL 589) c/n 11914. Renumbered SO542 in 1950. Body broken
up 1953. Running units used in Beadle/Leyland coach CO302 2/54 (see
below).
543 (DKL 590) c/n 11915. Renumbered SO543 in 1950. Broken up
2/55.
544 (DKL 591) c/n 11916. Renumbered SO544 in 1950. Broken up
3/55.
545 (DKL 592) c/n 11917. Renumbered SO545 in 1950. Broken up
2/55.
546 (DKL 593) c/n 11918. Renumbered SO546 in 1950. Sold to Passenger
Vehicle Disposals (dealer), Dunchurch 8/55. With Mitchell (contractor),
Peterborough 5/56. Still in use 8/60.
547 (DKL 594) c/n 11919. Renumbered SO547 in 1950. Sold to Passenger
Vehicle Disposals (dealer), Dunchurch 8/55. With Finnegans (contractor),
Sheffield 1956.
548 (DKL 595) c/n 11920. Renumbered SO548 in 1950. Sold to Passenger
Vehicle Disposals (dealer), Dunchurch 8/55. With Knottler & Heron
(contractor) 7/60.
549 (DKL 596) c/n 11921. Renumbered SO549 in 1950. Broken up
2/55.
550 (DKL 597) c/n 11922. Renumbered SO550 in 1950. Sold to Passenger
Vehicle Disposals (dealer), Dunchurch 8/55. To Costain (contractor), London
N11 9/55. With Heron (contractor), Fort William 10/58.
551 (DKL 598) c/n 11923. Renumbered SO551 in 1950. Broken up
4/55.
552 (DKL 599) c/n 11924. Renumbered SO552 in 1950. To British
Transport Commission, British Railways (N.E.Region) 10/54 numbered ELB0104.
Withdrawn at Bradford Road Motor Engineers' Depot 9/62.
Body: Harrington C32F. Some rebodied by Harrington, or rebuilt
by Portsmouth Aviation as C32F during 1949-50. Buses Illustrated magazine
for March 1965 (page 104) records some controversy about whether Harrington
was actually involved with the rebuilding, or indeed whether any of the vehicles
was actually rebodied at all.
Ageing single-deck buses and coaches (and trucks) were commonly used
in the early 1960s to transport teams to regattas, using boat racks on their
roofs. CO558 was relegated to such work at the end of its service years,
and is seen here at Folkestone alongside East Kent Dennis Lancet EFN 593
on the same duty. Curiously DKT 16 should have been familiar with roof cargo,
as it spent its first two years of service carrying brass band instruments
in the same way. (Photo: Thanks to R.Marshall, via Bristol Vintage Bus
Group.)
Allan Haynes kindly sent some additional information; "This vehicle
has had more owners than I have had hot dinners, and has suffered significantly
from the experience. I owned it briefly in 1995 when I bought it from John
Parslow. It had been stored at the Routemaster Trust's garage in West London,
but then all the vehicles were evicted at a week's notice in order to re-let
it to one of the companies involved in the LT privatisation. John rang me
in a panic and said "Can you buy it off me please, I've got nowhere to store
it, it's in my engineer's garden in Hampton and it's been raining all week."
We towed it back to my lair in Norfolk and dried it out, then I had a closer
look at it and was more horrified than I expected. It had got very wet in
the past but the roof well was now efficiently sealed, but with an awful
lot of rotted timber inside, and a frightening crack in the post behind the
passenger door. Frank Elliot (Memory Lane Coaches at Wigan) told me of the
day the engine seized under him on the way to Brighton - number 6 bearing
on these engines tends to run dry... So I reluctantly accepted an offer from
the Gibbons boys in Maidstone and let it go. At some point in the past one
of the "preservationist" owners had seen fit to remove the lovely AEC style
wings that Harringtons had fitted at the rebuild in 1950 and replaced them
with pre-war Leyland ones, and moved the Autovac back onto the bulkhead when
Harringtons had hidden it nicely under the bonnet, then paint the whole vehicle
in the pre-war style of green with the cream relief. But not the correct
pre-war shade of green. The result, sadly, is a total dog's breakfast. I
said earlier "rebuild", not rebodying - as I am fairly convinced that it
was only rebuilt in 1950. The story I heard many years ago was that the rebuilds
were so expensive that they were shown in the accounts as rebodying. There
are two possible ways of proving this but they are a bit extreme - one way
would be to remove the panelling where the original position of the emergency
door was - in front of the rear wheel - to see if the marks from the hinges
and the latch are still there. The other would involve tree-ring dating of
the timber frames !"
