AEC Regent III 1792
Soon after the end of World War II, a total of 845 double deck bus chassis were ordered by the Department of Government Transport, from manufacturers in the United Kingdom. The chassis when bodied were to be used to:
replace the original buses purchased new in the 1930s
replace those purchased as a stop gap measure during the war
resume the tramway replacement process in Sydney and Newcastle, and
expand the scope and operation of government bus services in both cities.
Chassis were ordered from A.E.C., Leyland and Albion. While the first batch of buses were Leyland OPD1's an AEC Regent III chassis was bodied in advance of the rest of the type by Commonwealth Engineering Co of Granville, Sydney. The bus was numbered 792 (m/o 1792) later re-numbered 1792 and had a revolutionary new semi-automatic (pre-selector epicyclic type) gearbox. The driver moved the gear lever in advance (i.e. preselected) to the anticipated next gear position. This bus was the prototype of a large number of this type of vehicle introduced between 1947 and 1952. Eventually, a total of 359 postwar AEC Regent III's entered service.
No.1792 entered service on 15 May 1947 and was used as a driver training vehicle at Randwick Depot before entering general service. The bus initially operated as a passenger bus at Randwick, then Manly, Pagewood, Enfield, Willoughby, North Sydney, Ryde, Leichhardt and Burwood Depots. It was withdrawn from Burwood in February 1973 after colliding with a shop awning. The nearside upper deck was damaged considerably.
On 6 June 1973 the bus was purchased from Chullora bus workshops by a group of members. Dural Busways repaired and repainted the vehicle and used it as a spare/school bus under a lease from 1978 to 1983. It was registered m/o 792. On expiration of the lease an extensive restoration commenced at Dural. This was completed at the Museum premises under far superior conditions than was the case in the open at Dural. The bus is now in its original 1947 appearance with canvas concertina door and rear destination box with seats for 59 passengers. The bus made its debut for the museum when it commenced running again at the January 1991 NRMA Motorfest.
Specifications:
Engine: AEC (Associated Equipment Co) 6 cylinder 9.6 litre, diesel 4.72", stroke 5.59", 125 B.H.P. @ 1800 R.P.M.
Transmission: Air operated 'Wilson' 4 speed pre-selector gearbox and a worm drive differential.
Brakes: Air operated foot brake and mechanical hand brake.
Body: Commonwealth Engineering
Status:
Static exhibit, on display at Leichhardt