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Last updated 16 January 2012
This series of pages is dedicated to a very special group of vehicles, the glorious and extensive fleet of
Leyland Tiger single-deckers that Southdown operated both before and after the war. This page looks at
the post-war buses and coaches. These links will take you to pre-war coaches and
pre-war buses.
Most unusually, Southdown turned to Eastern Coachworks to build virtually "off the shelf" bodywork for its
first batch of 25 post-war Leyland Tiger coaches, many of which were given a new lease of life in the mid 1950s
after being converted for bus use. This is numerically the first of the batch (GUF 727), originally No.1227 but
which became 677 when adapted as a bus in 1955. This, and one other, survives in preservation, and is seen here
at Lincoln when photographed in April 2000 by David Beardmore.
INTRODUCTION AND CREDITS
The Southdown Enthusiasts Club has a huge amount of
data regarding Southdown buses, and I recommend that you visit their page. They have also been kind enough to
let me use some of their photographs, for which I am most grateful. Owners of other pictures, when known, are
also credited. However the photographers of some pictures on this page 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 hitherto anonymous image, it will be
done forthwith.
My particular thanks go to Adrian Clarke for providing a large quantity of information, which has been a great
help in getting this list created. Many others have helped with valuable data - too many to name I'm afraid -
but thanks to you all.
The format for the listing is as follows;
Fleet No., (Regn.No.), Tiger model, Chassis number (when known), / Body manufacturer, manufacturer's body No.
(when known), Southdown body No. ('Bxxx'), body configuration (except when the entire batch is the same),
delivery date, subsequent modifications, withdrawal date and other notes.
As ever, mistakes are bound to creep in, 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 PS1/1 - 1227-1251 (Total 25)
A tiny white number on the nearside dumb iron, above the fog lamp, reveals that this was No.687,
renumbered from 1231 in 1955 when it was converted to bus configuration. It is shown relaxing in Brighton
sunshine in the late 1950s. Photo; Michael Rooum, London W1
When No.1247 (later renumbered 676) was retired in 1961, it passed to Eastbourne Corporation
Welfare Department and was used for the transport of the handicapped and elderly. It replaced an ex-Southdown
Dennis Falcon in this role and inherited its name - "Polly". It is seen here parked outside the Corporation's
Churchdale Road depot. Photo by kind permission of Cliff Essex.
1229 (GUF 729) PS1/1 461071 ECW 1656 B1708 4/47 active 1956, out of service by 1961, but in use as a left
luggage office at Bognor in 1966, renumbered D691. At Portslade works in 1974. Later owned by Robert
Gray, Funtley, Hants., but broken up for spares by 1999.
1230 (GUF 730) PS1/1 461121 ECW 1652 B1709 4/47, Rebuilt 1955 as B32R, renumbered 692, sold 1961 to Wimpey
(contractor) as No.373.
1231 (GUF 731) PS1/1 461173 ECW 1647 B1710 3/47, Rebuilt 1955 as B32R, renumbered 687, withdrawn and in store
at end of 1961. With Sussex Branch of British Red Cross Society 1962.
1232 (GUF 732) PS1/1 461174 ECW 1649 B1711 3/47, Rebuilt 1955 as B32R, renumbered 678, active 1956
1233 (GUF 733) PS1/1 461216 ECW 1659 B1712 5/47, Rebuilt 1955 as B32R, renumbered 679, based Chichester,
withdrawn 1961. Sold to Jackson Transport, Cavan, Ireland and became CID 875. Still with them in 1963.
1234 (GUF 734) PS1/1 461214 ECW 1658 B1713 5/47, Rebuilt 1955 as B32R, renumbered 680. Based at Eastbourne
1960. Sold 1961 to Cowley (dealer) of Salford, then to Jackson Transport Ltd., Cavan, Ireland and re-registered
CID 669. Still with them in 1965.
1235 (GUF 735) PS1/1 461218 ECW 1641 B1714 3/47 Rebuilt 1955 as B32R, renumbered 683, sold to Simon Carves,
Stockport (contractors) in 1960.
1236 (GUF 736) PS1/1 461217 ECW 1657 B1715 4/47, Rebuilt 1955 as B32R, renumbered 693, sold 1961.
1237 (GUF 737) PS1/1 462037 ECW 1653 B1716 4/47 Rebuilt 1955 as B32R, renumbered 685, sold to Simon Carves,
Stockport (contractors) in 1960.
1238 (GUF 738) PS1/1 462038 ECW 1636 B1717 2/47, Rebuilt 1955 as B31R, renumbered 682, withdrawn 1961.
Sold to Wimpey (contractor) as No.358.
1239 (GUF 739) PS1/1 462039 ECW 1660 B1718 5/47, Rebuilt 1955 as B31R, renumbered 688, withdrawn 1961.
Sold to Wimpey (contractor) as No.371.
1240 (GUF 740) PS1/1 462040 ECW 1648 B1719 5/47, Rebuilt 1955 as B32R, renumbered 675. Sold 1960.
1241 (GUF 741) PS1/1 462041 ECW 1650 B1720 4/47, Rebuilt 1955 as B3?R, renumbered 686. Withdrawn 1960
but still in store 1961. Sold 1962.
1242 (GUF 742) PS1/1 462062 ECW 1651 B1721 4/47 active 1956, gone by 1961
1243 (GUF 743) PS1/1 462061 ECW 1637 B1722 2/47, Rebuilt 1955 as B32R, renumbered 695, sold 1961 to Simon
Carves, Stockport (contractors) - or to Wimpey as No.370 ?.
1244 (GUF 744) PS1/1 462063 ECW 1638 B1723 2/47, Rebuilt 1955 as B32R, renumbered 696, sold 1961 to
Wimpey (contractor) as No.369.
