Duple Britannia Barton

The Duple Britannia was a popular coach and bus body design that was manufactured by Duple Coachbuilders, from the 1950s through the 1970s. The history of the company dated back to the early 20th century.

Barton Transport, often referred to simply as Barton, was a well-known bus company that operated in the East Midlands region of England. The company had a long and storied history in the public transportation industry, and in 1989 it became part of the Wellglade Group.

It was founded in 1908 by Frank Henry Barton in Chilwell, Nottinghamshire. It started as a small bus and taxi service but quickly expanded its operations to provide regular bus services. The primary service area for Barton Transport was the East Midlands region of England. The company operated routes in cities and towns such as Nottingham, Derby, Loughborough, and many others in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire.

While the Barton name is no longer used in public transportation, it has left a lasting legacy in the East Midlands. The brand and its services continue to be remembered by those who used its buses and coaches over the years.

Its instantly recognisable two tone livery of maroon and red with a cream band encompassing  window surrounds is faithfully replicated on our model, which is registered VHO 50. The company’s  famous Robin Hood figure features in glorious technicolour on each side of the bus under the cream Barton banner .The maroon roof is inset with three orange skylights with silver surrounds Most of the remaining external trim is finished in silver with black detailing to the front radiator grille and front roof window surrounds.  Internally, the seating and the floor are red with an otherwise black finish.

The Duple Britannia was based on the previous Elizabethan with underfloor engine chassis but with wide modified vertical pillars.  Our 1:76 scale miniature replicates the visual features of the original in fine detail.

We note from the front destination board above the radiator that our single deck coach is off to Blackpool, where there is lots of fun to be had! 

The Oxford Diecast Duple Britannia Barton is 1:76 scale and is presented on a plinth with a clear case and comes with an Oxford Omnibus wrap.