The Bedford OB coach must arguably rank as one of the most instantly recognisable bus and coach types; its swept back lines and distinctive ‘bull nose’ radiator helping to seamlessly combine style with mechanical practicality.

The OB was introduced in 1939 as a replacement for Bedford’s earlier WLB type, and featured a 28hp engine with a four-speed manual gearbox, a fully floating rear axle, and vacuum servo-assisted hydraulic brakes. The top speed was in the region of 40mph.

Seventy-three OBs, most of which having the classic Duple ‘Vista’ bodywork, were completed by the time the Second World War broke out in September that year. A wartime version, the OWB, was built during the war years, but the OB returned after the conflict, with construction continuing until 1951. Altogether, some 12,693 (some sources say 12,766) were completed; 5,493 of which were exported.

Thankfully, around 180 Bedford OBs are known to survive, many of which are in operable condition, so the distinctive gearbox whine that so characterised the OB, can still be heard on Britain’s roads today.

Our model depicts registration 1949MN, one of a pair of Bedford OBs that saw service with Douglas-based coach operator, Tours (Isle of Man), from the late 1980s to the early 2020s. Here it carried the name ‘Lady Meave’, and in its distinctive blue paintwork was a popular attraction on sightseeing tours across the island. It has since returned to the mainland and now resides in East Yorkshire.

This model is dedicated to the memory of Exclusive First Editions co-founder, Brenda Joyce - 1946 - 2024

• Colours/details of final model may vary from illustration
• Authentically detailed die-cast model from EFE Road
• Complementary to OO scale model railways (1:76 scale)