1245 (GUF 745) PS1/1 462064 ECW 1639 B1724 3/47 active 1956, gone by 1961
1247 (HCD 447) PS1/1 462424 ECW 1642 B1726 3/47, Rebuilt 1955 as B32R, renumbered 676, sold to Eastbourne
Corpn. Welfare Dept 1961, and named `Polly'.
1248 (HCD 448) PS1/1 462425 ECW 1643 B1727 3/47 active 1956, gone by 1961
1249 (HCD 449) PS1/1 462467 ECW 1644 B1728 3/47, Rebuilt 1955 as B3?R, renumbered 689. Withdrawn 1960,
but in use as a left luggage office (renumbered D689) at Bognor 1961-66 and maybe later. Acquired for
preservation by Clifford Jones, Wrecclesham, Surrey 1974. **SURVIVOR**
with Robert Gray, Funtley, Hants. 2005.
1251 (HCD 451) PS1/1 462469 ECW 1646 B1730 3/47, Rebuilt 1955, renumbered 699. Sold 1961 to Wimpey
(contractor) as No.372.
The above batch as renumbered (the first 8 had bus seats, B32R or B31R)
========================
(Renumbering details of 1229, 1241, 1242, 1245, 1248, 1249 not known)
675 (GUF 740) Previously 1240. Sold 1960.
676 (HCD 447) Previously 1247, sold to Eastbourne Corpn. Welfare Dept 1961, and named `Polly'
(replacing Dennis No.81, FUF 181).
677 (GUF 727) Previously 1227. To Lancing Spastics Society 1960. ** SURVIVOR **
678 (GUF 732) Previously 1232, sold 1962
679 (GUF 733) Previously 1233, withdrawn 1961. Sold to Jackson Transport, Cavan, Ireland and became CID 875.
Still with them in 1963.
680 (GUF 734) Previously 1234. Sold 1961 to Cowley (dealer) of Salford, then to Jackson Transport Ltd.,
Cavan, Ireland and re-registered CID 669. Still with them in 1965.
681 (GUF 746) Previously 1246, withdrawn 4/61
682 (GUF 738) Previously 1238, withdrawn 1961. Sold to Wimpey (contractor) as No.358.
683 (GUF 735) Previously 1235, sold to Simon Carves, Stockport (contractors) in 1960
684 (HCD 450) Previously 1250, withdrawn 1960. With to Dew, Oldham (contractor) in 1963.
685 (GUF 737) Previously 1237
686 (GUF 741) Previously 1241. Withdrawn 1960 and still in store at end of 1961. Sold 1962.
687 (GUF 731) Previously 1231, withdrawn and in store at end of 1961. With Sussex Branch of British
Red Cross Society 1962.
688 (GUF 739) Previously 1239, sold 1961 to Wimpey Construction as No.371.
689 (HCD 449) Previously 1249. Withdrawn 1960, but in use as temporary luggage and booking office at
Bognor 1961-66. ** SURVIVOR **.
690 (GUF 728) Previously 1228, withdrawn 1961.
691 (??? ???) used as temporary luggage and booking office at Bognor 1961.
692 (GUF 730) Previously 1230, sold 1961 to Wimpey (contractor) as No.373.
693 (GUF 736) Previously 1236, sold 1961
694 Withdrawn Apr 1961.
695 (GUF 743) Previously 1243, sold 1961 to Simon Carves, Stockport (contractors) - or to Wimpey as No.370?
696 (GUF 744) Previously 1244, sold 1961 to Wimpey (contractor) as No.369.
697
698
699 (HCD 451) Previously 1251. Sold 1961 to Wimpey (contractor) as No.372.
LEYLAND TIGER PS1/1 - 1252-1263 (Total 12)
No.1256 (HCD 856) after sale to Otterburn & District in Northumberland, who clearly kept the
polished radiator surround in very good shape. (Photo: Unknown)
Body: Park Royal C32R using East Kent styling, all with sliding roof.
Notes: All sold in 1958.
1252 (HCD 852) PS1/1 462714 P.Royal 32994 B1731 5/47. Sold 1958. With Ashley & Sons (contractors) in 1961.
1253 (HCD 853) PS1/1 462723 P.Royal 32995 B1732 5/47. Sold 1958. With Bee-Line Roadways (Tees-side) Ltd.,
West Hartlepool 1958-59.
1254 (HCD 854) PS1/1 462781 P.Royal 32996 B1733 5/47. Sold 1958. With Gilbert Ash (contractor) 1958.
1255 (HCD 855) PS1/1 462783 P.Royal 32997 B1734 5/47. Sold 1958. With Ash, Stevenage for staff transport 1959.
1256 (HCD 856) PS1/1 462784 P.Royal 32998 B1735 5/47. Sold 1958 to Otterburn & District, Northumberland.
1257 (HCD 857) PS1/1 462806 P.Royal 33000 B1736 5/47. Sold 1958. With Bee-Line, West Hartlepool in 1958-59,
sold to Yuill, contractor, West Hartlepool in 1960.
1258 (HCD 858) PS1/1 462805 P.Royal 32999 B1737 5/47. Sold 1958. With Morgan (contractor) 1958. With A.Mason
(contractor), Mansfield in 1961.
1259 (HCD 859) PS1/1 462782 P.Royal 33002 B1738 5/47. Sold 1958. With Bee-Line, West Hartlepool in 1958, sold
to Richardson, West Hartlepool in 1959.
1260 (HCD 860) PS1/1 462840 P.Royal 33001 B1739 5/47. Sold 1958. With Bee-Line Roadways (Tees-side) Ltd.,
West Hartlepool 1959. With Yuill (contractor) in Durham 1963.
1261 (HCD 861) PS1/1 470138 P.Royal 33003 B1740 5/47 Brighton, active 1956. Sold 1958. With Bee-Line, West
Hartlepool in 1958, sold to Richardson, West Hartlepool in 1959.
