The Leyland Fleetline was only the second rear-engine double-decker bus chassis to be produced by a UK manufacturer when it debuted in 1960. Initially designed by Daimler, the Fleetline offered numerous improvements over the first UK rear-engine bus, Leyland's Atlantean, such as a drop-centre rear axle, which enabled a lower body height without inconveniencing passengers with an uncomfortable seating arrangement or ceiling height. While Leyland would later offer the drop-centre rear axle on the Atlantean, this option was dropped when the two companies were brought together under British Leyland in 1968. The Daimler name continued to be applied to the Fleetline until this was phased out, in favour of the Leyland name, in the mid-1970s.

BirminghamCity Transport (laterWest Midlands Passenger Transport Executive orWMPTE) was the second largest Fleetline operator (behind London Transport) and it had well over 1,000, including single-decker Fleetlines (introduced in 1965). Other municipal fleets, including Midland Red, would bring the number of Fleetlines in the Greater Birmingham and West Midlands area to well over 2,000 vehicles. The last of West Midlands Travel's Fleetlines was withdrawn in 1997.

Thanks to the help of Transport Museum, Wythall, Rapido'snew 1:76 scale Fleetline will feature the same superb level of detail as their BCT 'New Look' Guy Arab IV. Rapidoare producing both the original and the rebuilt front headlamp/indicator arrangements.

Specifications:

• 100% accurate proportions based on field measurements of the real thing
• Injection-moulded plastic and metal construction
• All body weld lines, extrusions and rivets accurately rendered
• Full, multi-coloured interior with no large posts blocking aisles
• Separate etched-metal interior grab poles
• Steerable front wheels with rubber tyres
• Flush-fitting windows
• Accurate, even paint finish that does not obscure the details
• Several routes/destinations available
• Working headlamps & interior lighting
• Requires a 9V 500mA DC power supply (not included)