Sunstar Bedford OB Coach 2011


 

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The Bedford OB Duple Vista coach was a common sight on British roads during the 50's and 60's. Used by many large operators, this coach was also used by hundreds of smaller operators all over the British Isles, fully justifying the Bedford advertising claim of that period, “You see them everywhere!!”. As a result, many people will have fond memories of the Bedford OB as their school bus, or their local sight-seeing coach.

In order to ensure maximum authenticity, Sun Star intends to feature only vehicles as they were originally supplied new to their first owners. During its production life, the Bedford OB Duple Vista underwent many changes, and the Sun Star models will faithfully replicate the different modifications made during the period 1946–1950. Each model will reproduce not only the original seating configuration, 27- or 29-seater, but the exact body specification appropriate to its year of manufacture.

Introduced in August 1939, the Bedford OB chassis was designed specifically for public transport. The off-set differential on the rear axle combined with the mounting of the engine and the gearbox at a slight angle permitted a sunken, central gangway for easier passenger access. However two months later, following the outbreak of World War II, production was stopped after only 73 chassis had been manufactured. In January 1942, production of a more utilitarian version known as the OWB recommenced. In October 1945, production of the OB resumed and the Bedford OB chassis went on to play a major role in the re-equipping of many transport fleets as demand rose sharply. Over 40 different coach-builders used the chassis, but by far the biggest was the Hendon-based firm of Duple, whose Vista body was to become synonymous with the OB coach.

However, the Vista body underwent many changes during its life. Unlike the original pre-war and the first 46 post-war Duple Vistas, which had an entrance door which slid behind the main side body panel, the door on the following models slid open into an external recess. During 1947, the destination and fleet-name boxes were modified, a rounded outer edge replacing the earlier angular one.

In 1948, due to material shortages, the characteristic side “flash” was omitted and replaced by a single aluminium bead about 3 inches below the waistline, and the operator's name plate box was removed from the rear. The original 4-spoked steering wheel was replaced by a 3-spoked version. In 1949, the side flash and the operator's plate returned. Later that year, the luggage door locks, which had been operated by a T-key, were replaced by a single locking handle and the rear direction indicator lights were changed. The large chromed bumper over-riders were removed, a deeper rear bumper/body trim was added which incorporated the wording Bedford-Duple and a Duple motif was added to both sides of the 1950. As an option for sight-seeing services, quarter-lights in the roof were offered which necessitated different, tubular luggage racks.

All Sun Star models of the Bedford OB will be limited editions with numbered certificates and will feature :

Opening bonnet with detailed engine
Sliding roof and entrance door
Operating trafficators
Opening emergency door with First Aid kit
Individually decorated seats, 27 or 29 configuration
Overhead luggage racks
Detailed dashboard and instruments
Posable front wheels
Detailed chassis
Clock and mirrors at front of passenger compartment
Window winders
Ashtrays in the seat backs 

Warning - we can export this product but our regular 10% or 15% European postage charge will not apply, postage will be charged at cost to all non UK destinations. 

APPROX POSTAL COSTS FOR THESE HEAVY MODELS:

All of United Kingdom: Select one of our regular postage options.
Europe Mainland: £28 to £33 depending on country.
USA/Canada: £49
Australia: £55
Hong Kong: £55

Other destinations, please ask.   Above rates are airmail with full insurance.

PLEASE NOTE THE ABOVE ARE APPROXIMATE AND SHOULD ONLY BE TAKEN AS A GUIDE.

Some pictures on this page courtesy of www.britishmodelbuses.com