1263 (HCD 863) PS1/1 470139 P.Royal 33005 B1742 5/47. Sold 1958. With Bee-Line, West Hartlepool in 1958,
sold to Richardson, West Hartlepool in 1959.
LEYLAND TIGER PS1 - 1264-1269 (Total 6)
1268 on Brighton seafront in the 1950s. Immediately after the war, coachwork designs were still copying
the trends of the 1930s, but only for two or three more years. Photo: unknown.
Body: Harrington C32F, all built with sliding roof. No.1264 had a half canopy.
1264 (HUF 4) PS1 470141 Harr. 21 B1743 4/47 Half-canopy design, active 1957. With Thomas Bros.,
Llangadock, S.Wales 1959. With Wimpey (contractors) by 1962.
1265 (HUF 5) PS1 470140 Harr. 103 B1744 4/47 Full width roof canopy, active 1957, based at Brighton.
With R.I.Davies, Tredegar, Wales 1959.
1266 (HUF 6) PS1 470570 Harr. 177 B1745 9/47 Full width roof canopy, active 1957. With R.I.Davies,
Tredegar, Wales 1959.
1267 (HUF 7) PS1 471300 Harr. 251 B1746 12/47 Full width roof canopy, active 1957. With Roberts, Maerdy,
Wales 1959. With Edward Bros., Beddau 1965.
1268 (HUF 8) PS1 471101 Harr. 252 B1747 1/48 Full width roof canopy, active 1957. Probably with Williams,
Treochy, Wales 1959.
1269 (HUF 9) PS1 471071 Harr. 272 B1748 2/48 Full width roof canopy, active 1957 Horsham. With W.J.Davies,
Leewood in 1959. To Dack, Terrington St.Clement in 1960 - still with them 1963 (But also reported to
be with Cook, Leicester in 1960).
LEYLAND TIGER PS1 - 1270-1275 (Total 6)
No.1273, with its handsome Windover Huntingdon bodywork, assembles passengers for a trip to Hindhead in the
1950s. Photo unknown.
Body: Windover Huntingdon C32F, all built with sliding roof and half canopies.
Notes: All sold in 1958.
1270 (HUF 270) c/n 470198, Windover Huntingdon {6760} B1749 3/48. Sold 1958 to P.W.Cherry, Beverley.
1271 (HUF 271) c/n 471072, Windover Huntingdon {6761} B1750 1/48. Sold 1958 to W.Bellis, Buckley.
1272 (HUF 272) c/n 471107, Windover Huntingdon {6762} B2032 2/48. Sold 1958 to Prescelly Motors, Clynderwen.
1273 (HUF 273) c/n 471297, Windover Huntingdon {6763} B2033 10/47. Sold 1958. With Moffatt, Cardenden in 1960.
1274 (HUF 274) c/n 471299, Windover Huntingdon {6764} B2034 12/47. Sold 1958 to W.J.Edwards, Tredegar.
1275 (HUF 275) c/n 471296, Windover Huntingdon {6765} B2035 1/48. Sold 1958 to W.G.Vowles, Merthyr Tydfil,
seating increased to 33.
LEYLAND TIGER PS1 - 1276-1298 (Total 23)
1298, the last of the batch, at rest in the 1950s, while what looks like one of the 1952 all-Leyland
Royal Tigers hurries by in the background. (Photo: unknown)
1279 (HUF 279) PS1 470873 Beadle 467 B2049 1/48. Withdrawn 1959. Sold to Jackson, Cavan, Ireland July 1960
and re-registered BID 776; to J.J.Kavanagh, Urlingford by June 1963. With T.J.O'Sullivan, Lislehane, Cork
in 1967.
1282 (HUF 282) PS1 471073 Beadle 470 B2052 1/48 ?26-seat 1950?, withdrawn 1960, became mobile display van
for Levertons, Spalding.
1283 (HUF 283) PS1 470871 Beadle 471 B2053 2/48 ?26-seat 1950?, sold July 1960 to Jackson, Cavan, Ireland,
registered BID 775. Still with them in 1965.
1285 (HUF 285) PS1 471196 Beadle 473 B2055 2/48 ?26-seat 1950?, withdrawn 1958?, and to Taylor, Long Buckby.
Then to K.W.Services, Daventry, but sold again in 1959 to Ash (contractor), Stevenage.
No.1306 seems to be having a drab life after its sale to Wimpey Construction. These vehicles had
a relatively short life with Southdown, their essentially pre-war styling having gone completely out of
fashion within a decade. (Thanks to Photobus for the picture).
Body: Park Royal C32R, all built with sliding roof.
1299 (HUF 299) PS1 471102 Park Royal 33009 B2069 3/48, withdrawn 1959. With Silcox, Pembroke Dock 1959.
1300 (HUF 300) PS1 471074 Park Royal 33010 B2070 3/48, withdrawn 1959. With Silcox, Pembroke Dock 1959.
1301 (HUF 301) PS1 471075 Park Royal 33008 B2071 3/48, withdrawn around 1958. With Stevens Bros., Tredegar
in 1958-59. Bought by R.I.Davies, Tredegar by Sept 1959.
1302 (HUF 302) PS1 470872 Park Royal 33015 B2072 3/48, withdrawn 1959. Sold to Wimpey 1960
1303 (HUF 303) PS1 471195 Park Royal 33016 B2073 3/48, withdrawn 1959. **SURVIVOR**
with Hall & Pixton, Hazel Grove.
