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Crosville halfcab Bristol L single deckers (by Dick Gilbert)

Last updated 23 August 2024

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Another look at some delightful vehicles from the past. This time it's the huge number of halfcab Bristol L single deckers operated by Crosville.

The Crosville Motor Services Limited (as it was known in 1950s and 1960s) had originally been formed to build cars in 1906. Associated at one time with the L. M. S railway, and later becoming part of the Tilling Group, it was based in Chester, Cheshire. By 1960 its route network stretched from Liverpool and St. Helens in the North, west round the Welsh coast as far as Cardigan Bay, including the island of Anglesey and a link to Cardiff. It also covered Welshpool and Oswestry, and as far east as Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Ken Jones took this shot of preserved Crosville Bristol L5G KG131 (KFM 893) at Taunton in April 2010.

The chassis and engine manufacturer Bristol named each new model with a consecutive alphabetical letter. Thus, the K double decker of the mid-1930s was followed by its single-deck equivalent, the L. Bristol Ls with Eastern Coach Works (ECW) bodies were built in huge numbers and served all over Britain. At first glance they all appeared absolutely identical, but there were in fact several versions with visible differences.

The basic L was launched in 1937, and reappeared after the war in 1946 as an improved model. It had a 16 ft. 2 inch wheelbase and was 7 ft. 6 inches wide. In 1950 a longer version was introduced with a 19 ft. long wheelbase, increasing the capacity of the bus by one seat row - i.e. 4 seats. This typically meant an increase from 35 seats to 39, and the model was named the LL (for L Long). In 1951 an 8 ft wide version became available, and this was known as the LW (for L Wide). An example that was both long and wide was designated as LWL.

The designation also showed the number of cylinders and the manufacturer of the engine. So, an LWL6B was a Bristol L, 8 feet wide, with a lengthened wheelbase, and a 6-cylinder Bristol engine. Whereas an LL5G was a Bristol L, with a long wheelbase, (but only 7 ft 6 inches wide) and a 5-cylinder Gardner engine. Crosville had a great number of ECW bodied Bristol Ls of all types, and it is currently thought that 17 of them are still around.

The fleet numbering system changed several times during the life of the company, but we are using the numbers adopted from 1958 onwards. This separated the batches into classes according to their configuration. S stood for single deck (or E meant an express coach), L meant a Bristol L chassis, and the engine maker was represented by A for AEC, B for Bristol and G for Gardner.

It should It should be mentioned that the gap in the numbering sequence between 230 and 268 was, in fact filled by two more batches of Bristol L single deckers but, since they all had 8 ft wide full-fronted Queen Mary bodies, this highly halfcab-biased page has excluded them. However just for the record, the two batches (both from 1951) were:

CLB 230-244 (LFM 811 and MFM 662-675) Bristol LL6B, withdrawn 1963-64.

CLB 245-268 (MFM 676-699) Bristol LWL6B, withdrawn 1963-64.

Prior to the 1958 re-numbering scheme, they had been KW 230-268. There are no survivors from either batch.

Andrew Jay Barratt kindly sent me the picture above, showing Bristol LWL6B SLB289 (NFM 45), one of the last Crosville Bristol halfcabs, working out of Crewe on the K14 route to Sydney. That's Andrew's grandfather driving the bus!

As with my other lists, the mistakes are bound to creep in, and some relevant information may be missing so, in order to make it as accurate a reference as possible, I would of course welcome any additions or corrections. In this connection I must particularly thank Charles Roberts for his great help in straightening out some of the wobbles in the fleet details, and for providing one of the images below.

FLEET LIST

BRISTOL L6A - SLA/ ELA(originally KB) 1 - 81 (total 82)

One of the first of many, this is Crosville KB11 (FFM 479). Perhaps someone can tell me where it is, and also why the side window arrangement differs from SLA43 in the picture below. Photo by Dennis Kerrison on 26 Aug 1959, when it was tow vehicle A11.

Ray Jones writes: "The photo shown is at the Albion Works, Rhyl. The reason for covering the sliders is not known to me, but all the early ECW bodied tow buses converted by Crosville had this modification done."

Alan Watkins says "The window shape indicates it is one of the early postwar bodies with the external sliders that were quickly replaced in 1947/48 by the more orthodox internal sliders."

Mike Grants says "The picture was taken at Rhyl depot (also known as Albion Works). The background sandstone wall which is the ramp to an adjacent railway bridge is the clue. When pictured, the vehicle had been demoted to a tow bus - hence the absence of cream paint. It started life as KB11, became SLA11 but by then was A11 (plate just visible behind driver's door handle). The non-psv status dates the picture sometime from 1959 and into the first half of the sixties."

Bristol L6A SLA43 (GFM 852) in the yard of Autowreckers, Penwortham, near Preston in 1982. After service with Crosville, the vehicle served as a mobile shop in the Preston area. It was subsequently rescued by someone from the Blackpool area with a view to restoration but is believed to have since been scrapped. Photo: Charles Roberts.

Built in 1946-49

Chassis: Bristol L6A, with AEC 6 cylinder 7.7 litre engine (SLA70 and 71 were L6B).

Body: Originally Eastern Coach Works B35R, but most were later converted by Crosville for one-man operation, with front entrances and automatic doors.

