The West Country Historic Omnibus & Transport Trust

Rowe Hillmaster - On 20 March 2005 there was a major event at Rowe's Garage in Dobwalls to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the production of their first Rowe Hillmaster chassis in 1955. The reputation of the Hillmaster has stood the test of time as evidenced by the large number of enthusiasts, including several WHOTT Friends, who attended. The Hillmaster was a very flexible design with more that 1220 models available. In the event, 115 lorries and five buses were were custom built in Cornwall, primarily for use in the West Country but including several exported as far afield as Spain, Canada and New Zealand. Want to read the full story, then become a member and receive our quarterly newsletters.


1957 4-wheel drop-side truck 798 AAF has a Meadows engine and Mark I cab.		161 LTW has a Leyland engine and Albion gearbox with a Mark II cab and generated great interest in its un-restored condition.

Pangs of nostalgia...as Bert looks back - The year was 1971 and February may be remembered as a month in which so many people became utterly confused with the introduction of decimal currency which hit our purses on 15th. Imagine sat in a classroom in 1971 and being told of the impending changed to decimal currency. What seems so simple today, really did tax the brain and, more to the point, could hold up a bus journey if the conductor took too long to work it out. In 1970 Western National selected seven Bristol LS5G saloons from the disposal list and gave them an extended life as mobile classrooms.

TU1 - MOD 950 ex 1699

TU2 - LTA 956 ex 1689

TU3 - MOD 956 ex 1665

TU4 - OTT 51 ex 1697

TU5 - MOD 967 ex 1676

TU6 - LTA 981 ex 1684

TU7 - LTA 983 ex 1686


TU1 (MOD 950). One of seven vehicles converted as a Decimal Training Unit.		Inside are revealed the secret code for D day as others gather up vital information in preparation for the UK's most dramatic changed to a new currency system.

The words MOBILE TRAINING UNIT appeared on the side and DECIMAL TRAINING UNIT in the destination aperture. The subsidiary companies of Western National, Devon General and Greenslades had their names in the via blind position on the front. Want to know the full story then why not become a member.

Plus:

Just the Ticket - 5

Trials and tribulations of Royal Blue ownership

A Wholesome Sandwich

How to become a bus driver and turf accountant

Archive update

The Future (events & activities for Trust friends)

86 GFJ and VDV 137S are the two recent additions to the collection alongside TDV 217J (WHOTT Mobile Museum).

Would you like to see the full magazine? If so, please consider becoming a Member and we’ll send current year copies right away. Alternatively individual back numbers can be purchased at £2 each by request. Our Shop postal rates apply.

Web News 17

Web News Index

Web News 19

© Copyright The West Country Historic Omnibus & Transport Trust
Registered in England Company No. 3780463. Registered Charity No. 1079795