1304 (HUF 304) PS1 470897 Park Royal 33018 B2074 3/48, Horsham 1956, withdrawn 1959, with Wimpey in 1960
1305 (HUF 305) PS1 470894 Park Royal 33017 B2075 3/48, withdrawn 1959, with Wimpey 1960
1306 (HUF 306) PS1 471106 Park Royal 33013 B2076 3/48, withdrawn 1959, with Wimpey in 1961
1307 (HUF 307) PS1 470870 Park Royal 33011 B2077 3/48, withdrawn 1959, with Wimpey 1960
1308 (HUF 308) PS1 471076 Park Royal 33007 B2078 3/48, withdrawn 1959, with Wimpey 1960
1309 (HUF 309) PS1 470896 Park Royal 33014 B2079 3/48, withdrawn 1959, with Wimpey 1960
1310 (HUF 310) PS1 470892 Park Royal 33012 B2080 3/48, withdrawn 1959.
1311 (HUF 311) PS1 471298 Park Royal 33006 B2081 3/48, withdrawn 1959, with Wimpey 1960
LEYLAND TIGER PS1 - 1312-1351 (Total 40)
No.1329 on a tour to Oxford and Windsor on a sunny day in the 1950s. The Southdown driver examines
the vehicle alongside (possibly a Guy Arab of Rickards Tours). He knows his coach - and his uniform - are
smarter..... (Camlyn Photos).
Body: Duple C32R, all built with sliding roof. Some rebuilt by Beadle to a full-fronted FC32R design during 1954-55.
No.1346 lost its original half-cab when rebuilt by Beadle in the 1950s. It was sold in 1960. (Photo:
Southdown Enthusiasts Club)
Notes: The last half-cab Tigers and the largest PS1 coach batch. Those vehicles in this group that were
rebodied by Beadle were not technically 'Beadle Rebuilds', although at first glance they appeared to be
identical. The true Beadle Rebuild (as detailed below) was a radical reconstruction, involving integrating a
new bodyshell on to pre-war Leyland running units (sometimes cutting up the chassis to form front and rear
sub-frames), whereas this batch retained the original chassis and most of the body. Only the cab was changed,
to give the vehicles a full-fronted design. Accordingly I am not classifying these with the 'Beadle Rebuilds',
even though they look just like them !
1312 (HUF 312) PS1 470197 Duple 42573 B2020 8/47 active 1961, at Portslade 11/61 with all marks of ownership removed.
1313 (HUF 313) PS1 470400 Duple 42574 B2021 9/47. Rebuilt by Beadle to FC32R 1954 or '55, based at Eastbourne.
Sold for scrap, 1962.
1314 (HUF 314) PS1 470401 Duple 42571 B2022 7/47 sold 1962 to Pembertons, Upton, Yorks.
1315 (HUF 315) PS1 470402 Duple 42569 B2023 7/47 sold 1962 to Pembertons, Upton, Yorks.
1317 (HUF 317) PS1 470567 Duple 42566 B2025 6/47. Rebuilt by Beadle to FC32R 1954 or '55, Sold 1961 to Jackson,
Cavan, Ireland, re-registered DID 619. Still there 1963.
1318 (HUF 318) PS1 470568 Duple 42567 B2026 6/47, rebuilt by Beadle to FC32R 1954 or '55, withdrawn 1961,
possibly sold to Persia.
1319 (HUF 319) PS1 470569 Duple 42565 B2027 6/47, rebuilt by Beadle to FC32R 1954 or '55, withdrawn 1961,
possibly sold to Persia.
1324 (HUF 324) PS1 471199 Duple 42575 B2036 10/47, active 1956, sold 1960 (to Persian Gulf?)
1325 (HUF 325) PS1 471105 Duple 42577 B2037 11/47 sold 1962 to Pembertons, Upton, Yorks. Later cut down at
the rear and used as a tow wagon by T.D.Alexander (Greyhound).
1326 (HUF 326) PS1 471301 Duple 42576 B2038 11/47. Sold 1961 to Turner, Bury (contractor).
1327 (HUF 927) PS1 471109 Duple 42578 B2039 11/47 active 1961, gone by 1962.
1328 (HUF 928) PS1 471104 Duple 42579 B2040 11/47, rebuilt by Beadle to FC32R 1954 or '55, withdrawn 1961,
possibly sold to Persia.
1329 (HUF 929) PS1 471198 Duple 42580 B2041 12/47 sold 1962 to Pembertons, Upton, Yorks, then to Russell,
Sutton in 1963.
1330 (HUF 930) PS1 471194 Duple 42581 B2042 12/47, active 1956, sold 1960 (to Persian Gulf?)
1331 (HUF 931) PS1 471134 Duple 42582 B2043 12/47 sold for scrap, 1962.
1332 (HUF 932) PS1 471352 Duple 45854 B2044 2/48, active 1956, gone by 1961
1333 (HUF 933) PS1 471353 Duple 45856 B2045 5/48, rebuilt by Beadle to FC32R 1954 or '55, withdrawn 1960,
possibly sold to Persia.
1334 (HUF 934) PS1 471193 Duple 45855 B2082 2/48 active 1961, with Collins (contractor), Portsmouth in
early 1962 as their No.72.
1335 (HUF 935) PS1 470869 Duple 45857 B2083 5/48, active 1956, sold 1960 (to Persian Gulf?)
1336 (HUF 936) PS1 471070 Duple 45859 B2084 6/48 sold 1962 to Pembertons, Upton, Yorks.
1337 (HUF 937) PS1 470868 Duple 45858 B2085 6/48 active 1961, withdrawn by early 1962.
1340 (HUF 940) PS1 491385 Duple 45865 B2092 6/49 active 1961, gone by early 1962. With Farmery, South
Emsall, Yorks in 1963.
1341 (HUF 941) PS1 491388 Duple 45862 B2093 6/49 active 1961, gone by 1962. With Ashley (contractor),
Nottingham 1964.
1342 (HUF 942) PS1 491387 Duple 45863 B2094 6/49 active 1961. Withdrawn by early 1962.
