Manufacturer: Exclusive First Editions (EFE)
Model number: EFE 33801A
Scale: 1:76
Model type: Bristol RELH
Livery: Cream with green waistband and front radiator surround
A fine detail model Bristol RELH Tilling coach with Eastern Coachworks bodywork . This model is specially commissioned by London Transport Museum from Exclusive First Editions.
Tilling's started horse bus operation in London in 1850 and became a major operator in London, forming an alliance with the dominant London General Omnibus Company and subsequently relinquishing its London interests upon the formation of London Transport Passenger Board in 1933.
In the meantime, Tilling's had greatly expanded its business interests outside London, becoming a large autonomous group in 1942. It sold its business to the State in 1948, including all its operating companies, and the chassis manufacturing company Bristol and its body building subsiduary, Eastern Coachworks.
The Tilling name was retained for a residual small London based private hire business operated under the management of Eastern National, and the name was finally relinquished at the end of 1969.
The model is an accurate representation of a Tilling's coach in 1969, one of London's most famous transport names, fleet number T441, registration YHK728F.