I think the D9 buses were far better than some of our rear engine buses; quiet, powerful and a better ride with their independent front suspension, and of course, were the first double deckers fitted with front disc brakes, although they had problems, apparently, finding a high melting point grease for the front wheel hubs.i think the d9 is a ugly fronted bus compared to our bct buses
Don't knock them all, Midland Red tried the idea in the early 30s!rear engine buses grrrrrrrrr.
A bit earlier than 30s, Viv! This type was introduced in 1913, and one survives at the Transport Museum Wythall in the livery of Birmingham Corporation who took over all routes totally within the city boundaries in 1914, along with sufficient buses to operate them. Midland Red then concentrated on expanding over much more of the midlands eventually becoming the second largest bus operator in the country outside of London Transport.A 1930s Midland bus of the Birmingham to Harborne Route.
viv.
Was that Mary St, Balsall Heath? What was you grandfather's name, and home address at the time?Does anyone have any information on The Birmingham Bus company, based in Mary Street in 1900? My grandfather's attestation papers when he joined the Royal Warks. regiment in 1900 stated that he worked for a Mr Pritchard at that company. This appears to be over a decade before the Midland Omnibus Company started. Thanks. Pete
It was Mary Street, Balsall Heath. His name was Alfred Bromley and he lived in Belgrave RoadWas that Mary St, Balsall Heath? What was you grandfather's name, and home address at the time?
That's great! Thank you very much for this information. Looks like the tramway went past the door!The firm first appears in Kellys in the 1897 edition. By 1903 it is The British Electric Traction Co. , They are still there in 1904.but have gone by 1908
These were the original offices at Digbeth, dating from when the garage was built in1929. The Spencer House I knew was larger, built partly on that site but stretching further east along Digbeth as well.Spencer House, Digbeth Garage, Birmingham, the building being the offices of Midland 'Red' Motors.
View attachment 175473
That's why I don't think the original building was called Spencer House. He only married Elizabeth Garke in 1936!Nice. Buiding named after him by his father in law when he was only 25 !
Help them to warm up quick / stay warm in cold weather. Some later makes have shutters that open and close automatically according to the water temperature (and invariably jam closed c ausing overheating!) Most post-WW2 Midland Reds had saloon heaters as did a few earlier ones so the more heat that was available the better. Also anti-freeze was not used until the 1960s so keeping the warmth in was important for long layovers in the winter. If it was VERY cold, buses would be kept running for several hours during the night in the garages (cough, cough!) as it might be that the garage water pipes and taps were frozen toowhy did buses have half the radiator covered with a blind?
In the northern US and Canada most diesels have block heaters while they are shut down. In some parts the big trucks and buses are connected to warm antifreeze circulating systems. Even with winterized fuel, diesel fuel can thicken and be difficult or impossible to pump.Help them to warm up quick / stay warm in cold weather. Some later makes have shutters that open and close automatically according to the water temperature (and invariably jam closed c ausing overheating!) Most post-WW2 Midland Reds had saloon heaters as did a few earlier ones so the more heat that was available the better. Also anti-freeze was not used until the 1960s so keeping the warmth in was important for long layovers in the winter. If it was VERY cold, buses would be kept running for several hours during the night in the garages (cough, cough!) as it might be that the garage water pipes and taps were frozen too
thanks LloydHelp them to warm up quick / stay warm in cold weather. Some later makes have shutters that open and close automatically according to the water temperature (and invariably jam closed c ausing overheating!) Most post-WW2 Midland Reds had saloon heaters as did a few earlier ones so the more heat that was available the better. Also anti-freeze was not used until the 1960s so keeping the warmth in was important for long layovers in the winter. If it was VERY cold, buses would be kept running for several hours during the night in the garages (cough, cough!) as it might be that the garage water pipes and taps were frozen too
Yes, I remember the “blind” or shutter chains or levers in those trucks. In most of the newer heavy vehicles they are thermostatically controlled to keep the engine temperature in the right place.i remember sump heaters on all night fire trucks and ambos having engine heaters while not in use. i had to go out to lots of vehicles with frozen diesel in the pipes and pumps. i also rememer shutters that was operated from the cab
oops sorry new modgoing off topic...........