1343 (HUF 943) PS1 491386 Duple 45864 B2095 6/49, active 1956, sold 1960 (to Persian Gulf?)
1344 (HUF 944) PS1 491389 Duple 45866 B2096 6/49 active 1961, at Portslade 11/61 with all marks of ownership
removed. Sold 1962 to Pembertons, Upton, Yorks.
1345 (HUF 945) PS1 492053 Duple 45867 B2097 6/49, Portsmouth, active 1956, gone by 1961. With Portsmouth
Corpn.Welfare Dept. in 1962.
1346 (HUF 946) PS1 492452 Duple 45868 B2098 10/49, rebuilt by Beadle to FC32R 1954 or '55, sold 1960 (to
Persian Gulf?)
1347 (HUF 947) PS1 492453 Duple 45869 B2099 11/49, active 1956, sold 1960 (to Persian Gulf?)
1349 (HUF 949) PS1 493322 Duple 45871 B2101 11/49 sold for scrap, 1962.
1350 (HUF 950) PS1 493323 Duple 45872 B2102 11/49 sold for scrap, 1962.
1351 (HUF 951) PS1 493324 Duple 45873 B2103 11/49, rebuilt by Beadle to FC32R 1954 or '55, withdrawn 1961,
possibly sold to Persia.
TOTAL 125 ( with 3 survivors, 1227, 1249 and 1303 )
============================================
THE BEADLE REBUILDS
========================
No.888 (later 649) is the only surviving Southdown Beadle Rebuild, and is preserved by Bob Gray of
Fareham. It is shown here at Patcham on the HCVS London to Brighton run in 1994. (Photo: Dick Gilbert)
In the immediate post-war years, with the half-cab design now considered somewhat dated, J.C.Beadle, bodybuilders
of Dartford, came up with a novel scheme for extending the lives of pre-war single deck vehicles. The process
involved integrating a new full-fronted body to pre-war Leyland running units.
Some shorter (26 foot) models were also built, which involved combining the new integral body with front and
front and rear sub-frames cut from the two ends of the original chassis, retaining the engine and all major
systems. Both of these conversions were universally known as the 'Beadle Rebuilds'.
Despite the age of their original chassis and engines, such vehicles were common in the South East up to the mid
1960s, as fleets of them were purchased by Southdown, Maidstone & District and East Kent. In most cases
operators donated the running gear from their own older vehicles, but sometimes others were purchased for the purpose.
A full analysis of the 50 Southdown Beadle Rebuilds can get fearfully complicated, not least because all were
given new fleet and registration numbers on conversion. Below is a breakdown of the two batches (one batch of
30 feet length, and one of 26 feet), also showing the identity of the pre-war Southdown vehicle which donated
its components. So far so good, but the matter is then confused by a renumbering programme that took place in 1958-59.
The renumbering coincided with the conversion of ten of the shorter vehicles to buses, so the two groups now
became (1) ten buses - all short, and (2) the remaining 40 coaches - some short and some long - with gaps in
the sequence where the buses had been 'removed'. Thus the original Tiger TS8s (or the major parts of them) had
changed numbers twice. Curiously No.1470 of 1938 regained its original number again, exactly 21 years later
- the only one to do so.
LEYLAND / BEADLE - 850-869 (Total 20)
853, of the longer 30-foot batch, at Portsmouth in the 1950s. (Photo: Southdown Enthusiasts Club).
Delivered between March and June 1952
Type: Leyland / Beadle integral, 30 feet long, with 8.6 litre oil engine from pre-war Tiger TS8.
Body: FC35C (an 8ft wide body on a 7ft 6in chassis).
850 (LCD 850) Beadle-TS8 JCB259 Beadle B2114 7/52. Chassis rebuilt from 1433: FCD 33. Renumbered 1450 12/59.
Sold 1963 to Gibson Ltd., Cheshire (contractors).
851 (LCD 851) Beadle-TS8 JCB260 Beadle B2115 3/52. Chassis rebuilt from 1204: EUF 104. Renumbered 1451 12/59,
sold to Glenn, Uppingham (No.5) in 1963, but apparently seen with Kerridges (builders), Cambridge the same year.
852 (LCD 852) Beadle-TS8 JCB261 Beadle B2116 4/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1203: EUF 103. Renumbered 1452 12/59,
sold to Morlais, Merthyr Tydfil 1963.
853 (LCD 853) Beadle-TS8 JCB262 Beadle B2117 4/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1197: EUF 97. Renumbered 1453 12/59,
sold to Morlais, Merthyr Tydfil 1963.
854 (LCD 854) Beadle-TS8 JCB263 Beadle B2118 4/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1201: EUF 101. Renumbered 1454 12/59,
sold to Morlais, Merthyr Tydfil 1963.
855 (LCD 855) Beadle-TS8 JCB264 Beadle B2119 4/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1195: EUF 95. Renumbered 1455 12/59.
Sold 1963 to Sproat, Bedford and sold again immediately to Bates, Kenilworth.
856 (LCD 856) Beadle-TS8 JCB265 Beadle B2120 5/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1434: FCD 34. Renumbered 1456 12/59,
sold to Mexborough & Swinton 1962 as No.103, withdrawn by them in 1964.
857 (LCD 857) Beadle-TS8 JCB266 Beadle B2121 5/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1196: EUF 96. Renumbered 1457 12/59.
Sold 1963 to Morlaix, Merthyr.
858 (LCD 858) Beadle-TS8 JCB267 Beadle B2122 5/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1436: FCD 36. Renumbered 1458 12/59.
Sold 1963.
859 (LCD 859) Beadle-TS8 JCB268 Beadle B2123 5/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1198: EUF 98. Renumbered 1459 12/59,
sold to Mexborough & Swinton 1962 as No.104, withdrawn by them in 1964.