Notes: This batch was originally designated KB before 1958. Redesignation then led to the majority becoming SLA. However, seven (Nos. 1, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14) were classified as ELA with the E representing Express. ELA1 was dual purpose from new, whereas the other six were fitted with secondhand bodies from pre-war vehicles which had themselves been re- bodied in the late 1940s.

KB1 > ELA1 (FFM 469) c/n W4.001, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1961

KB2 > SLA2 (FFM 470) c/n W4.003, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1958 and used as towing vehicle A2 until 1967, when it was replaced by SLG136 (G136).

KB3 > SLA3 (FFM 471) c/n W4.004, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1960

KB4 > SLA4 (FFM 472) c/n W4.039, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1958 and used as towing vehicle A4 until 1966.

KB5 > SLA5 (FFM 473) c/n W4.040, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1958 and used as towing vehicle A5 until 1967.

KB6 > ELA6 (FFM 474) c/n W4.050, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1961. To Atomic Power Constructors, Trawsfynnyd.

KB7 > ELA7 (FFM 475) c/n 61.001, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1961. To Atomic Power Constructors, Trawsfynnyd.

KB8 > SLA8 (FFM 476) c/n 61.013, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1958 and used as towing vehicle A8 until 1966, then sold.

KB9 > ELA9 (FFM 477) c/n 61.020, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1961

KB10 > ELA10 (FFM 478) c/n 61.021, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1961

KB11 > SLA11 (FFM 479) c/n 61.039, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1958 and used as towing vehicle A11 until 1967, then sold.

KB12 > SLA12 (FFM 480) c/n W4.045, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1958 and used as towing vehicle A12 until 1967, then sold.

KB13 > ELA13 (FFM 481) c/n W4.046, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1961. To Atomic Power Constructors, Trawsfynnyd.

KB14 > ELA14 (FFM 482) c/n 61.059, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1961

KB15 > SLA15 (FFM 483) c/n 61.060, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1958, became breakdown tender A15 until 1965.

KB16 > SLA16 (FFM 484) c/n 61.091, deliv.1946. Withdrawn in 1960 and used as towing vehicle A16 until 1967.

KB17 > SLA17 (FFM 511) c/n 61.092, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1960 (? became mobile shop with St.Helens Co-op Society ?)

KB18 > SLA18 (FFM 512) c/n 61.099, deliv.1946. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1967

KB19 > SLA19 (FFM 513) c/n 61.117, deliv.1946. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1965

KB20 > SLA20 (FFM 514) c/n 61.118, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1960

KB21 > SLA21 (FFM 515) c/n 61.119, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1960

KB22 > SLA22 (FFM 516) c/n 61.148, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1960. To St.Helens Co-operative Society as a mobile shop.

KB23 > SLA23 (FFM 517) c/n 61.149, deliv.1946. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1964

KB24 > SLA24 (FFM 518) c/n 61.150, deliv.1946. Converted to front entrance 1957. Based Denbigh in early 1960s. Withdrawn 1965, sold to Pochin (contractors).

KB25 > SLA25 (FFM 519) c/n 63.032, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1960

KB26 > SLA26 (FFM 520) c/n 63.033, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1960

KB27 > SLA27 (FFM 521) c/n 63.048, deliv.1946. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1966

KB28 > SLA28 (FFM 522) c/n 63.047, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1961

KB29 > SLA29 (FFM 523) c/n 63.049, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1961. To Atomic Power Constructors, Trawsfynnyd.

KB30 > SLA30 (FFM 524) c/n 63.063, deliv.1946. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1966. With Express Motors (Jones), Rhostryfan 2/67 to 10/70 photo here. Thomas, Upper Llandwrog 10/1970, w/d 8/1971.

KB31 > SLA31 (FFM 525) c/n 63.064, deliv.1946. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1965

KB32 > SLA32 (FFM 526) c/n 63.065, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1960

KB33 > SLA33 (FFM 527) c/n 63.079, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1965

KB34 > SLA34 (FFM 528) c/n 63.119, deliv.1946. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1966

KB35 > SLA35 (FFM 529) c/n 63.136, deliv.1946. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1966

KB36 > SLA36 (FFM 530) c/n 63.137, deliv.1946. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1966 and sold to Churchbridge, Cannock for spares.

KB37 > SLA37 (FFM 531) c/n 63.146, deliv.1946. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1965

KB38 > SLA38 (FFM 532) c/n 63.147, deliv.1946. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1966

KB39 > SLA39 (FFM 533) c/n 63.148, deliv.1946. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1965

KB40 > SLA40 (FFM 534) c/n 63.161, deliv.1946. Withdrawn 1960. To St.Helens Co-operative Society as a mobile shop.

KB41 > SLA41 (FFM 535) c/n 63.162, deliv.1946. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1965

KB42 > SLA42 (GFM 851) c/n 63.193, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1966

KB43 > SLA43 (GFM 852) c/n 63.194, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1966. Lord, Lostock Hall (mobile shop). Autowreckers, Penwortham (store) by 7/1972 **? SURVIVOR? ** Hilton, Blackpool 1989 (scrapped ?).

