toast

Toastrack operation dates back to 1926, intially by Tom Carey of Lumley Square who operated three Vulcans, FU 7327, FU 5946 and FU 7549. The Company's vehicles and services subsequently passed to Skegness Motor Services in 1932 who were in turn taken over by the Lincolnshire Road Car in December 1932. Two of the three Vulcans (no record exists of what happened to FU7327) were then operated by the LRCC who fitted them with Bedford engines and radiators. AThey were to give over thirty years service before being replaced by open sided Bedford OBs between 1958 and 1968.

FU 5946, new in June 1925, was the oldest "toastrack" and is seen

with its modernised front end whilst waiting at the stop near the Clock

Tower in Skegness. Note the fitting of the handrail to preven

passengers exiting on the driver's side.

(Photo : LEYTR Collection)

A view of both "toast racks" at the Clock Tower, FU5946 departing

with a capacity load, whilst FU 7549 (new in June 1927) is on the right.

(Photo : LEYTR Collection)

HUO 692 was the first of the four OBs the LRCC were to purchase.

It was new to Western National in 1947, being acquired by the LRCC

in September 1958. It lasted with them until 1962 and after withdrawal,

saw use as a mobile stall at Ingham AIrfield for grass track meetings.

It is seen above parked inside the Skegness depot.

(Photo : LEYTR Collection)

Two more OBs were acquired in December 1958, both were new to

Eastern National in 1949. ONO 88 is featured in the above views at the

rear of the LRCC depot in Skegness and below at the Richmond Drive

bus station.

(Photos : LEYTR Collection)

ONO 89 was the other ex Eastern National OB and is seen whilst

parked inside Skegness depot. Both this and ONO 8888 were

withdrawn from the fleet in 1966.

(Photos : LEYTR Collection)

The last top be acquired was LTA 752, another ex Western National

vehicle new in 1950 and acquired by the LRCC in 1960. It is seen above

shortle after its conversion to open sided by the LRCC at the

Bracebridge Heath works.

(Photo : LEYTR)

Happily, after its withdrawal from the LRCC fleet in 1968, it was acquired

for preservation and has been immaculately restored to pristine condition

by its current owner Kevin Dennis. It regularly features in the annual

Skegness Carnival Parade which, in part, follows some of the former route

traversed by the bus when in service !

(Photos : K. Dennis)

LTA 752 is a regular entrant in the annual Skegness Carnival

Parade. It is illustrated at the Playing Fields prior to departing on this

duty in August 2000.