860 (LCD 860) Beadle-TS8 JCB269 Beadle B2124 5/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1194: EUF 94. Renumbered 1460 12/59,
sold to Mexborough & Swinton 1962 as No.105, withdrawn by them in 1964.
861 (LCD 861) Beadle-TS8 JCB270 Beadle B2125 5/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1192: EUF 92. Renumbered 1461 12/59.
Sold 1963.
862 (LCD 862) Beadle-TS8 JCB271 Beadle B2126 5/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1202: EUF 102. Renumbered 1462 12/59.
Sold 1963.
863 (LCD 863) Beadle-TS8 JCB272 Beadle B2127 5/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1191: EUF 91. Renumbered 1463 12/59.
Sold 1963.
864 (LCD 864) Beadle-TS8 JCB273 Beadle B2128 5/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1205: EUF 105. Renumbered 1464 12/59.
Sold 1963.
865 (LCD 865) Beadle-TS8 JCB274 Beadle B2129 6/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1187: EUF 87. Renumbered 1465 12/59,
sold by 6/63 to Moor-Dale Bus Services, Newcastle.
866 (LCD 866) Beadle-TS8 JCB275 Beadle B2130 6/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1190: EUF 90. Renumbered 1466 12/59.
With Thomas Bros., Llangadog in 1963.
867 (LCD 867) Beadle-TS8 JCB276 Beadle B2131 6/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1186: EUF 86. Renumbered 1467 12/59.
Sold 1963.
868 (LCD 868) Beadle-TS8 JCB277 Beadle B2132 6/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1460: FCD 260. Renumbered 1468 12/59.
Sold 1963.
869 (LCD 869) Beadle-TS8 JCB278 Beadle B2133 6/52 Chassis rebuilt from 1183: EUF 83. Renumbered 1469 12/59.
Based Eastbourne 1961. Sold 1963.
LEYLAND / BEADLE - 870-899 (Total 30)
No.894 of the shorter 26-foot series went to Irwins, contractors of Leeds, when sold by Southdown.
(Photobus picture)
Delivered between January 1953 and February 1954
Type: Leyland / Beadle integral, 26 feet long, with 8.6 litre oil engine from pre-war Tiger TS8.
Body: FC26C.
870 (MCD 870) Beadle-TS8 JCB319 Beadle B2402 1/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1470: FCD 370. Renumbered 1470 12/59
(back to its original No.!). Sold to Mechquip (London) Ltd as staff transport 1962.
871 (MCD 871) Beadle-TS8 JCB320 Beadle B2403 1/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1462: FCD 262. Renumbered 650 in 1958,
withdrawn 1965
872 (MCD 872) Beadle-TS8 JCB321 Beadle B2404 1/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1439: FCD 39. Renumbered 1472 12/59,
withdrawn 1962, sold to Leverton, Leeds. With Tindlings (contractor), Lincoln 1964.
873 (MCD 873) Beadle-TS8 JCB322 Beadle B2405 1/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1467: FCD 367. Renumbered 1473 12/59.
Sold 1962 to Mirlees International Ltd. as staff transport. With Miller, Morris & Brooker (contractor),
Slough 1964.
874 (MCD 874) Beadle-TS8 JCB323 Beadle B2406 1/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1442: FCD 242. Renumbered 651 in 1958
875 (MCD 875) Beadle-TS8 JCB324 Beadle B2407 1/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1444: FCD 244. Renumbered 652 in 1958
876 (MCD 876) Beadle-TS8 JCB325 Beadle B2408 2/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1443: FCD 243. Renumbered 653 in 1958,
sold 1965 to Cooke's Coaches, Dunstable.
877 (MCD 877) Beadle-TS8 JCB326 Beadle B2409 2/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1430: FCD 30. Renumbered 1477 12/59.
Sold to Supreme Washing Machines Ltd., Horsham 1962 for use as a showroom and also converted for the carriage
of wheelchairs on behalf of Heatherley Cheshire Home, Copthorne, Crawley. Still in use as such 1965.
878 (MCD 878) Beadle-TS8 JCB327 Beadle B2410 2/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1453: FCD 253. Renumbered 654 in 1958
879 (MCD 879) Beadle-TS8 JCB328 Beadle B2411 2/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1431: FCD 31. Renumbered 1479 12/59,
sold 1962 to R.I.Davies, Tredegar.
881 (MCD 881) Beadle-TS8 JCB330 Beadle B2413 3/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1464: FCD 264. Renumbered 1481 12/59.
Sold to Mechquip (London) Ltd as staff transport 1962.
882 (MCD 882) Beadle-TS8 JCB331 Beadle B2414 3/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1447: FCD 247. Renumbered 1482 12/59.
Sold to Mechquip (London) Ltd as staff transport 1962.
883 (MCD 883) Beadle-TS8 JCB332 Beadle B2415 3/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1454: FCD 254. Renumbered 1483 12/59,
sold 1962 to Reliance, Cardiff.
884 (MCD 884) Beadle-TS8 JCB333 Beadle B2416 3/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1471: FCD 371. Renumbered 645 in 1958
885 (MUF 485) Beadle-TS8 JCB346 Beadle B2417 4/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1435: FCD 35. Renumbered 646 in 1958.
Sold 1965 to Phillips, Shiptonthorpe, Yorkshire in 1966.
886 (MUF 486) Beadle-TS8 JCB347 Beadle B2418 4/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1465: FCD 265. Renumbered 647 in 1958
887 (MUF 487) Beadle-TS8 JCB348 Beadle B2419 4/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1450: FCD 350. Renumbered 648 in 1958.
Still active 1964, With Mears Bros. (contractors), Bromborough Port, Cheshire in 1966.
888 (MUF 488) Beadle-TS8 JCB349 Beadle B2420 5/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1468: FCD 368. Renumbered 649 in 1958.
