1964 BMMO D9
MIDLAND RED 5370 - 6370 HA
| BODY: | BMMO (INTEGRAL) 72 SEATS |
| 40 UPPER, 32 LOWER | |
| ENGINE: | BMMO 10.5 LITRE |
| TRANSMISSION: | EPICYCLIC SEMI-AUTOMATIC |
The D9 was Midland Red’s first double decker built to the new maximum length of 30ft. A total of 345 were built between 1958 and 1966 at Carlyle works in Edgbaston. They were withdrawn from service between 1972 and 1979. 90 passed to WMPTE in 1973.
The D9 was a very advanced vehicle for it’s time, being of integral construction with many body panels made of glass fibre, indeed the whole roof is one moulded glass fibre panel. The powerful engine, power steering, rubber suspension and good visibility from the cab made this a very pleasant and popular vehicle to drive. An unusual feature is that the front wheels are set back from the front of the vehicle, resulting in a particularly small turning circle.
This particular vehicle was built in 1964 and spent most of it’s working life in Leicester. It was one of the last six D9s to be withdrawn, in 1979.
Work has begun on 5370, hopefully resulting in her being roadworthy sometime in 2008.
All photos copyright AMRTM
Registered as a charity no. 519216