Corgi OM40807 Open top Bristol/ECW Lodekka open rear platform d/deck bus "Southdown"

The advent of Bristol Lodekka in 1949 was a significant step forward in double deck design and represented the final evoloution of the front engined bus. Built by Bristol with bodies by Eastern Coachworks of Lowestoft, a total of just over 5200 wre built of various types until production ceased in 1968. The F series (flat floor) began production in 1959 and our model represents the FS (short) version.

On 14th march 1968, the BET Company sold its bus interests to the government who already owned former Tilling Group companies and this led to the formation of the NBC on 1st January 1969. From this date Southdown became a subsidiary company of the NBC and the BH & D fleet was amalgamated under a common general managership. With this amalgamation came 49 Bristol FS Lodekkas dating from 1960-1965. AAP 52B, fleet number 2052 was originally B,H & D fleet number 52, a 1963 FS6B.