Withdrawn 1965. With 1st Woodmansterne (Surrey) Scout Group 1969. **SURVIVOR**
with Robert Gray, Fareham 1998.
889 (MUF 489) Beadle-TS8 JCB350 Beadle B2421 5/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1480: GCD 380. Renumbered 1489 12/59.
Sold to Mechquip (London) Ltd as staff transport 1962.
890 (MUF 490) Beadle-TS8 JCB351 Beadle B2422 5/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1476: GCD 376. Renumbered 1490 12/59.
Sold to Mechquip (London) Ltd as staff transport 1962.
891 (MUF 491) Beadle-TS8 JCB352 Beadle B2423 5/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1438: FCD 38. Renumbered 1491 12/59.
Sold to Mechquip (London) Ltd as staff transport 1962.
892 (MUF 492) Beadle-TS8 JCB353 Beadle B2424 5/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1482: GCD 382. Renumbered 1492 12/59,
sold by 6/63 to J.Murphy (contractors) London N4.
893 (NCD 93) Beadle-TS8 JCB357 Beadle B2438 11/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1188: EUF 88. Renumbered 1493 12/59.
Sold 1963 to Norwest Construction, Liverpool.
894 (NCD 94) Beadle-TS8 JCB358 Beadle B2439 11/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1182: EUF 82. Renumbered 1494 12/59.
Sold by 6/63 to Irwins (contractors), Leeds.
895 (NCD 95) Beadle-TS8 JCB359 Beadle B2440 12/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1184: EUF 84. Renumbered 1495 12/59.
Sold 1963 to Holme, Liverpool (contractor).
896 (NCD 96) Beadle-TS8 JCB360 Beadle B2441 12/53 Chassis rebuilt from 1189: EUF 89. Renumbered 1496 12/59. Sold 1963.
897 (NCD 97) Beadle-TS8 JCB361 Beadle B2442 1/54 Chassis rebuilt from 1210: EUF 110. Renumbered 1497 12/59.
Sold 1963.
898 (NCD 98) Beadle-TS8 JCB362 Beadle B2443 2/54 Chassis rebuilt from 1448: FCD 248. Renumbered 1498 12/59.
Sold 1963. With Bull, Tideswell 1964.
899 (NCD 99) Beadle-TS8 JCB363 Beadle B2444 2/54 Chassis rebuilt from 1449: FCD 249. Renumbered 1499 12/59.
Sold 1963 to Blue Boar Service Stations for transport of catering staff to their motorway restaurants.
TOTAL 50 ( with 1 survivor - 888 )
===================================
BEADLE REBUILDS AS RENUMBERED
========================================
MUF 485 seen at Bognor on 12 September 1958, round about the time when it was renumbered from 885 to 646. On
the extreme right of the picture is an unexpected sighting of the unique Leyland Titan PD2 No.700, built in 1950 as an
all-metal 50-seat coach. Unfortunately it rolled a lot and made its passengers sick, so it was relegated to bus work.
However the design eventually led to the development of the famous family of Southdown PD3/4 so-called "Queen Mary"
buses - but that's another story. Photo by kind permission of Cliff Essex.
A renumbering process took place in 1958-59 for the entire fleet of 50 Beadle Rebuilds. This coincided with
the conversion of ten of the shorter (26 foot) batch to bus configuration. In order to comply with the numbering
system then in use, single deck buses were given fleet numbers in the 600-699 series. Thus ten of the vehicles
changed from 8xx fleet numbers to the next available 6xx numbers, but not in their original sequence and with
no correlation between registration and fleet numbers (in contrast to normal Southdown practice).
The remaining 40 coaches were then renumbered 1450-1499, which fitted into the current coach numbering pattern,
and left all the 800-899 numbers available for the large fleet of Leyland PD3/4 'Queen Mary' buses then coming
into service. The choice of 1450-1499 also enabled Southdown to link the fleet numbers with the registration
numbers but, with 10 vehicles having been converted to buses, there were ten gaps in the sequence.
Beadle/TS8 B31F OPO buses - all still active 1964
645 (MCD 884) Renumbered from 884 in 1958, running gear from TS8 1471
646 (MUF 485) Renumbered from 885 in 1958, running gear from TS8 1435. Sold 1965 to Phillips, Shiptonthorpe,
Yorkshire.
647 (MUF 486) Renumbered from 886 in 1958, running gear from TS8 1465
648 (MUF 487) Renumbered from 887 in 1958, running gear from TS8 1450. With Mears Bros. (contractors),
Bromborough Port, Cheshire in 1966.
649 (MUF 488) Renumbered from 888 in 1958, running gear from TS8 1468. Withdrawn 1965. With 1st Woodmansterne
(Surrey)Scout Group 1969. **SURVIVOR** with Robert Gray, Fareham 1998.
650 (MCD 871) Renumbered from 871 in 1958, running gear from TS8 1462. Withdrawn 1965
651 (MCD 874) Renumbered from 874 in 1958, running gear from TS8 1442
652 (MCD 875) Renumbered from 875 in 1958, running gear from TS8 1444
653 (MCD 876) Renumbered from 876 in 1958, running gear from TS8 1443. Withdrawn 1965 and sold to Cooke's
Coaches, Dunstable
654 (MCD 878) Renumbered from 878 in 1958, running gear from TS8 1453
Beadle/TS8 35 or 26 seat coach
Notes: The ten numbers not used became buses in the 645-654 series. All had gone by the end of 1964
1450 (LCD 850) Renumbered from 850 12/59, running gear from TS8 1433. Sold 1963 to Gibson Ltd., Cheshire
(contractors).
1451 (LCD 851) Renumbered from 851 12/59, running gear from TS8 1204 (EUF 104). Renumbered 1451 12/59, sold
to Glenn, Uppingham (No.5) in 1963, but apparently seen with Kerridges (builder), Cambridge the same year.
