The Panorama concept was originally launched in 1958 at the British
Commercial Motor Show and subsequently won awards at home and abroad for
its modern lines and design, for which it was destined to become a
trendsetter for years to come.
Midland Red was one of the most
well-known bus and coach companies in the UK and is certainly a
favourite with collectors. The company ran from 1905 to 1981 and its red
colour scheme earned it the name Midland ‘Red’, which was to become
part of its heritage. Running services to resorts like Llandudno and
Weston-Super-Mare, the firm’s horizons widened extensively with the
opening of the M1 motorway in 1959, which they took advantage of,
running a non-stop express service between Birmingham to London. Sadly
in 1981, Midland Red was broken up into six separate companies but the
memory lives on.
Our 1:148 scale model is registered WHA 240H
from 1969. Decorated in its characteristic red with black roof, the
interior including the seating is red with black steering wheel. The
exterior detail includes contrasting silver Midland Red lettering and
silver coach lines wrapped round the front, sides and rear of the coach,
as well as fine silver lines round the wheel arches. The destination
board beneath the windscreen sees our coach going to Great Yarmouth, so
no doubt its occupants had a great time at the seaside!