KB44 > SLA44 (GFM 853) c/n 65.028, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1965

KB45 > SLA45 (GFM 854) c/n 63.180, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1966

KB46 > SLA46 (GFM 855) c/n 65.064, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1962

KB47 > SLA47 (GFM 856) c/n 65.065, deliv.1947. Withdrawn 1961

KB48 > SLA48 (GFM 857) c/n 65.074, deliv.1947. Withdrawn 1960

KB49 > SLA49 (GFM 858) c/n 65.090, deliv.1947. Withdrawn 1961. To Manchester Waterworks. Picture here.

KB50 > SLA50 (GFM 859) c/n 65.091, deliv.1947. Withdrawn 1961

KB51 > SLA51 (GFM 860) c/n 65.095, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1962

KB52 > SLA52 (GFM 861) c/n 65.096, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1957. Sold 1963 to Dew (contractor), Oldham

KB53 > SLA53 (GFM 862) c/n 65.159, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1962 and sold to Atomic Power Constructors, Trawsfynnyd.

KB54 > SLA54 (GFM 863) c/n 65.160, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1962. With K. W. Services, Daventry 1963 as their No.A.46.

KB55 > SLA55 (GFM 864) c/n 65.192, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1962

KB56 > SLA56 (GFM 865) c/n 65.193, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1962 and sold to Atomic Power Constructors, Trawsfynnyd. Scrapped Castle Point Museum, Canvey Island 1990s, parts used for other projects.

KB57 > SLA57 (GFM 866) c/n 65.187, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1962

KB58 > SLA58 (GFM 867) c/n 65.188, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1962

KB59 > SLA59 (GFM 868) c/n 65.189, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1957. Withdrawn 1962 and sold to Atomic Power Constructors, Trawsfynnyd.

KB60 > SLA60 (GFM 869) c/n 65.194, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1958. Withdrawn 1962. With Pochin (contractor), Middlewich 1964.

KB61 > SLA61 (GFM 870) c/n 65.195, deliv.1947. Withdrawn 1962

KB62 > SLA62 (GFM 871) c/n 67.059, deliv.1947. Withdrawn 1962, sold to Fairclough, Warrington (contractor) and still with them around 1967.

KB63 > SLA63 (GFM 872) c/n 67.015, deliv.1947. Withdrawn 1962

KB64 > SLA64 (GFM 873) c/n 67.060, deliv.1947. Withdrawn 1962

KB65 > SLA65 (GFM 874) c/n 67.016, deliv.1947. Withdrawn 1962, sold to Mercury of Boscombe.

KB66 > SLA66 (GFM 875) c/n 67.038, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1958. Withdrawn 1967

KB67 > SLA67 (GFM 876) c/n 67.039, deliv.1947. Withdrawn 1962 and sold to Bovis Ltd., London W1 (contractors).

KB68 > SLA68 (GFM 877) c/n 67.070, deliv.1947. Withdrawn 1962

KB69 > SLA69 (GFM 878) c/n 67.071, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1958. Withdrawn 1967

KB70 > SLA70 (GFM 879) c/n 65.181, deliv.1947. L6B chassis.Withdrawn 1961, sold to Dew, Oldham (contractor).

KB71 > SLA71 (GFM 880) c/n 65.182, deliv.1947. L6B chassis. Converted to PAYE 1958. Withdrawn 1961

KB72 > SLA72 (GFM 881) c/n 67.103, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance PAYE 1958. Withdrawn 1963 and sold to Thames Valley as S301.

KB73 > SLA73 (GFM 882) c/n 67.115, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance PAYE 1958. Withdrawn 1963 and sold to Thames Valley as S302. Rossmore, Sandbanks by 12/1971. ** SURVIVOR ** with Crosville Vintage, Weston-super-Mare 2021.

KB74 > SLA74 (GFM 883) c/n 67.131, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance PAYE 1958. Withdrawn 1962, sold to Mercury of Boscombe.

KB75 > SLA75 (GFM 884) c/n 67.116, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance PAYE 1958. Withdrawn 1963 and sold to Thames Valley as S303.

KB76 > SLA76 (GFM 885) c/n 67.104, deliv.1947. Converted to PAYE 1958. Withdrawn 1961. Probably then to Huyton-with-Roby Urban District Council as welfare bus with rear wheelchair ramp.

KB77 > SLA77 (GFM 886) c/n 67.105, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance PAYE 1958. Withdrawn 1967

KB78 > SLA78 (GFM 887) c/n 67.106, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance PAYE 1958. Withdrawn 1963 and sold to Thames Valley as S304.

KB79 > SLA79 (GFM 888) c/n 67.132, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance PAYE 1958. Withdrawn 1963 and sold to Thames Valley as S305.

KB80 > SLA80 (GFM 889) c/n 67.152, deliv.1947. Converted to front entrance 1958. Withdrawn 1967

KB81 > SLA81 (GFM 890) c/n 67.151, deliv.1947. Withdrawn 1962. With Kennys (contractor), Ipswich 1964.

BRISTOL L6A/B - SLA/SLB (originally KB/KW) 82 - 110 (total 29)

This photo of KB88 (JFM 117) may have been taken when new, as the sign in the side window says Body by Eastern Coach Works Ltd, Lowestoft". Destination blinds have not yet been fitted and the vehicle looks in fine condition. Location unknown, photographer unknown.

Ray Jones tells me: "KB88 is, as you say, newly delivered and is taken at the Sealand Road Works."

