Notes About This Vehicle

London Transport had been running small Ford Transit (FS class) buses from the early 1970s on routes operating along narrow streets and wanted something rather larger. These took the form of the 24ft BS class, built on the shortest of the three available Bristol LH chassis, with a 12ft 6ins wheelbase. This resulted in a very short rear overhanging body which looked ill proportioned.

By the mid 1970s the RF class of single-deck 7ft 6ins wide buses had largely been replaced by Leyland Nationals of 8ft width, though there were still some routes that could only be operated practically with narrower vehicles. With most chassis now 8ft wide, the Bristol LH was still made to the narrower width and London Transport eventually bought ninety-five 30ft long versions, with Leyland engines and bodies from Eastern Coachworks. They seated thirty-nine and so were ideal to replace the remaining RFs.

The first BLs entered service in April 1976 and gradually spread around the capital. They proved unpopular with drivers and passengers, being less reliable and less comfortable than the much older RFs.

LT diverted the last three new BLs to Uxbridge garage for a new local route 128, sponsored by Hillingdon borough council.

During their early life the original large panelling was proving troublesome when damaged and smaller panels, with additional seams as shown here, were fitted to make repairs more practical and economical. From 1979 those intended to be retained were re-painted in this uninspiring all red livery.

Overhauls started in 1980 and ran to 1985, though the fleet was reducing and only thirty-eight were still with LT by early 1986. The dwindling fleet ended up on odd special routes and some were used as training buses.

Notes About This Drawing

The drawing is based on about 150 close-up and general photographs of BL1 and BL88, followed by extensive measuring of BL88. Reference to photographs of the buses when in service provided further detail for panelling and blinds.

It should be understood that all four elevations are seen here as one would see each part of the vehicle at a truly perpendicular angle. In real life this is of course impossible.