Plaxton Panorama 1 Midland Red

Plaxton Panorama 1 Midland Red

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!