Built in 1947-48

Chassis: Eighteen were Bristol L6A, with AEC 6 cylinder 7.7 litre engine (KB, later SLA), and eleven were Bristol L6B with a Bristol 6-cylinder engine (KW, later SLB).

Body: Eastern Coach Works B35R.

KB82 > SLA82 (JFM 111) c/n 67.173, deliv.1948. Withdrawn 1962, sold to Mercury of Boscombe.

KB83 > SLA83 (JFM 112) c/n 67.170, deliv.1948. Withdrawn 1962

KB84 > SLA84 (JFM 113) c/n 67.172, deliv.1948. Withdrawn 1962 and sold to Atomic Power Constructors, Trawsfynnyd.

KB85 > SLA85 (JFM 114) c/n 67.171, deliv.1948. Withdrawn 1962, broken up for spares.

KB86 > SLA86 (JFM 115) c/n 67.174, deliv.1948. Withdrawn 1962, sold to Mercury of Boscombe.

KB87 > SLB87 (JFM 116) c/n 71021, deliv.1948. Withdrawn 1962. Dew, Oldham (contractor) (f/n 59) -/1963, still in use 2/1972

KB88 > SLB88 (JFM 117) c/n 71022, deliv.1948. Withdrawn 1963. Sold to Thornton (contractor), Liverpool.

KB89 > SLB89 (JFM 118) c/n 71027, deliv.1948. Withdrawn 1962. Dew, Oldham (contractor) (f/n 62) -/1964, still in use 2/1972. Cubbins, Farnworthe (dealer) 5/1972.

KB90 > SLA90 (JFM 119) c/n 71084, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1962. Sold 1963 to Derek Crouch (contractor), Eye, Suffolk.

KB91 > SLA91 (JFM 120) c/n 71085, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1962 and sold to King's School, Chester. Picture here.

KB92 > SLB92 (JFM 121) c/n 71090, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1963. Dew, Oldham (contractor) (f/n 55) -/1963, still in use 2/1972

KB93 > SLB93 (JFM 122) c/n 71098, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1963. Dew, Oldham (contractor).

KB94 > SLB94 (JFM 123) c/n 71099, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1963

KB95 > SLB95 (JFM 124) c/n 71100, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1963

KB96 > SLA96 (JFM 125) c/n 71117, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1963

KB97 > SLA97 (JFM 126) c/n 71118, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1963, sold to J.H.Cottam (contractor), Southminster, Essex. With Coward (contractor), Chelmsford 1967-69.

KB98 > SLA98 (JFM 127) c/n 71155, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1963. With Holloway Bros. (contractor), London 1964.

KB99 > SLA99 (JFM 128) c/n 71156, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1963. Sold to Scott, Ellesmere Port.

KB100 > SLA100 (JFM 129) c/n 71157, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1963, sold to Hassall, Dronfield.

KB101 > SLA101 (JFM 130) c/n 71158, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1962

KB102 > SLA102 (JFM 131) c/n 73048, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1964

KB103 > SLA103 (JFM 132) c/n 73049, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1963

KB104 > SLA104 (JFM 133) c/n 73050, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1963

KB105 > SLA105 (JFM 134) c/n 73052, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1964

KB106 > SLA106 (JFM 135) c/n 73053, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1964

KW107 > SLB107 (JFM 136) c/n 73054, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1964

KW108 > SLB108 (JFM 137) c/n 73055, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1965, to Murphy, Chester (site office), derelict 7/1971

KW109 > SLB109 (JFM 138) c/n 73064, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1965

KW110 > SLB110 (JFM 139) c/n 73089, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1964

BRISTOL L5G - SLG (originally KG/KW) 111 - 149 (total 39)

This photo shows KG124 (KFM 773) at a bus rally in Luton in June 1993. Photo by David Beardmore.

Built in 1949-50

Chassis: Bristol L5G, with 5-cylinder Gardner 5LW engine (KG, later SLG), and some were Bristol L6B with a Bristol 6-cylinder engine (KW, later SLG).

Body: Eastern Coach Works B35F.

Notes: This batch was originally designated KG and KW before 1958.

KG111 > SLG111 (JFM 140) c/n 71182, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1965

KG112 > SLG112 (JFM 141) c/n 73074, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1965, used as towing vehicle G112 until 1972.

KG113 > SLG113 (JFM 142) c/n 73075, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1964, became open lorry G113 until 1973.

KW114 > SLG114 (JFM 143) c/n 73088, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1964

KG115 > SLG115 (KFM 764) c/n 79015, deliv.1949. Converted to towing vehicle G115 1966. Withdrawn 1972 and acquired by G. Ledger, Kingsthorpe, Northants for preservation. Passed to Shrives, Raunds Station in 1973 - broken up.

KG116 > SLG116 (KFM 765) c/n 79016, deliv.1949. Withdrawn 1967

KG117 > SLG117 (KFM 766) c/n 79066, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967, used as towing vehicle G117 until 1972. ** SURVIVOR ** Tony Brown, Chelveston.

KG118 > SLG118 (KFM 767) c/n 79093, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967, used as towing vehicle G118 until 1972. ** SURVIVOR ** Jon Jones-Pratt, Crosville Vintage, Weston-super-Mare 2021.

