THE GALLERY
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The ill-fated AEC Swift classes of the early 70s, Merlin's magic did not work. Varying configurations and lengths of AEC Swifts were purchased for both central and country area operations to spread one man operation throughout the LT area. Mechanical reliability was a problem and the typical life of a Swift or Merlin was short, even by London standards.
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 SM476 was an advert bus for the Bucks Advertiser. Both it and AN92 are seen at an early Hillingdon Showbus. The Atlantean is resting from its task of providing the free shuttle bus between the showground and Uxbridge Station - a number of semi-preserved RTs filling in while the driver took his a break. The RTs also acted as duplicates and sported London & Manchester Assurance adverts along their sides. L&M provided the service for several years always requesting the same driver and making him a member of their 'Best Man For Life' club, which included a special tie and a mounted Dinky Toy model painted in the L&M advert colours. AN92 was one of the MCW bodied Atlanteans of London Country's second batch. |
 Swift SM753 found a temporary role as London Transport's mobile shop - until ousted by a Leyland National, a fate that befell most Swifts in service. It is seen in company with the Shillibeer liveried RCL converted to a mobile cinema at Showbus 80 at Thorpe Park. |
Another SM (158) seen at Showbus was this converted exhibition unit belonging to insurance specialists, Chapman Stevens. Chapman Stevens joined the rally as sponsors at the time the event moved to Woburn Abbey in 1981.
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Chapman Stevens' SM158 seen at Showbus at Woburn Abbey, with Red Rover 140, the DMS behind.
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 In the yard of Greens of London near Shepherds Bush lurked this former MB in use as a store or office back in 2003. |
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