Some of the batch were given half cab (rather than half canopy) bodies
by Harrington in 1950, and CO 554 is an example. This picture probably dates
from the early 1960s, as the condition of the old girl (and the others around
it) looks a bit battle-weary, and it may be nearing the end of its days.
Photo: M.& D. and East Kent Bus Club.
Notes: Redesignated as 'CO' 553-559 in 1950.
553 (DKT 11) c/n 13439. Rebodied Harrington C32F (b/n 753) 1/50
and renumbered CO 553. Fitted with roof boat-racks around 1958. Renumbered
C 553 in 1961. Still active 1962. A report in 1965 suggested that M&D
intended to keep this vehicle for preservation. This did not happen, and
it went to Hastings & District Multiple Sclerosis Society 3/66 with tail-lift
and wheelchair access. To C & M Jury (dealer) Hastings, 6/70. To David
Hoare, Chepstow 11/70 for preservation. To P.Gray, Ilkley 11/74. To Harold
Peers, Otley, Yorks 6/75. Still there (unrestored) in 2000. ** SURVIVOR
**.
554 (DKT 12) c/n 13440. Worked for Samuelsons New Transport,
London SW1 from 2/38 to 3/47. Body rebuilt by West Nor Aircraft Sheet Metal
Works, including new seating 1947. Rebodied Harrington C32F b/n 773 (halfcab)
6/50. Renumbered C554 in 1961. Withdrawn 1962. To Fleet Car Sales, Dunchurch
10/62, returned to M&D 11/62. To Transport (Passenger Equipments) Ltd.,
Macclesfield 3/63. To C.Davies, Pontlottyn 1963. Scrapped 9/64.
555 (DKT 13) c/n 13441. To Samuelsons New Transport, London
SW1, Feb 1938.
556 (DKT 14) c/n 13442. Rebodied Harrington C32F (halfcab) (b/n
568) 6/49. Renumbered CO 556 in 1950. To Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch
10/58. To Tyler, Sandridge 12/58, still in use 10/60.
557 (DKT 15) c/n 13443. Rebodied Harrington C32F (b/n 540) 7/49.
Renumbered CO 557 in 1950. To Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58.
Exported to Libya 11/58.
558 (DKT 16) c/n 13444. On contract to BICC until 1939 for their
staff brass band. Had full length roof rack for carrying band instruments.
Rebodied Harrington C32F (half canopy) (b/n 762) 5/50 and renumbered CO 558.
Renumbered C 558 in 1961. Canoe racks fitted on roof around 1958. Donated
to Norman Day, Historic Commercial Vehicle Club, for preservation 11/64.
To C.D.Lovelock & T.L.Murphy, Hollingbourne (later Ashford) 2/68. To
Ted Heslop, Hexham 1976. To N.W.Transport Museum. To Rob Gibbons, Maidstone
by 1999. ** SURVIVOR **.
559 (DKT 17) c/n 13445. Rebodied Harrington C32F (b/n 673) 5/50
and renumbered CO 559. To Fleet Car Sales (dealer), Dunchurch 10/58.
Body: Harrington B34F half-canopy. Some modified to B36F in
1941, probably with perimeter seating for use as ambulances during WWII,
but all converted back to B34F in the early 1950s.
Notes; Renumbered SO 700-708 in 1950.
SO 700 on relief bus duties on the 1950s. Photo: M. & D. and East
Kent Bus Club. Richard Bourne tells me it is seen in Globe Lane, Chatham,
a well-used haven for buses between duties for many years.
SO 702 seen at Lindfield, West Sussex in August 1962 when serving
with showmen after its retirement. Photograph kindly supplied by
Nigel Lemon.
700 (EKR 791) c/n 17821. To Royal Navy as ambulance 6/41. Returned
31/3/48. Completely rebuilt by M&D 9/48. Renumbered SO700 in 1950. To
British Transport Commission 5/54. With British Railways (Western Region),
number 204W.
701 (EKR 792) c/n 17822. To Royal Navy as ambulance 6/41.
Re-registered as 9676 RN, used at Chatham Dockyard with wooden seats from
11/45. Withdrawn 4/56 and for sale by MoS at Ruddington 6/56.