KG119 > SLG119 (KFM 768) c/n 79092, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1966

KG120 > SLG120 (KFM 769) c/n 79111, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1969

KG121 > SLG121 (KFM 770) c/n 79112, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1969

KG122 > SLG122 (KFM 771) c/n 79113, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967

KG123 > SLG123 (KFM 772) c/n 79114, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967

KG124 > SLG124 (KFM 773) c/n 79115, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967, used as towing vehicle G124 until 1976. ** SURVIVOR ** London Ceremony Bus, Belgium.

KG125 > SLG125 (KFM 774) c/n 79130, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1966, used as towing vehicle G125 (at Aberystwyth 1967) until 1972. ** SURVIVOR ** Hurst Scout Group. Reportedly sold out of preservation in 1982 to a hotel near Northampton as a hospitality unit. At Dinmore Manor, Hope-under-Dinmore, nr. Leominster, Herefordshire 1998, painted blue and used as rest-room for gamekeepers and pheasant shooters. Tax expired 1990. Restored by Rob Ward, Plough Inn, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. In red and cream livery, and used for advertising/hospitality. Sold March 2022. For sale again Sept 2022 by Crosville Heritage, Weston-super-Mare.

KG126 > SLG126 (KFM 775) c/n 79138, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1969. ** SURVIVOR ** Birmingham & Midland Motor Omnibus Trust, Wythall. (Photo by Ken Jones, Wythall 8/13)

KG127 > SLG127 (KFM 776) c/n 79139, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967, used as towing vehicle G127 based at Runcorn until 1976.

KG128 > SLG128 (KFM 777) c/n 79140, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1969. Martin, Weaverham 4/1969. Hired to McAlpine -/1969.

KG129 > SLG129 (KFM 778) c/n 79150, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1966

KG130 > SLG130 (KFM 892) c/n 79151, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967. Martin, Weaverham 11/1967. Fairclough, Adlington (contractor).

KG131 > SLG131 (KFM 893) c/n 79152, deliv.1950. Picture here. Withdrawn 1967, used as towing vehicle 'G131' until 1976. ** SURVIVOR ** Jon Jones-Pratt, Crosville Vintage, Weston-super-Mare 2021.

KG132 > SLG132 (KFM 894) c/n 79153, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1968

KG133 > SLG133 (LFM 714) c/n 79175, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1966

KG134 > SLG134 (LFM 715) c/n 79173, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1966, sold to Aston, Marton.

KG135 > SLG135 (LFM 716) c/n 79174, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967

KG136 > SLG136 (LFM 717) c/n 79172, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1966, used as towing vehicle G136 (replacing SLA2/A2) until 1971. ** SURVIVOR ** William Staniforth, Stroud, Glos. 2015.

KG137 > SLG137 (LFM 718) c/n 79176, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1968

KG138 > SLG138 (LFM 719) c/n 79177, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1969. Martin, Weaverham by 5/1969. Hired to McAlpine -/1969.

KG139 > SLG139 (LFM 720) c/n 79178, deliv.1950. Destroyed by fire at Wrexham, July 1965.

KG140 > SLG140 (LFM 721) c/n 81001, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967

KG141 > SLG141 (LFM 722) c/n 81002, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1968

KG142 > SLG142 (LFM 723) c/n 81033, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967

KG143 > SLG143 (LFM 724) c/n 81035, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1966, used as towing vehicle G143 until 1972. To France, Dukinfield. Graham Ledger, Northampton 2005 (scrapped for spares).

KG144 > SLG144 (LFM 725) c/n 81031, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967. unknown owner, Liverpool by 4/1968.

KG145 > SLG145 (LFM 726) c/n 81037, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1969

KG146 > SLG146 (LFM 727) c/n 81034, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1969. Became a Crosville mobile office, until 1970.

KG147 > SLG147 (LFM 728) c/n 81036, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1969. Bought by Cheshire Constabulary - regularly rallied in the 1970s. ** SURVIVOR ** Ray Jones, Chester.

KG148 > SLG148 (LFM 729) c/n 81032, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967, used as towing vehicle (f/n G148) until 1972.

KG149 > SLG149 (LFM 730) c/n 81080, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1968. sold to Warrington, Ellesmere Port (contractor) 1/1969.

BRISTOL LL5G - SLG (originally KG) 150 - 164 (total 15)

This picture (by kind permission of David Beilby) shows Crosville LFM 731 (KG or SLG150) at the Crich rally on 27 August 1979. It ran at that time with this pseudo-original blind, but David thinks it only had the one display. In the background is Bristol C2388 (LHT 911).

Built in 1950

Chassis: Bristol LL5G, with 5 cylinder Gardner 5LW engine

Body: Eastern Coach Works B39R.

Notes: This batch was originally designated KG before 1958.

KG150 > SLG150 (LFM 731) c/n 81082, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1970, and acquired for preservation. ** SURVIVOR ** Crosville Vintage, Weston-super-Mare 2021. For sale Sept 2022 at £25,000 complete and running well.

KG151 > SLG151 (LFM 732) c/n 81083, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1968. Foster, Ellesmere Port, w/d -/1971.

