| Midland Red 4031 |
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| 4031 |
| 1685 GROUP |
| "Omnibus Classic" |
| Midland Red Page |
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| One hundred Leyland "Titan" PD2/20s with metal framed Leyland 56 seat "Farington" type bodies were purchased by "Midland Red" (Birmingham & Midland Motor Omnibus) during1952/3 to supplement production of BMMO built double-deckers. Normally Midland Red manufactured vehicles entirely to their own specification, the demand for new vehicles, at this time, forcing additional procurement from elsewhere. However exposed radiators would not be tolerated, so Leyland supplied virtually a standard body having concealed radiator front-end assembly specified by BMMO. The new front-end became the standard Leyland design for concealed radiator Titans for other operators. The PD2 chassis featured the Leyland 0600 diesel engine, synchromesh gearbox and vacuum brakes. These were popular and powerfull vehicles, and the synchromesh gearbox was an improvement on the standard BMMO "crash" gearbox. 4031 (designated "LD8" type by Midland Red) was allocated to the Birmingham, Digbeth garage. It was primarily used on the numerous long & fast routes operated out of Birmingham by Digbeth garage. (eg 159 route to Coventry). |
| After 4031's demise from the BMMO fleet in 1966 it was later to serve "Fosters" as a works bus, carrying a dark geen livery. Remnants of this livery may be seen on the platform panels in adjacent picture. Although in a very sorry state the vehicle was fortunately saved from the scrap-man by the "Midland Omnibus Preservation Society". Extensive work was done to the roof panels which were all but destroyed by low trees. Unfortunate cicumstances then overtook MOPS, the group disbanded and the vehicle passed into the care of the 1685 Group. The 1685 Group were able to offer the vehicle a secure dry home, but unable |
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| to continue restoration due to resources being already stretched by the full restoration of 1685 and maintaining 1107. So for many years 4031 has lain dormant, although it has it's own restoration fund. However in 2002 a happier future is forcast for 4031. Despite it's appearance above, only one major hurdle needs to be overcome and that is the replacement of the platform riser. Everything else is well within the capabilities of group members. All other structural members are now refurbished, as are the running gear and the engine runs quite sweetly. The picture above (taken August 2002) shows the nearside awaiting new panels which are already prepared. Upper saloon ceiling panels which have been fully restored, again, can be seen. Full re-wiring has been undertaken. New glazing rubber is being fitted to refurbished window pans and new leathercloth to the interior window mouldings whilst the glass is removed. |
| Route Planner |
| Specification |
| Registration No. SHA 431 Chassis: Leyland PD2 (1952) Body: Leyland "Farington" (concealed rad.) PD2/20 56 seat - power rear doors. Engine: Leyland 0600 synchromesh 4 speed gearbox Midland Red (BMMO) type classification: LD8 |
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