1967 BMMO S21

MIDLAND RED 5870 - LHA870F

    5870 was built by BMMO at their Carlyle Road works in Edgebaston as part of a batch of 30 semi-coaches for long distance stage carriage services or private hire. She was integrally constructed and used ‘Metallastic’ rubber suspension with independent front suspension. The engine was Midland Red’s own design 10.5 litre, mounted under the floor. She managed to keep her unusual blue seats from new until the present day.

    She served at Dudley garage throughout her life, on the X96 Shrewsbury to Northampton service whilst with Midland Red, and later on local services with West Midlands PTE, when they took over part of the former’s Black Country operations in 1973.

    Since withdrawal from service in 1979, substantial body overhaul has taken place to restore her to a typical Midland Red black top livery, so long associated with the better class side of travel in the Midlands, and beyond, in the late 1950s and 1960s.

    After a long period of being dormant, work has begun on the fuel system to get the engine running again. Latest news is the engine now runs, and work has begun on the braking system.