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LHN 860
1949 Bristol L5G single-decker, ex United Automobile; restored 1996.

Rallying in younger company

    HISTORY
  • The chassis was built in I 949 by the Bristol Tramways & Carriage Co. Ltd. and was supplied to United with a standard Eastern Coach Works single-deck bus body.
  • In 1960 it was converted to one-person-operation along with some 30 others. For this purpose, the driver and rear passenger doors were sealed up, and a new power door fitted at the front; the cab side screen was angled to allow a ticket machine to be fitted; and the bulkhead behind the driver's seat was cut away.
  • The bus was sold by United in 1966 to J.T Bell (now Bellway Homes) for workmen's transport.
  • Purchased by the Aycliffe and District Bus Preservation Society in 1983, restored between 1989 and 1996. It is the only surviving example of the 30 modified.
  • The bus has starred in the Yorkshire TV series Heartbeat and Catherine Cookson's TV drama Round Tower.

Ready for service at the Morpeth Gathering
    TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
  • Chassis Bristol L5G
  • Engine Gardner 5LW 5-cylinder 7.0 litre 94bhp (70.1 kW) @ 1700 rpm.
  • Transmission Manual clutch with clutch-brake, 5 forward speed (non-synchromesh) and reverse gearbox.
  • Top speed 52mph (83.7 km/h)
  • Body Eastern Coachworks 35-seat single-deck bus
  • Dimenions length 27' 6" (8.38 m) width 7' 6" (2.29 m) height 9' 10" (3.00 m)
  • Weight 6 tons 9cwts 2 quarters (6.48 tonnes)
  • United fleet number BG413

Shot across the cowling

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Aycliffe and District Bus Preservation Society is registered charity number 1 158 142. Its VAT registration number is 809 3809 11.

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