702 (EKR 793) c/n 17823. To Royal Navy as ambulance 6/41. Returned
31/3/48. Completely rebuilt by M&D 9/48. Renumbered SO702 in 1950. To
British Transport Commission 5/54. With British Railways (Western Region),
number 204W at Reading 9/54 and Oxford 3/61. Believed broken up by McKeown
(showman) 1965.
703 (EKR 794) c/n 17824. To B36F 12/41, back to B34F 8/53. To
Passenger Vehicle Disposals, Dunchurch 8/55.
704 (EKR 795) c/n 17825. To B36F 12/41, back to B34F 10/51.
To Passenger Vehicle Disposals, Dunchurch 8/55. With Aston (dealer), Marston
5/57. With showman, Hampstead 3/59.
705 (EKR 796) c/n 17826. To B36F 12/41, back to B34F 7/52. Broken
up 1/55.
706 (EKR 797) c/n 17827. To B36F 12/41, back to B34F 3/52. Broken
up 3/55.
707 (EKR 798) c/n 17828. Withdrawn 1955. Some reports say it
was broken up 6/55, but also reported in use in Doncaster area 1959.
708 (EKR 799) c/n 17829. To B36F 11/41, back to B34F 10/51.
Withdrawn 1955. With Turriff (contractor), Winfrith Heath 11/58. Fleet Car
Sales, Dunchurch 2/60. Derelict at Aston (dealer), Marston 8/60.
Notes; Renumbered SO 709-742 in 1950. All gone by 1956.
SO 727 (FKO 69) in the 1950s with "Tunbridge Wells" on its blind.
Ross Maxwell says it looks as though the picture was taken at the Woodbury
Park Road side entrance to the Tunbridge Wells garage. However Eddy Gutteridge
thinks is was taken at Gillingham Depot, Nelson Road. This batch were the
only M&D Tigers with Eastern Coach Works bodies, although the style was
virtually indistinguishable from contemporary products acquired from other
coachbuilders. Photo: M.& D. and East Kent Bus Club.
Garth Wyver says "I too feel that the locaction of this photo is Tunbridge
Wells. I visited this garage in the late 50s from Gravesend. I can see a
likeness to Gillingham Nelson Road but looking at a photo by Keith Harwood
of DH519, GL depot has a brick gable end. Also SO727 is a Gravesend garaged
bus. Who knows? It's all good fun!"
Mexborough & Swinton bought just one of this batch in 1955, when
SO 739 (FKO 81) became their No.90. After four years in revenue service,
it was retired in 1959 and converted to recovery vehicle B90, as shown above.
Both pictures by John Fozard, Keighley, W.Yorks, via M.& D. and East
Kent Bus Club.
709 (FKO 51) - c/n 301881, b/n 5822. To Passenger Vehicle Disposals,
Dunchurch 10/55. With Richards Bros., Moylgrove 5/58.
710 (FKO 52) - c/n 301882, b/n 5823. To Passenger Vehicle Disposals,
Dunchurch 8/55. With W.Everett, South Kirby 1956, with Blamires (dealer),
Bradford 5/57.
711 (FKO 53) - c/n 301883, b/n 5825. Broken up at Bulverythe
5/55.
712 (FKO 54) - c/n 301884, b/n 5824. To British Railways
(N.E.Region) 10/54, as ELB0105.
713 (FKO 55) - c/n 301885, b/n 5826. To British Railways (Western
Region) 12/54, as W220D based Windsor. To Say, Gloucester 7/58, scrapped
7/59.
714 (FKO 56) - c/n 301886, b/n 5827. Broken up at Bulverythe
5/55.
715 (FKO 57) - c/n 301887, b/n 5829. To Passenger Vehicle Disposals,
Dunchurch 10/55. With Gleeson (contractor) 11/56, withdrawn 5/58.
716 (FKO 58) - c/n 301888, b/n 5830. To Passenger Vehicle Disposals,
Dunchurch 8/55. With Lamb (contractor), Watford 1/57. With Wimpey (contractor)
10/57 as No.91. Seen with showman Wormwood Scrubs 5/58 and Welwyn Garden
City 8/59.
717 (FKO 59) - c/n 301889, b/n 5828. To Passenger Vehicle Disposals,
Dunchurch 10/55. With P.W.Wilkins, Torquay 11/55 as caravan.
718 (FKO 60) - c/n 301890, b/n 5831. Broken up at Bulverythe
4/55.
