Norms Restoration - 31 Seater Projects

1952 AEC Regal III [2547]

2020

Discussion April

John Swadling 9 Apr
Hi
Have these for you if you want to pick up
Cheers Mate



Norman Julian
Thankyou John!
Much appreciated
John Swadling
Favorite pic in the book
Norman Julian
shared a post. 10 Apr




Road Ramblings
10 April
BUSES FOREVER
This lockdown is bringing out secrets and reminiscing. Here's mine - For those who don't know me I thought I'd fill you in on one of my early motoring related loves.
Heavy vehicles particularly buses. In the late 70s I purchased an exSydney AEC Regal III from the government store at Roberts Road Chullora. The cost $750 with a replacement diff. The AEC had a 9.6 litre 6 cylinder diesel motor and 4 speed Wilson preselector gearbox. Top speed (limited) 30mph (50kph). The bus had completed 1.3 million kilometres in service. I loved the throb of the old AEC motor.
Subsequent to that I purchased an AEC Regal IV underfloor and a AEC Regent III double decker (only one of two AECs painted in Public Transport Commision Blue & White livery).
I was a member of the Historic Commercial Vehicle Association and subsequently we opened the Bus & Truck Museum at Tempe (now relocated to the old tram depot at Leichhardt).
While an HCVA member i joined a syndicate to purchase a
preWW2 AEC Regent double decker.
I loved driving the old buses, carrying passengers at such events as the annual NRMA Motorfest, 50th Anniversary of the Harbour Bridge opening, Bankstown airshows and numerous other events and activities.
When we moved to Coffs Harbour we drove the Regal III to Coffs at 30mph in 11 hours.
While in Coffs I purchased an ExKirklands SB Bedford coach. It had a 6/354 Perkins motor and 5 speed back to front crash gearbox.
The buses gave me and our growing family much joy.
My first criteria when moving to the Manning was to find a property that could accommodate two buses..........
Photos - the fleet
Charles Shipway
Norman The Bedford coach did it have a rear mounted motor because you mentioned the back to front gearbox is that correct ?
The luggage was stored beside the engine and a hinged door on the near side of the coach Byron Bus and Coach had one in their fleet during 1982 that I drove occasionally on a run from the back of the Byron butter factory to all the schools in Mullumbimby via Kennedy lane with U turn and back onto the old highway into town I liked driving back to front gear box’s Just for the fun of it
Norman Julian
Charles Shipway I haven't a clue Charles, sorry!
Geoff Jones
I remember those Kirkland buses from Lismore in the 70`s..
Frank Bugby
Yes rear engine
Gregor Neil Robertson
Hullo Norman - you should self-publish a booklet of your recollections with photos.
Obviously it wouldn’t be a best seller but there are bus museums all around the world who would welcome it.
Sales might just cover basic costs.
If you don’t feel like writing it yourself, a ‘ghost’ writer and proof reader could do that bit.
Your life experience is fairly unique.
Norman Julian
There might be a bit of confusion here. These photos are from the previous owner of the AEC 2547. His name is Chris Goodsell. He has given a brief account on how he started with classic buses.
Last updated
May 2020
This web site may contain Copyright material
If you find any problems with the site, please email the Web Editor