ALEXANDER AD FLEETLINE
WESTERN SCOTTISH R76 (HSD 76V)

This model began life as a collection of bits I had spare. The roof is from the EFE model which created SA1, the lower deck a spare MCW part which had previously donated its glazing and bustle. The lower deck casting was cut up into panels and material removed from all sides to effect a reduction in height. The windows were defined around spare EFE upper deck glazing from panoramic conversions. The front panel was made from scratch, as was the windscreen surround on account of its MCW origins. Various detail changes were made to the EFE bustle, bodywork and interior - which was surprisingly happy to slot into the low height bodywork with minimal filing around the stairwell required.

The real R76 remains for now as a shell having donated its parts to the restoration of similar R71, which I'm assured will wear this livery when finished. Very few of this body style have made it to preservation which is surprising as they were a Scottish Bus Group staple double decker for a long time, bridging the gap between the Lodekka and Ailsa. A 1965 example is reported to exist in the US.

Since the model was made, R86 has been restored to this livery and R73 is also now in preservation and will wear Clydeside colours once again.

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