Overview

A fascinating array of operators and vehicles are portrayed in the years leading up to 1972, when National Bus Company amalgamations changed so much. Starting in Oxford, characterised by City of Oxford’s red, maroon and duck-egg green buses, the River Thames is followed through Wallingford to Reading, where the Corporation ran trolleybuses until 1968. A diversion along the Thames’ tributary River Kennett displays both Thames Valley and independent Reliance’s vehicles around Newbury. Back on the Thames at Henley, wartime Bedford OWBs were in service as late as 1966. Looping down river through Marlow and Maidenhead, Windsor and the boundary of London Transport’s monopoly area are reached. Continuing downstream past Staines and Walton-on-Thames, London Transport’s final day of trolleybus operation around Kingston upon Thames in 1962 is illustrated before conclusion with unexpected independent bus operation at Richmond upon Thames. As well as quality pictures of both major and independent operators, the book contains unique images of buses and coaches bringing supporters to the iconic early 1960s CND Aldermaston Marches, along with second-hand buses on construction sites at AERE Harwell and elsewhere.

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9781398107748

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Reviews

'Philip has captured well this wide variety, with 180 specially selected illustrations, each with an informative caption, while the text ably sets the scene at each area examined. As these journeys were very familiar territory to this reviewer, he has no hesitation in recommending this book as a superb overview of the period.' -- Omnibus, April/ May 2023 'This book will keep you absorbed as you turn the pages and marvel at the variety of rolling stock that was available to see in those days. What a good thing that Philip was recording it all for us and has found the time to put it together into a most interesting and absorbing album. It's well worth buying!' -- Broadway Bulletin, Spring 2023 'In addition, chapters covering London Transport's strongholds of Staines, Kingston upon Thames, and Richmond are included and together these make this book one that should not be missed,' -- Bus Fayre, Summer 2023

Author Information

Philip Wallis has had a lifetime’s interest in road passenger transport. He has travelled extensively within the United Kingdom and abroad observing and photographing buses, trolleybuses and trams. He is the author of several bus books, published by Ian Allan and Capital Transport, and has contributed numerous articles to transport magazines.

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