Bristol Lodekka

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Preserved Bristol Lodekka FS6G (registration 109 DRM).
Preserved Bristol Lodekka FS6G (registration 109 DRM).

The Bristol Lodekka was a low-height double-decker bus built by Bristol Commercial Vehicles.

Bristol manufactured the Lodekka during the 1950s and 1960s as a standard double-deck vehicle for the state-owned bus sector. With all examples bodied by Eastern Coach Works (ECW) of Lowestoft, they have a traditional half cab design and a lower floor level allowing a low overall height. The first LD-series and the later FL and FS had a rear platform, but the FSF and FLF had a front entrance. Most were powered by 5 or 6-cylinder Gardner engines, with fewer having a Bristol or Leyland power unit. With the arrival of more modern "OMO" or one person operated buses, such as the Leyland Atlantean and Bristol VRT (the successor of Lodekka), many Lodekkas found themselves relegated to driver training duties. Surrey-based Top Deck Travel converted approximately 100 to "decker home" caravan standard between 1973 and 1997, and used these reliable buses on extended tours to Europe, Asia and North America.

Notable Lodekka users in the UK included: Eastern Counties, Bristol Omnibus, Brighton & Hove, Thames Valley & Aldershot, United Counties, Eastern National, Lincolnshire Road Car, United, Southern Vectis, United Counties, Hants & Dorset, Western National, Western SMT and Scottish Omnibuses Ltd. While no Lodekkas were bought by any London based companies, they often worked into the capital on services operated by Thames Valley and Eastern National. In the early 1990s, Surrey based "Leisurelink" used an example on a weekend only tourist service linking Gatwick Zoo (now closed), Gatwick Airport and the Bluebell Railway.

[edit] Trivia

  • The Bristol Lodekka was also manufactured by Dennis under licence, and was sold as the Dennis Loline.
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