1970s WEST MIDLANDS DOUBLE-DECKER
Reg No: KON 311P - new 1976
Chassis: Leyland Fleetline FE30ALR
Engine: Leyland 0680 11.1 litre 6 cyl.
Gearbox: Semi-automatic
Body: MCW 76 seats
West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive, having taken over the local Corporation bus fleets upon its creation in 1969, soon developed its own standard bus, suitable for driver only operation.
Around 1200 buses of this general appearance were received between 1971 and 1979. Reflecting the preferences of the Corporations, most were Daimler ‘Fleetlines’ (later models were badged as Leylands) although 200 were on Bristol VRT chassis. Bodies were constructed by Park Royal or Metro-Cammell; similar in appearance although distinguishable. Gardner engines were standard but supply difficulties led to 170 Fleetlines having Leyland 0680 engines. The 0680 engine was less happy in the Fleetline and from 1980, as they wore out, they were gradually changed to Gardners.
6311 entered service early in 1976 at Dudley garage. The Leyland-engined Fleetlines proved thirsty on Dudley’s many hills so in 1980 it moved to Yardley Wood. It gained a Gardner engine in 1981 and, like all later Fleetlines, Autosteer power steering. The WMPTE fleet was transferred to West Midlands Travel in 1986 in preparation for privatisation. 6311 was bought by the Museum in 1989 and immediately repanelled and repainted. The Autosteer has been removed and the Leyland engine to has recently been reinstated, providing a contrast to many other Fleetlines in preservation.
