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AEC Regal IV - Prototype Date: 1949 Registration: UMP 227 Acquired by Museum: 2008 Current State: Restoration in progress In 1948 AEC announced an underfloor engine bus designated Regal IV and built a prototype vehicle in conjunction with Park Royal vehicles for demonstration purposes. A 9.6 litre horizontal engine was mounted behind the offside wheel and was the next progression from the experience gained with the pre-war ARC Q type, which had an upright engine in the same position. In May 1950, it entered service whilst on loan to London Transport, allocated to St. Albans garage for route 355 and registered UMP 227. Subsequently demonstrated to several other provincial operators, in 1951 returned to AEC where it was used by engineering staff for development work. From these evaluations, London Transport ordered 700 chassis but with Metropolitan Cammell bodies which became the RF class. At AEC Southall, UMP 227 had most of the seats removed and was used as a ‘hack’ vehicle whilst still wearing its London Transport green livery. In 1954, it became so shabby, it was painted matt grey and by 1959 it had acquired the yellow/blue AEC/PRV service vehicle livery until bought for preservation in 1971. Repainted into London Transport Livery during its early preservation, it was damaged while in store. Full restoration was then started, but came to a standstill after a period of time. The bodywork was completely repanelled and the chassis had some work carried out. The vehicle was a resident at Cobham for some of this time, but leaving to be replaced by a different vehicle. UMP 227 was purchased by a consortium of Cobham members in 2008, and returned to the Museum. The restoration has been restarted, but it will be some time before the bus returns to the road. Chassis: AEC Regal IV Body: Park Royal B40F Engine: AEC A219 9.6 litre diesel originally with air operated pre-select gearbox, later fitted with mono control with overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears. Classification: Regal IV Date into service: 1949 Date of withdrawal: 1951

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