Bristol Tow Truck
FHN 923
The Old Darling
HISTORY
Purchased by United on the 5th June 1940 as a 'K' type double decker bus, it spent its first 10 years at Redcar. In 1950 it transferred to Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne. In 1956 the vehicle was converted by United's Central Works, Darlington as a tow truck. Working from Darlington as a recovery vehicle it then transferred to Middlesbrough in 1958 and then on to Scarborough in 1975. Withdrawn in 1978.
Charlie Bullock purchased the vehicle in 1978 when he retired. Then sold it to this Society in November 2005 for safe keeping. During its time it became the longest serving vehicle in United's fleet, a span of 38 years.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Chassis Bristol K5G
Body Type ECW as a bus
UAS as a tow truck
Engine Gardner 5LW
Gearbox 4 Speed (crash)
Length 26' - (7 M 92 cm)
Width 7-6” (2 M 29 cm)
Top Speed 32mph
Fleet No. BDO 23 1940 - 1950
BGL 23 1950 - 1956
EDO 23 1956 - 1968
35 1968 - 1971
61 1971 - 1978
Chassis No. 55018
Engine No. 70784