KG152 > SLG152 (LFM 733) c/n 81084, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967

KG153 > SLG153 (LFM 734) c/n 81085, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967. Hawker Siddeley, Broughton. Martin, Middlewich (dealer) 4/1972. Kershaw, Northwich by 8/1972 for preservation. ** SURVIVOR ** Chelveston Preservation Society

KG154 > SLG154 (LFM 735) c/n 81086, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967. Martin, Weaverham 7/1967. Gerrard, Swinton 7/1968. Fram-Gerrard -/1970

KG155 > SLG155 (LFM 736) c/n 81081, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967

KG156 > SLG156 (LFM 737) c/n 81173, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967. ** SURVIVOR ** Philip Bedford, at Cavan AND Leitrim Railway, Dromod, Ireland (as FCI 323).

KG157 > SLG157 (LFM 738) c/n 81174, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1968. Brinns, Newcastle -/1968.

KG158 > SLG158 (LFM 739) c/n 81199, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967, sold to Bleanch, Hetton-le-Hole.

KG159 > SLG159 (LFM 740) c/n 81198, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1969. sold to Warrington, Ellesmere Port (contractor) 7/1969. Martin, Middlewich (dealer) 4/1972.

KG160 > SLG160 (LFM 741) c/n 83073, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967, sold to Colquhoun, Carlisle.

KG161 > SLG161 (LFM 742) c/n 83075, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967. Flather, Ellesmere Port (contractor), still in use 3/1972.

KG162 > SLG162 (LFM 743) c/n 83076, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1969. Martin, Weaverham 9/1969, w/d 12/1970. unknown owner -/1970.

KG163 > SLG163 (LFM 744) c/n 83077, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967. ** ?SURVIVOR ? ** Rowlands, Llangefni, Anglesey - but possibly scrapped by late 1990s.

KG164 > SLG164 (LFM 745) c/n 83074, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1969

BRISTOL L6B - ELB (originally KW) 165 - 174 (total 10)

Bristol L6B ELB173 at Rhyl in 1960. Photo by kind permission of Eamonn Kentell.

Dennis Kerrison writes "The photo of ELB173 (LFM 754) was not taken in Rhyl. It is at the express services/coach tours layover park in or near Llandudno Oxford Road."

Built in 1950

Chassis: Bristol L6B, with 6 cylinder Bristol engine

Body: Eastern Coach Works C31R, except 171 which was C27R.

KW165 > ELB165 (LFM 746) c/n 81087, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1962

KW166 > ELB166 (LFM 747) c/n 81142, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1962

KW167 > ELB167 (LFM 748) c/n 81143, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1962. With Mason (contractor), Mansfield 1964.

KW168 > ELB168 (LFM 749) c/n 81144, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1962. With Mason, Mansfield 1965 as staff transport.

KW169 > ELB169 (LFM 750) c/n 81145, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1962

KW170 > ELB170 (LFM 751) c/n 81146, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1962, sold to Thomson, West Calder.

KW171 > ELB171 (LFM 752) c/n 81147, deliv.1950. 27 seats. Withdrawn 1962

KW172 > ELB172 (LFM 753) c/n 81162, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1962 - became towing vehicle B172, until 1967, then mobile caravan in Birkenhead, to Carlton PSV, Hellaby in 1988 ** SURVIVOR ** Crosville Vintage, Weston-super-Mar 2021.

KW173 > ELB173 (LFM 754) c/n 81163, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1962

KW174 > ELB174 (LFM 755) c/n 81164, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1962

BRISTOL LL6B - SLB (originally KW) 175 - 187 (total 13)

Nigel Lemon kindly sent me this picture of SLB183 (LFM 764), taken on 19 July 1961. He says "it is climbing out of Porthmadog (probably spelled Portmadoc in those days), before descending towards Borth-y-Gest and the inhabitants of the bus all seem to be looking at the strange photographer!".

Meanwhile this picture of preserved SLB175 (LFM 756) was taken by David Humphrey during the Crosville Retired Salaried Staff Association's summer meeting and lunch in June 2009. Many thanks to David for the photo.

Built in 1950

Chassis: Bristol LL6B, with 6 cylinder Bristol engine

Body: Eastern Coach Works B39R.

KW175 > SLB175 (LFM 756) c/n 81165, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1968. ** SURVIVOR ** Jon Jones-Pratt, Crosville Vintage, Weston-super-Mare 2021.

KW176 > SLB176 (LFM 757) c/n 83001, deliv.1950. Carried a GPO letter box on the back for use on Route M11 Llandudno - Eglwys Fach (the only bus-borne letter box in N.Wales). Withdrawn 1969

KW177 > SLB177 (LFM 758) c/n 83004, deliv.1950. Based Vale of Clwyd. Withdrawn 1967. Dorr Oliver, Croydon (staff bus). Martin, Weaverham 10/1968.

KW178 > SLB178 (LFM 759) c/n 83005, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1970. ** SURVIVOR ** To John Oates, Mobberley, Cheshire 1988 (Photo by John Oates, Corwen Station 7/16).

KW179 > SLB179 (LFM 760) c/n 83006, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967. Martin, Weaverham 10/1967. Buckleys Cleaning Services by 6/1968.

KW180 > SLB180 (LFM 761) c/n 83026, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967

KW181 > SLB181 (LFM 762) c/n 83027, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967

KW182 > SLB182 (LFM 763) c/n 83028, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967

KW183 > SLB183 (LFM 764) c/n 83029, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1968

KW184 > SLB184 (LFM 765) c/n 83054, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967, With Hollis, Shotton in 1968.

KW185 > SLB185 (LFM 766) c/n 83030, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967. Martin, Weaverham 11/1967.

