Denning Landseer DL1247

State Rail introduced Denning coaches in the mid 1970s which was a major change in terms of the operational approach, as the organisation was facing rising costs and sustained changed in patronage patterns. These coaches were acquired to replace early diesel powered rail motors routes servicing New South Wales regional rail routes, predominantly based in Dubbo and later Griffith, Moree, Cootamundra and Taree for example.

The vehicle is an iconic Australian-made Denning, which were common throughout Australia from the 1970-1990s in particular. Denning Landseer build no DL1247, was new to the NSW Government and originally assigned to the NSW Police. It travelled across the state as transport for officers, carrying the Police Band to various performances and carrying juries on court cases. In 2007, the vehicle was sold to Comealong Tours in Bass Hill and later passed to Bankstown Coaches. It was retired in 2016 and sold to a motorcycle enthusiast group in Dandenong, Victoria before being acquired by the Sydney Bus Museum through generous member donations.

The coach is the common Landseer design of the era and shares its appearance with the coaches used by the State Rail Authority. Unfortunately the SRA examples were either already removed from service and disposed or where in an unsatisfactory condition to be economically viable preservation candidates.

In 2023, the Museum was the successful recipient of a Transport Heritage NSW grant which allowed for the restoration into State Rail livery. The works completed by Coachworks, Nambucca Heads included surface corrosion, panel repairs, replacement of luggage bin door hinges and vinyl covers, external repainting and sign writing.

It remains in preserved as the Museum's only coach representative of long-distance travel. It is capable of re-entering service once minor mechanical works are attended to.

Specifications:

Engine: Detroit Diesel 6v92 GM

Transmission: Spicer 6 speed constant mesh gearbox

Body: Denning 'Landseer'

Status:

Static exhibit on display at Leichhardt