|
|
Here's a brief summary of each model we currently have planned. Note that the illustrations below are of the actual vehicles
 |
These exceptional vehicles were developed as the second generation motorway express coach, operating non-stop routes between Birmingham & London, Nuneaton, Coventry & London and between Birmingham & Worcester. Their sleek, undated and business-like look made them ideal for this high speed work. |
 |
2. SOS 'ON' series ** SOLD OUT ** Developed from previous successful designs the ON and its associated models built between 1934 and 1940 were the mainstay of the service bus fleet throughout the war years and beyond. Many were re-modeled or re-bodied after the war and survived until the mid 1950's. After their life with Midland Red, many saw additional time with showmen, as builder's buses and as mobile libraries. |
 |
3. BMMO D9 Type ** SOLD OUT** Probably the fondest remembered Midland Red post-war production double decker. A design with many similarities to the famous London Transport Routemaster bus. Its advanced features included rubber suspension, independently sprung front wheels, a chassisless construction, 10.5 litre engine, semi automatic gears with two pedal control, and extensive use of coloured fibreglass including a one piece roof! |
4. SOS 'QL' type **SOLD OUT**
A Classic bus design of the late 1920's and 1930's. This type was the first design of Midland Red bus to have brakes on both axles - previous buses had rear wheel brakes only. Examples were sold to other associated companies and some lasted into the 1950's.
5. BMMO S6 series - Delayed
During the war years Midland Red experimented with underfloor engined buses They were so successful that at the end of the war they were able to launch a new design of bus and quickly built 100 examples of the S6 type. It was around 10 years ahead of its time - all other large manufacturers were still building half cab buses in the mid-late 1940's. The type was further developed during the next four years with S8, S9. S10 and S12 types all of similar style.
6. BMMO D10 PROTOTYPE
The pioneering spirit of Midland Red continued and in 1959 this revolutionary new design of underfloor engined double decker appeared, soon to be followed by a second D10. Nowadays it would be the perfect One Man Operated bus. Sadly the type was never mass-produced as Midland Red were committed to building further batches of the D9 double decker. The design type was reflected by Volvo some twenty years later in their own underfloor engined double decker, the D10M.
7. BMMO CM5T
The first purpose-built motorway express coach. On 2nd November 1959 Britain's first motorway the M1 was officially opened. On that first day, Midland Red started its first UK Motorway Express service between Birmingham & London. These advanced coaches cruised at 85mph plus!
8. SOS FEDD series
These classic doubledeckers followed the then fashionable design as Front Entrance Double Deckers. Various batches with varying designs were built between 1934 and 1939. These handsome vehicles had bodies seating 56 passengers. Sadly, non made it to the preservation era. This one will be a sell-out!
9. BMMO S21 - S23 series
The last years of the 1970's were to see the last ever BMMO produced buses. The final three types were all basically similar single deckers. Detail differences to bodywork distinguished them. The S21's were dual purpose vehicles for coach duties and light bus services with 49 high backed seats. The S22's were for long distance bus services with 45 seats, and the S23's were basic 51 seat service buses.
10. SOS 'S' Type
In the early 1920's competition was rife in the bus industry, Midland Red needed a small, light and yet powerful and fast performer to compete. Their first production bus was the 'S' Standard type. Seating for 32 passengers was provided, and it was one of the first types of buses in the UK to have pneumatic tyres. This was the first of a long line of successful Midland Red designs.
To accompany the launch of
"The Midland Red Collection" we are producing a limited
set of merchandise including :
Midland Red Coaches MUG. This is a standard size coffee mug, British
Produced, printed with the Midland Red Coaches logo and containing two colour
images of our Vehicles - Fleet numbers 147 (the Charabanc) and 5415 (the
D9). Mugs cost £7.95 plus P&P but we advise that you collect where
possible.
Midland Red Centenary A2 size
print. From a specially commissioned painting to celebrate 100 year of
Midland Red
See our shop page or front page for full details.
[Home] [Shop] [Coach Hire] [Midland Red Models] [Preservabus]
[News] [Introduction] [The Models] [What is Midland Red?] [Price & Availability] [How to Order]
Site design and contents Copyright © 2000-2005 Wheels