Western National Omnibus Company
The Western National Omnibus Co was formed in 1929 between the Great Western Railway and National Omnibus & Transport Co, inheriting part of National's West Country operations (the other part of these operations passed to Southern National at the same time). The company became a subsidiary of the Tilling Group in 1931. The company operated closely with Southern National, both being headquartered in Exeter, although maintaining distinct identities, until the creation of NBC when Southern National was subsumed into Western National. Western National's operations were predominantly in Cornwall and west Devon, with major services including routes such as Plymouth-Torquay and Seaton-Taunton. The fleet, which numbered 601 vehicles in 1965, was largely comprised of standard Bristol/ECW types - only seven of the fleet being non-Bristol in 1965. In the follow up to the earlier and well-received account of the companion operator, Southern National, this is a detailed account of the history, operations and fleet of Western National from its origins through to Nationalisation. Alongside the author's well-researched text, the book includes a comprehensive selection of both colour and mono illustrations, which provide the reader with a superb pictorial record of the great variety of vehicles operated over the years. This book will be of great interest on the areas served by the company and will also appeal to the many enthusiasts who recall Western National and its fleet with affection.
Hardback, 96 pages, black & white and colour photographs, maps in end papers
Condition: Very Good
ISBN: 9780711031746
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Updated: 2 January 2025