KW186 > SLB186 (LFM 767) c/n 83053, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1970. Acquired by Morecambe and Heysham Sea Scouts, May 1974. ** SURVIVOR ** Aire Valley Transport Group.

KW187 > SLB187 (LFM 768) c/n 83052, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967

BRISTOL LL5G - SLG (originally KG) 188 - 203 (total 16)

Built in 1950

Chassis: Bristol LL5G, with 5 cylinder Gardner 5LW engine

Body: Eastern Coach Works B39R. SLG193-203 had 7 ft 6 in chassis with 8 ft wide bodies.

KG188 > SLG188 (LFM 769) c/n 83110, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1968

KG189 > SLG189 (LFM 770) c/n 83111, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1969

KG190 > SLG190 (LFM 771) c/n 83118, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967

KG191 > SLG191 (LFM 772) c/n 83119, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1970

KG192 > SLG192 (LFM 773) c/n 83120, deliv.1950. Withdrawn 1967. With Gerrard (contractor), Swinton 1968, to Ross Chickens, Aberdeen -/1970

KG193 > SLG193 (LFM 774) c/n 83137, deliv.1951. 8 ft.wide body. Withdrawn 1963 due to damage. Rebuilt and reinstated later that year. Finally withdrawn 1968, sold to Peter Sheffield, Cleethorpes.

KG194 > SLG194 (LFM 775) c/n 83138, deliv.1951. 8 ft.wide body. Withdrawn 1967. Stephens, Crewe.

KG195 > SLG195 (LFM 776) c/n 83141, deliv.1951. 8 ft.wide body. Withdrawn 1967. Martin, Weaverham 8/1967, w/d 3/1968.

KG196 > SLG196 (LFM 777) c/n 83139, deliv.1951. 8 ft.wide body. Withdrawn 9/1967. Martin, Weaverham by 5/1969.

KG197 > SLG197 (LFM 778) c/n 83140, deliv.1951. 8 ft.wide body. Withdrawn 1968. Peter Sheffield, Cleethorpes.

KG198 > SLG198 (LFM 779) c/n 83186, deliv.1951. 8 ft.wide body. Withdrawn 1967, sold to Green, Warrington 10/1969, to Martin, Weaverham by 4/1971

KG199 > SLG199 (LFM 780) c/n 83187, deliv.1951. 8 ft.wide body. Withdrawn 1967

KG200 > SLG200 (LFM 781) c/n 83188, deliv.1951. 8 ft.wide body. Withdrawn 1970

KG201 > SLG201 (LFM 782) c/n 83195, deliv.1951. 8 ft.wide body. Withdrawn 1968, sold to Peter Sheffield, Cleethorpes.

KG202 > SLG202 (LFM 783) c/n 83197, deliv.1951. 8 ft.wide body. Withdrawn 1969

KG203 > SLG203 (LFM 784) c/n 83196, deliv.1951. 8 ft.wide body. Withdrawn 1968

BRISTOL LWL5G - SLG (originally KG) 204 - 225 (total 22)

The indicator blind on SLG215 (seen probably in the 1960s, almost certainly in Chester) says it is on route B6, which ran from Mold, via Buckley and Broughton to Chester. The one behind says it's going to Puddington - probably some variation of the C22 route heading north out of Chester to Meols. Photographer unknown.

Ray Jones says; "The photo is outside the old Northgate Station, sadly long demolished, and a favourite place for the Crosville Depot (just across the road) to park the overflow buses. Ah those were the days!!"

Built in 1951-52

Chassis: Bristol LWL5G, with 5 cylinder Gardner 5LW engine

Body: Eastern Coach Works B39R.

KG204 > SLG204 (LFM 785) c/n 83260, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1968

KG205 > SLG205 (LFM 786) c/n 83261, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1970

KG206 > SLG206 (LFM 787) c/n 83262, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1967

KG207 > SLG207 (LFM 788) c/n 83263, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1969. Martin, Weaverham 5/1969. Hired to McAlpine -/1969.

KG208 > SLG208 (LFM 789) c/n 83264, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1/1970. Martin, Weaverham 1/1970, w/d by 1/1971.

KG209 > SLG209 (LFM 790) c/n 83265, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1969

KG210 > SLG210 (LFM 791) c/n 85074, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1967

KG211 > SLG211 (LFM 792) c/n 85114, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1967. Martin, Weaverham 11/1967. Bates, Hale 1/1969.

KG212 > SLG212 (LFM 793) c/n 85115, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1969. unknown owner, Salford by 9/1970

KG213 > SLG213 (LFM 794) c/n 85116, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1969, with Bleanch, Hetton-le-Hole 1970.

KG214 > SLG214 (LFM 795) c/n 85117, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1967

KG215 > SLG215 (LFM 796) c/n 85118, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1967

KG216 > SLG216 (LFM 797) c/n 85119, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1967. With Hollis, Shotton in 1968.

KG217 > SLG217 (LFM 798) c/n 85148, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1970

KG218 > SLG218 (LFM 799) c/n 85149, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1969

KG219 > SLG219 (LFM 800) c/n 85150, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966. Flather, Ellesmere Port (contractor) 6/1967.

