FDO 573 - 1953 AEC Regent III

Willowbrook H32/28RD body

J W Camplin & Sons, t/a Holme Delight

This bus was new in 1953 to Messrs J W Camplin & Sons, trading as "Holme Delight", of Donington, near Spalding, Lincolnshire. This was a small family operation, whose fleet consisted of about 10 vehicles - mainly coaches. FDO 573 was the company's first double decker - a second AEC followed in 1955.

This vehicle includes what were in some respects advanced features for the early 1950's - platform doors (hand operated), air brakes and air operated 'pre-selector' gears (these were features in common with the London 'RT' class, which was a variant of the Regent III model.) The lower deck was upholstered with a bold red patterned moquette, the upper deck seats were a more basic red vinyl.

This bus spent almost all of its working life on the Boston - Donington - Spalding route of 'Holme Delight'. Its final days in service were with Kimes Coaches of Folkingham who took over the business of Holme Delight, and still operate the Boston - Spalding route (although no longer with AECs!).

More information about Holme Delight, and a 1963 timetable for the Boston - Spalding route can be seen here.