Lanterna Rally

Author: Kevin Lane

Publisher:

Published: 2005-09

Total Pages: 96

ISBN-13: 9780711030817

The future United Counties Omnibus & Road Transport Omnibus Co - the title was adopted in 1931 and simplified to United Counties 12 years later - was first established as the Wellingborough Motor Omnibus Co in 1913. The company expanded to become the predominant bus operator in much of the rural Bast Midlands and was to be acquired by Thomas Tilling Ltd in 1931 although, unlike many other Tilling group companies, there was no railway involvement. The company's area of operation was expanded considerably in 1952 when it acquired 240 vehicles as a result of the transfer of Eastern National's operations in the region to it. Like most of the Tilling Group companies, over the years United Counties' fleet was largely manufactured by Bristol and BCW, with the result that many of the classic Bristol/ECW models, such as the Lodekka and the RE, featured prominently.In his latest book for Ian Allan Publishing, Kevin Lane, whose previous book in the series on Black & White was well received on publication in 2003, examines the history of united Counties from its origins prior to the outbreak of World War 1, through its development in the 1920s and 1930s, to its position of regional dominance from the 1950s onwards. As with other volumes in the very successful 'Glory Days' series, the book includes a comprehensive selection of both colour and mono photographs recording the company's vehicles and operations from the earliest days through to the early 1970s. The volumes in the 'Glory Days' series on individual bus companies have proved to be popular amongst both historians and enthusiasts. This new addition to the series is certain to add to the success of the series and will be sought after by those in the area that remember the company and, more widely, by enthusiasts interested in the history of one of the more important bus operators of the East Midlands.