Kew Dodge-based coaches.
David sent over this interesting photograph. It features a line-up of pre-war Kew Dodge coaches of the late 1930s which were all operated by his father's coach firm - Aston's Coaches (Marton) Ltd. There are five Dodge coaches in this photograph, all fitted with what appears to be Duple coachwork (very reminiscent of that often seen on Bedford OBs), with a lone Dennis at the far end.
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All the visible registration plates are from Kent, the nearest being GKL 780 which would date its registration as September or October 1939, in hindsight not the perfect time to introduce a fleet of new coaches to the roads of southern England. Next along is GKL 771, then GKL 769, and what is probably GKL 770*. The vehicles had definitely seen some use by the time of this snapshot, GKL 780 especially sports quite a few dings to its nearside front wing. One of the Dodges has its brightwork painted over, perhaps due to running during black-out restrictions. David is keen to find out more about these unusual pre-war coaches, can anyone shed light on the vehicles, and perhaps their subsequent fate(s)?
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The Dennis is believed to be a circa 1934 Dennis Ace, fitted with Harrington coachwork, registered AKT 832*.
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(I cross-referenced what I can make out in the photograph with a list of known vehicles belonging to Aston's Coaches (Marton) Ltd on busweb.co.uk.)
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| (Please click the thumbnail to view full-size image.) |
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My thanks to David for sending his photo over. If any more information turns up, I'll add it in here.
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Return to Page 15 in the gallery of vintage cars and vehicles. Included is a cracking photo of a Kew-built Dodge lorry, also of the pre-war style.
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