THE SCOTTISH VINTAGE BUS MUSEUM - GE2446

Photo: Stuart Macrae, 1994 Glasgow Transport centenary celebrations

DETAILS Chassis: Leyland Titan TD1, built 1928, No. 70203 Body: Double Deck, Leyland L27/24R0, built 1925 (reconstructed 1988/89). Engine: Leyland 6 cyl. petrol, 6.8 litre, model E1 First Licensed: 1/9/28.

BACKGROUND HISTORY

Announced in 1927, the Leyland Titan double decker broke new ground in being the most advanced passenger transport chassis yet produced. It was an instant success and introduced double-deckers to many bus fleets for the first time. It also introduced the ‘lowbridge' concept, patented by Leyland, whereby the provision of bench seating in rows of four with a sunken gangway on the top deck permitted overall height to be kept to just over 13ft. Many TD1s were thus bodied, built by Leyland or other manufacturers under licence to the same general design. Early examples had rear open staircases. Leyland’s rivals soon copied innovations such as four-wheel brakes and self-starters, and many features became standard practice for the next 25 years. Over 2,300 Titan TD1s were built between 1927 and 1932, being superseded by the TD model, which incorporated improved features. About a dozen TD1s have survived into preservation.

HISTORY OF THIS VEHICLE

Glasgow Corporation was an enthusiastic early user of the TD1, taking 15 almost as soon as the model became generally available. This was quickly followed by a batch of 100, delivered in 1928/29, all having Leyland Lowbridge bodies with rear staircases. Subsequent TD1 purchases were Highbridge versions with closed staircases built locally by Cowieson. Eventually Glasgow amassed a total of 273 TD1s, some receiving diesel engines in the mid-1930s.

111 was numerically the 46th of the batch of 100 but the chassis was the fourth of the order to be built. Like the rest of the batch it was withdrawn by 1940, sold to the Civil Defence for use as an ambulance along with several others. Nothing is known of its subsequent history until it was discovered in use as a static caravan near Eynsford, Kent in the mid 1980s, although its owner confirmed it had been there for about 4 years.

RESTORATION DETAILS

When discovered the vehicle was in a very derelict condition and although mechanically complete, the top deck was missing and what remained of the body had been extensively adapted for its role as a caravan. The body was removed from the chassis and a completely new body was constructed to the original design in the Edinburgh Workshops of SBG Engineering Limited. The state of the original body was such that few items were in sufficiently sound condition to be incorporated within the new structure and its use was largely restricted to pattern, making. The chassis, however, was in original condition and apart from the fitting of a reconditioned engine, required only superficial refurbishment. Restoration work was completed in 1995 including the interior being retrimmed and new seats being fitted.

GE2446 is believed to be the oldest surviving Leyland Titan TD1, the only Scottish example preserved, one of only three with open staircases and possibly the oldest double decker formerly with a Scottish operator still in existence.