Bedford OB/ OWB Profile and Models
NBH 746 in June 2005. ©Ed Webster
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The Bedford OB was a bus chassis manufactured by Bedford. It was a successor to the Bedford WTB and had a wheelbase of 14ft and 6inches, and was a semi-forward control model designed to carry between 26 and 29 passengers. The buses were powered by a 27hp petrol engine, mated to a four-speed manual gearbox and a fully floating rear axle. Although only 73 were built prior to the cessation of production due to World War II, it reappeared in a largely unchanged form at the end of the war, continuing in production until 1951. A total of 12,766 were produced, making it one of the most popular buses of its type ever. Bedford co-developed with Duple the "Vista" coachwork for the OB, fronted by a classic bullnose. Geared to reach speeds of at least 40 miles per hour (64 km/h), which was fast for its day, the OB is remembered by many for its characteristic gearbox whine. |
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Power Type |
Petrol |
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Builder |
Bedford |
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Build Dates |
1939 to 1951 |
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Total Built |
12,766 |
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Seating Capacity |
27 to 29 |
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Floor Type |
Step entrance (High floor) |
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Decks |
1 |
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Areas of Operation |
Nationwide |
OO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
West Yorkshire Road Car Company
Southdown Motor Services
Wilts & Dorset
Eastern Counties
BR crimson
BR crimson and cream
Titfield Thunderbolt
Southern Vectis
Royal Blue
Grey Cars
East Kent Road Car Co Ltd
Western National
Edinburgh Corporation Transport
Crosville
The Mountain Goat
Hants and Sussex
Private Owner
N Gauge
British Army
1:72 Scale
1:50 Scale
1:24 Scale
