lowlanderLR3
1972_09_02 BHA403C
Midland Red's last in-house designed and built double decker, produced in quantity, was the D9. The prototype emerged in 1958, shortly after 30ft. two axle double deckers were permitted and production got under way in 1960. As came to be expected with Midland Red, the design was innovative and different, developing the technology embodied in the S14 single decker. Rubber suspension, disc brakes, integral construction, power steering, and extensive use of glass reinforced plastic and light alloys were employed. Auxiliaries were hydraulic, rather than air, assisted. The set back front axle made the bus more manouverable than 30ft. buses with a conventional front axle position. It did, however, cause the bus to nod backwards and forwards a bit on the move. The disc brakes were not a success, largely because durable heavy duty components had not yet been developed, and were replaced by conventional drum brakes.
By the time BHA403C was built in 1965, Midland Red, due to its acute staffing problems, had turned to Willowbrook to fit out the H41/32R bodies. The bus had just emerged from Birmingham's Bull Ring Bus Station when this picture was taken in September 1972.
1972_09_02 BHA403C
Midland Red's last in-house designed and built double decker, produced in quantity, was the D9. The prototype emerged in 1958, shortly after 30ft. two axle double deckers were permitted and production got under way in 1960. As came to be expected with Midland Red, the design was innovative and different, developing the technology embodied in the S14 single decker. Rubber suspension, disc brakes, integral construction, power steering, and extensive use of glass reinforced plastic and light alloys were employed. Auxiliaries were hydraulic, rather than air, assisted. The set back front axle made the bus more manouverable than 30ft. buses with a conventional front axle position. It did, however, cause the bus to nod backwards and forwards a bit on the move. The disc brakes were not a success, largely because durable heavy duty components had not yet been developed, and were replaced by conventional drum brakes.
By the time BHA403C was built in 1965, Midland Red, due to its acute staffing problems, had turned to Willowbrook to fit out the H41/32R bodies. The bus had just emerged from Birmingham's Bull Ring Bus Station when this picture was taken in September 1972.