| Built by AEC at its Southall works, the first Q-Type double decker made its appearance in October 1932. Designed by John Rackham, the Q-Type is remembered as one of the most remarkably advanced bus designs of its era. Only twenty three double deck Q’s were built, with the majority being bodied by Metro-Cammell at a price tag of £1,225. Sales were extremely disappointing – so what went wrong? Was the bus industry of the time lacking in vision, was it engine accessibility or the fact that London Transport opted for the STL-type? Nevertheless, this innovative vehicle is a true icon of the industry and visually pointed the way that was to be followed almost 25 years later. AHX 63 was the prototype AEC Q and was delivered to Birmingham in 1933 although still owned by AEC and retaining the AEC bullseye. It worked as a demonstrator until 1934 and was not purchased by Birmingham until 1935. Destination 1 – Moseley and Acocks Green 1A. Destination 2 – Handsworth Wood via Snow Hill 16. |
