Midland Red DD12 Daimler Fleetline 6015, GHA 415D, has returned from Midland Red successor First Worcester, which has worked in partnership with Transport Museum Wythall (TMW) to help return 6015 to Class 6 running condition.
For the past four years, and fitting in around the activities of a large regional bus garage, the engineering team, under the leadership of John Cornish, has been undertaking significant structural repairs to body bearers, vertical pillars and the main crossmember under the engine and transmission. The upper deck floor has also been replaced and brakes have been completely overhauled, including all-new pipework. A thorough inspection of the electrics has also resulted in considerable replacement of wiring and has included overhaul of the door operating mechanism.
Thanks to First Worcester, the former static exhibit at TMW has now been transformed into a fully functional vehicle, just in time for the museum’s Midland Red Anniversary event on 3 October.
6015 was new in November 1966, a Daimler Fleetline CRG6 chassis with Alexander 77-seat bodywork, based upon a style introduced for Glasgow Corporation. Types DD11, DD12 and DD13 were built between 1963 and 1970 with detail differences including a centre exit on the DD13. Unlike the Glasgow design with curved windscreens, Midland Red specified flat glass screens on both upper and lower decks. The Gardner 6LX 10.45 litre diesel engine was coupled to a semi-automatic transmission.
This Fleetline was delivered to Leamington garage but was twice allocated to Worcester, so it was very appropriate for the restoration work to take place at its former home. The bus was finally withdrawn in December 1983 from Midland Red East’s Tamworth garage. It was donated to Wythall in 1985.
6015 will be one of the stars of the show on 3 October when TMW commemorates 40 years since this iconic Birmingham based bus operator, one of the largest English bus companies, was split into six new regional entities in September 1981 by the National Bus Company. The afternoon Happy Hour service will offer an opportunity to ride on 6015 for the first time in decades.
Full details of the day can be found at wythall.org.uk
