Northampton’s Bus History Revived by Artisan Craftsman

BBC

Arthur Mansell, a former bus mechanic from Worcester, has a unique hobby that combines his love for history and craftsmanship. At 86, Arthur has dedicated his retirement years to creating exact replicas of historic buses, some of which he used to work on himself.

Arthur’s journey with buses began with Midland Red, one of the largest bus companies in the country until it ceased operations in 1981. For 41 years, Arthur was a part of the company, painting buses, stitching seats by hand, and bringing in buses for repairs. His intimate knowledge of these vehicles has been instrumental in his current hobby.

Over the years, Arthur has handcrafted about 40 replica buses. Some are from Midland Red, while others are more modern. However, all of them share an attention to detail that is truly remarkable. From the number of seats on board to the intricate designs, Arthur’s replicas are a testament to his dedication and passion.

Midland Red was a significant part of Northampton’s history, operating and manufacturing buses from 1905 to 1981. The company’s buses were a common sight, from Gloucester in the south to Derbyshire in the north, and from Northampton to the Welsh border. Arthur’s replicas are not just models; they are memories of a time gone by.

One of Arthur’s most cherished replicas is of a Midland Red D9, which once gave him a bit of trouble. He recalls a breakdown at Malvern where he had to drive the bus back to Worcester using only the hand brake.

Creating these replicas is no small feat. Each bus takes hundreds of hours to make. Arthur begins by drawing his bus of choice, tracing it onto a plastic sheet, and then cutting it out with a Stanley knife. He then gradually builds them up, starting with the chassis and working his way up to the cab and entrance door.

Arthur’s replicas are a labour of love, and he has generously gifted some to museums and friends. His work is a beautiful tribute to Northampton’s bus history, keeping the memories of Midland Red alive through his exquisite craftsmanship.