TRADITIONAL WEST BROMWICH BUS

Reg No: 248 NEA - new 1963
Chassis: Daimler CVG6-30
Engine: Gardner 6LX 10.45 litre diesel
Gearbox: Semi-automatic
Body: Metro-Cammell 74 seats

West Bromwich had its own municipal bus fleet based at the garage in Oak Lane. In an era when spray painting and the need for economy led to simplified liveries, West Bromwich retained a complex and most attractive livery for the bulk of its buses until the fleet was absorbed in 1969 into the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive.

West Bromwich was typical of small municipal operations, conservative but efficient - residents enjoyed the lowest fares in the West Midlands. Some services were operated jointly with Midland Red and neighbouring municipalities so its buses were seen well outside the borough.

Daimler buses with Metro-Cammell bodies were a typical West Bromwich choice for many years with CVG6 models being purchased throughout its production period. The CVG6-30 (30 feet long) version of the model was introduced following relaxation of dimensions in 1956. Air brakes and new ‘Daimatic’ electro-pneumatic gearbox were standard on the longer model and ideal for town work. The Gardner 6LW 8.4 litre engine was a little small for a full 74-seat load and standing passengers but proved adequate for the job. West Bromwich bought 35 of the longer model between 1958 and 1965 with two batches of shorter CVG6 buses intervening. Bus 248 entered service on 11 October 1963 and passed to WMPTE in 1969, receiving the new blue and cream colours in due course. It was transferred to Walsall in September 1973. The spread of driver only operated meant rear loading buses rapidly declined in number and the survivors were frequently redeployed where conductor operation remained. It thus returned to Oak Lane, West Bromwich in March 1976 but in October began a new career at Birmingham garages, moving to Hockley and two months later to Liverpool Street. Its last months, from February to October 1978, were at Harborne. The Museum purchased 248 at auction in December 1978 and, on 10th February 1979, the bus claimed a small but important part of our history by being the first exhibit to enter the Wythall site. 248 emerged resplendent in West Bromwich colours in 1986 but internal restoration awaits completion.

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