While double-decker buses have become synonymous with British culture and tourist grabs, the Sydney Bus Museum’s most recent acquisition is bringing the focus to New South Wales.
Originally operated by Wollongong bus operator the Dion family, the 1948 Leyland OPD2 double decker m/o 6057 has now found a home in the museum through the generosity of significant donations from the community.
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“The bus is one of 21 original examples of a new double-deck bus built for a private bus operator in NSW during the 1940s,” Sydney Bus Museum grants and restoration manager Daniel Howard told ABC.
“The vast majority were built for the government.
“Now over 75 years old, this historic bus fills an important gap in the Museum’s collection — the sole bus from the Wollongong region.”
The Leyland was bodied by Commonwealth Engineering in Granville for the Dion Brothers of Fairy Meadow, operating on the busy route between Wollongong and Austinmer for its entire working life.
The celebrated Dion family has been an integral component of the Wollongong bus scene and remains one of the longest serving family operators in the State. The Dions gained the reputation of “no one left behind”, a motto earned during the war years and the Great Depression, due to their dedication to the region and generous approach to their customers.
Dion’s distinctive blue buses remain present on local roads today, a genuine legacy for Wollongong and the Illawarra.
The immaculate restoration of 6057 was made possible by Brian Mantle of Wauchope, utilising the body repair and construction skills he obtained from his time as an apprentice in the mid-1950s at Leichhardt Government bus workshops.
“Without Brian, the unique double decker may have ended its days in a scrap yard,” Museum manager Bob Gioia told ABC.
Mantle says that, “The bus belongs here” when asked about its hand over to the Sydney Bus Museum earlier this year.
The Sydney Bus Museum is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation made up of over 250 members who together help to preserve a rare and invaluable collection of historic buses. The working museum was established in 1986 with a collection of buses ranging from the 1920s to 2000s.
“The Sydney Bus Museum is amazed at the generosity of our members and the general public in support of this worthy exhibit,” Gioia says.
“It was really pleasing to see such a positive response to secure an important piece of our history.
“Dion’s is one of the most well-known family bus operator still carrying passengers in the State and we are thrilled to be able to represent their legacy to the community.
“Through care and attention by preservationist Brian Mantle and significant community donations, we have been able to secure this magnificent vehicle.
“This immaculate Leyland double decker bus will be a feature exhibit for the Museum and is a vehicle that will be cherished by everyone for many years to come.”
The bus is now on display during the museum’s regular published Sunday open days from 10am and 4pm with a permanent display space in the works. Refer to www.sydneybusmuseum.com for more information.
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