* Playing singles
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An AEC enthusiast, D. Kellett from Morecambe, who was a bus driver until crippled by polio, writes to voice his regret that the famous triangular AEC badge is apparently to be replaced by the new British Leyland symbol. He wonders why AEC has been singled out. I think the simple answer is that the new Mandator happens to be the first model released following the BLMC merger and so is the first to get the new corporate badge. But the others will, I judge, progressively follow suit. I sympathize with those who feel a pang at the passing of familiar symbols, but it is understandable that the new organization—thinking internationally —should want to have its products identified by a common mark. So far as one can discover at present, the make names will still be blazoned on the vehicles—and indeed the Mandator is very prominently AECidentified on the cab apron.
Another point which Mr. Kellett raises —and in this he is certainly not alone—is the reason for the absence of an AEC rear-engined double-decker, a lack which, he says, means that "AEC sales in doubledeckers must have taken a terrific beating". Perhaps so, but I had it on good authority not long ago that their order books for single-deckers were so full that they certainly weren't scratching around for work!
Surely this is a matter of group policy, in which AEC has been given the task of concentrating on single-deckers. My answer probably won't convince AEC enthusiasts —but don't blame me.
As a tailpiece on buses, several people have asked me where Routemaster FRM1 (front entrance) is these days. Answer on LTB's route '76 when last seen.