KG220 > SLG220 (LFM 801) c/n 85175, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1969. unknown owner, Stretford by 10/1969

KG221 > SLG221 (LFM 802) c/n 85176, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1969

KG222 > SLG222 (LFM 803) c/n 85177, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966

KG223 > SLG223 (LFM 804) c/n 85178, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966

KG224 > SLG224 (LFM 805) c/n 85179, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1969

KG225 > SLG225 (LFM 806) c/n 85180, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1970

BRISTOL LWL6B - SLB (originally KW) 226 - 229 (total 4)

KW178 (LFM 759) and KW229 (LFM 810) taken at Glyndyfrdwy on the Llangollen Railway on 27 August 2012. Photo by Berwyn Prys Jones.

Built in 1951

Chassis: Bristol LWL6B, with 6 cylinder Bristol engine

Body: Eastern Coach Works B39R.

KW226 > SLB226 (LFM 807) c/n 85132, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1967

KW227 > SLB227 (LFM 808) c/n 85133, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1966

KW228 > SLB228 (LFM 809) c/n 85134, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1966

KW229 > SLB229 (LFM 810) c/n 85135, deliv.1951. Based Denbigh 1960s. Withdrawn 1970. ** SURVIVOR ** Prince, West Kirby, Wirral 7/1970. Occasionally still rallied.

CLB 230 - 268 ---- See notes above.

BRISTOL LWL6B - SLB (originally KW) 269 - 293 (total 25)

SLB288 (NFM 44) was one of the last Bristol Ls to be delivered to Crosville. Photo: unknown.

Ray Jones tells me: The shot of NFM 44 is coming up the Liverpool Road, Chester, towards the terminus, and just past the Chester Depot.

Nigel Lemon wrote: "We lived in Crosville country at Chester from 1969 until 2002. The earlier of those years was in fact early enough to remember the L-types on the C40 which then ran [I think] to the Zoo; and I initially worked (for what was then Chester College and now University College Chester) in the church building whose spire is visible in the right background of the picture of NFM 44. This was formerly the Northgate Congregational Church, which by 1969 had closed following the construction of the first part of the inner ring-road: this had caused a large roundabout to be built behind NFM 44 with the destruction of most of the houses etc on the left hand side of the road.

Meanwhile, as an appropriate postscript to this story, the picture above was kindly sent to me by David Humphrey. He took the photo of SLB290 (NFM 46) at Sealand Road works in the summer of 1970 just after its withdrawal as Crosville's last serving halfcab saloon. He says "I was a managment trainee with Crosville at the time, and had the pleasure of driving SLB290 in service - it was a dream to drive!"

Built in 1951-52

Chassis: Bristol LWL6B, with 6 cylinder Bristol engine

Body: Eastern Coach Works B39R.

Notes: This batch was originally designated KW before 1958.

KW269 > SLB269 (NFM 25) c/n 85136, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1966

KW270 > SLB270 (NFM 26) c/n 85160, deliv.1951. Withdrawn 1969

KW271 > SLB271 (NFM 27) c/n 85161, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1969

KW272 > SLB272 (NFM 28) c/n 87004, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966

KW273 > SLB273 (NFM 29) c/n 87005, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966

KW274 > SLB274 (NFM 30) c/n 87010, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1967. Flather, Ellesmere Port (contractor), still in use 3/1972. To Kershaw, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. Scrapped 1972.

KW275 > SLB275 (NFM 31) c/n 87011, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1970

KW276 > SLB276 (NFM 32) c/n 87012, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966

KW277 > SLB277 (NFM 33) c/n 87013, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1969. Mini Tours, Menai, w/d 11/1971.

KW278 > SLB278 (NFM 34) c/n 87014, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966

KW279 > SLB279 (NFM 35) c/n 87033, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1969

KW280 > SLB280 (NFM 36) c/n 87034, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1967

KW281 > SLB281 (NFM 37) c/n 87035, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966

KW282 > SLB282 (NFM 38) c/n 87036, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966

KW283 > SLB283 (NFM 39) c/n 87037, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966

KW284 > SLB284 (NFM 40) c/n 87038, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966

KW285 > SLB285 (NFM 41) c/n 87039, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1969, to Warrington, Ellesmere Port 8/1969, to Martin, Weaverham by 1/1971. Richards, Moylgrove, derelict by 5/1972.

KW286 > SLB286 (NFM 42) c/n 87040, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966

KW287 > SLB287 (NFM 43) c/n 87041, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1967, sold to Sir Alfred McAlpine (contractor).

KW288 > SLB288 (NFM 44) c/n 87042, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966

KW289 > SLB289 (NFM 45) c/n 87049, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1970, sold to Bates, Hale -/1970, to Cedric, Wivenhoe, Essex 12/1970. Scrapped 1975.

KW290 > SLB290 (NFM 46) c/n 87050, deliv.1952. Crosville's last halfcab saloon in service when withdrawn in 1970. Based at Chester at that time. to Sandbach Scouts 6/1971** SURVIVOR ** Jon Jones-Pratt, Crosville Vintage, Weston-super-Mare 2021. For sale Sept 2022, complete but under restoration.

KW291 > SLB291 (NFM 47) c/n 87051, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966

KW292 > SLB292 (NFM 48) c/n 87052, deliv.1952. Withdrawn 1966

KW293 > SLB293 (NFM 49) c/n 87053, deliv.1952. Picture here. Withdrawn 1968

TOTAL 255 ( with 19 Survivors )

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