719 (FKO 61) - c/n 301891, b/n 5833. In use as office at Leysdown
from 8/53 to 10/57. To Passenger Vehicle Disposals,
Dunchurch 1/58. With Colbro (dealer), Rothwell 2/58. Seen on site near Rotherham
8/63.
720 (FKO 62) - c/n 301892, b/n 5832. Broken up at Bulverythe
6/55.
721 (FKO 63) - c/n 301893, b/n 5834. To Passenger Vehicle Disposals,
Dunchurch 8/55. With Mitchell (contractor), Bedford 3/56.
722 (FKO 64) - c/n 301894, b/n 5835. To British Railways
(N.E.Region) 6/55, based Tunsford 7/56 to 5/61.
723 (FKO 65) - c/n 301895, b/n 5836. Broken up at Bulverythe
5/55.
724 (FKO 66) - c/n 301896, b/n 5837. Broken up at Bulverythe
5/55.
725 (FKO 67) - c/n 301897, b/n 5839. Broken up at Bulverythe
7/55.
726 (FKO 68) - c/n 301898, b/n 5838. To British Railways (Eastern
Region) 11/54, as ELB0101, based Stratford District Engineers Dept 3/57.
727 (FKO 69) - c/n 301899, b/n 5840. Broken up at Bulverythe
6/55.
728 (FKO 70) - c/n 301900, b/n 5841. To Passenger Vehicle Disposals,
Dunchurch 10/55. With Knottler & Heron (contractor) 8/56.
729 (FKO 71) - c/n 301901, b/n 5846. To British Railways
(N.E.Region) 10/54, as ELB0103.
730 (FKO 72) - c/n 301902, b/n 5842. Broken up at Bulverythe
7/55.
731 (FKO 73) - c/n 301903, b/n 5844. To British Railways
(N.E.Region) 10/54, as ELB0106.
732 (FKO 74) - c/n 301904, b/n 5843. Broken up at Bulverythe
3/55.
733 (FKO 75) - c/n 301905, b/n 5848. To British Railways
(N.E.Region) 6/55, still with them 9/61.
734 (FKO 76) - c/n 301906, b/n 5845. To British Railways
(N.E.Region) 10/54, as ELB0107.
735 (FKO 77) - c/n 301907, b/n 5847. To Passenger Vehicle Disposals,
Dunchurch 8/55. With Baillie Bros. (contractor), Birmingham 10/56.
736 (FKO 78) - c/n 301908, b/n 5853. To Passenger Vehicle Disposals,
Dunchurch 8/55. With Mitchell (contractor), Sheffield 5/56, still with them
6/59.
738 (FKO 80) - c/n 301910, b/n 5854. Broken up at Bulverythe
3/55.
739 (FKO 81) - c/n 301911, b/n 5852. Sold 5/55 to Mexborough
& Swinton as their No.90. Converted in 1959 into an emergency vehicle
and numbered B90. Scrapped 4/67.
740 (FKO 82) - c/n 301912, b/n 5850. To Passenger Vehicle Disposals,
Dunchurch 10/55. With Taylor, Bicester 1955-56, to E.W.Thomas, Upper Llandwrog
8/56.
Here is Scout Motor Co. CO302 (SKE 998), basking in the sunshine in its
cream and red livery, sometime in the late 1950s and possibly at Hastings.
It retired to Ireland in the 1960s. Photographer unknown.
Built Feb/Mar 1954.
Chassis: Leyland Tiger TS7 8.6 litre 6-cylinder oil engine running
units from SO532-552 (see batch details above) incorporated into a Beadle
semi-chassisless structure.
Body: Beadle-Leyland C26F integral body.
Notes: 301 and 302 wore the fleet name "Scout" and were painted
red and cream.
CO301 (SKE 997) c/n JCB354. Used running units of former SO
540 (DKL 587). To Fleet Car Sales, Dunchurch 10/61. To B.Ellis Coaches, Barking,
Essex in 12/61. To SLCC (dealer) 4/64.
CO302 (SKE 998) c/n JCB355. Used running units of former SO
542 (DKL 589). To Fleet Car Sales, Dunchurch 10/61 and in use as an office
there 12/61. With Herlihy Tours, Cork, Ireland in 1963. In poor condition,
Kilarney 1969.
CO303 (SKE 999) c/n JCB356. Used running units of former SO
541 (DKL 588). Sometimes used on OMO work. To Fleet Car Sales, Dunchurch
6/61. To Revel Furniture Centre, Hackney, London 9/61, and used as a mobile
showroom. Still with them 7/62.