1452 (LCD 852) Renumbered from 852 12/59, running gear from TS8 1203, sold to Morlais, Merthyr Tydfil 1963.
1453 (LCD 853) Renumbered from 853 12/59, running gear from TS8 1197, sold to Morlais, Merthyr Tydfil 1963.
1454 (LCD 854) Renumbered from 854 12/59, running gear from TS8 1201, sold to Morlais, Merthyr Tydfil 1963.
1455 (LCD 855) Renumbered from 855 12/59, running gear from TS8 1195. Sold 1963 to Sproat, Bedford and sold
again immediately to Bates, Kenilworth.
1456 (LCD 856) Renumbered from 856 12/59, running gear from TS8 1434, sold to Mexborough & Swinton 1962
as No.103, withdrawn by them in 1964.
1457 (LCD 857) Renumbered from 857 12/59, running gear from TS8 1196, sold 1963 to Morlaix, Merthyr.
1458 (LCD 858) Renumbered from 858 12/59, running gear from TS8 1436, sold 1963.
1459 (LCD 859) Renumbered from 859 12/59, running gear from TS8 1198, sold to Mexborough & Swinton 1962
as No.104, withdrawn by them in 1964.
1460 (LCD 860) Renumbered from 860 12/59, running gear from TS8 1194, sold to Mexborough & Swinton 1962
as No.105, withdrawn by them in 1964.
1461 (LCD 861) Renumbered from 861 12/59, running gear from TS8 1192. Sold 1963.
1462 (LCD 862) Renumbered from 862 12/59, running gear from TS8 1202. Sold 1963.
1463 (LCD 863) Renumbered from 863 12/59, running gear from TS8 1191. Sold 1963. Smiths Tours.
1464 (LCD 864) Renumbered from 864 12/59, running gear from TS8 1205. Sold 1963.
1465 (LCD 865) Renumbered from 865 12/59, running gear from TS8 1187, sold by 6/63 to Moor-Dale Bus Services,
Newcastle.
1466 (LCD 866) Renumbered from 866 12/59, running gear from TS8 1190. With Thomas Bros., Llangadog in 1963.
1467 (LCD 867) Renumbered from 867 12/59, running gear from TS8 1186. Sold 1963.
1468 (LCD 868) Renumbered from 868 12/59, running gear from TS8 1460. Sold 1963.
1469 (LCD 869) Renumbered from 869 12/59, running gear from TS8 1183. Based Eastbourne 1961. Sold 1963.
1470 (MCD870) Renumbered from 870 12/59, running gear from TS8 1470 (kept original No.). Sold to Mechquip
(London) Ltd as staff transport 1962.
1471 - not used
1472 (MCD 872) Renumbered from 872 12/59, running gear from TS8 1439, withdrawn 1962, sold to Leverton,
Leeds. With Tindlings (contractor), Lincoln 1964.
1473 (MCD 873) Renumbered from 873 12/59, running gear from TS8 1467, sold 1962 to Mirlees International
Ltd. as staff transport. With Miller, Morris & Brooker (contractor), Slough 1964.
1474 - not used
1475 - not used
1476 - not used
1477 (MCD 877) Renumbered from 877 12/59, running gear from TS8 1430 (FCD 30). Sold to Supreme Washing
Machines Ltd., Horsham 1962 for use as a showroom and also converted for the carriage of wheelchairs on
behalf of Heatherley Cheshire Home, Copthorne, Crawley. Still in use as such 1965.
1478 - not used
1479 (MCD 879) Renumbered from 879 12/59, running gear from TS8 1431, sold 1962 to R.I.Davies, Tredegar.
1480 (MCD 880) Renumbered from 880 12/59, running gear from TS8 1446, withdrawn 1962
1481 (MCD 881) Renumbered from 881 12/59, running gear from TS8 1464. Sold to Mechquip (London) Ltd as staff
transport 1962.
1482 (MCD 882) Renumbered from 882 12/59, running gear from TS8 1447. Sold to Mechquip (London) Ltd as staff
transport 1962.
1483 (MCD 883) Renumbered from 883 12/59, running gear from TS8 1454, sold 1962 to Reliance, Cardiff.
1484 - not used
1485 - not used
1486 - not used
1487 - not used
1488 - not used
1489 (MUF 489) Renumbered from 889 12/59, running gear from TS8 1480. Sold to Mechquip (London) Ltd as
staff transport 1962.
1490 (MUF 490) Renumbered from 890 12/59, running gear from TS8 1476. Sold to Mechquip (London) Ltd as
staff transport 1962.
1491 (MUF 491) Renumbered from 891 12/59, running gear from TS8 1438. Sold to Mechquip (London) Ltd as
staff transport 1962.
1492 (MUF 492) Renumbered from 892 12/59, running gear from TS8 1482. Sold 1963 to J.Murphy (contractors), London N4.
1493 (NCD 93) Renumbered from 893 12/59, running gear from TS8 1188. Sold 1963 to Norwest Construction, Liverpool.
1494 (NCD 94) Renumbered from 894 12/59, running gear from TS8 1182
1495 (NCD 95) Renumbered from 895 12/59, running gear from TS8 1184. Sold 1963 to Holme, Liverpool (contractor).
1496 (NCD 96) Renumbered from 896 12/59, running gear from TS8 1189. Sold 1963.
1497 (NCD 97) Renumbered from 897 12/59, running gear from TS8 1210. Sold 1963.
1498 (NCD 98) Renumbered from 898 12/59, running gear from TS8 1448. Sold 1963. With Bull, Tideswell 1964.
1499 (NCD 99) Renumbered from 899 12/59, running gear from TS8 1449. Sold 1963 to Blue Boar Service Stations
for transport of catering staff to their motorway restaurants.
Classic Buses Profiles
with many other road, rail and air transport items.
