THE MELLOR BROTHERS:

MODEL TRUCKS AND BUSES

THE STORY OF THE RIVERVIEW TRANSPORT CAFE

In 1969 I learned that one of the bus kit producers was also making white metal kits of various lorries and this is when everything began. My first model trucks were Westward Atkinson Borderer units, and one was built as an exact replica of a George Read, Longhope, tractor unit complete with scratchbuilt sleeper cab conversion and trailer carrying a scrap car load as was correct at the time. The other Westward kit of an Atkinson Borderer was built as standard in Nuttall Transport colours, and both can be seen sometimes at the River View Transport Cafe.

It was then that I decided to create models of trucks used by Gloucestershire operators, and now I not only make kits but also convert die cast models using replacement resin cabs and parts with brass and plastic card used to make fittings. Bodies and trailers are also scratchbuilt.

Over time, David has also become very interested in helping to make the various loads seen on the trailers and a joint decision resulted in the diorama of the River View Transport Cafe being constructed to exhibit vehicles from the late 1970s.

A great deal of these models are produced purely from a photograph and textbooks, manufacturers brochures and actual measuring of the real thing. We are always looking for photographs and information on past Gloucestershire hauliers vehicles in our campaign to recreate history.

Looking at the array of constant 1/76 scale scratch built articulated semi-trailers and bodies for rigid chassis - including box vans and tipper designs - on show either at the River View Transport Cafe or lined up on shelves ( as seen next to Brocklecote Bus Station below ) what really separates Paul and David from other road vehicle modellers in my mind however is their blend of historical research and steady hands. They use no decals! .

As such their collection now includes many of the "one off" designs operated by Moreton C. Cullimore as well as their more familiar ERFs and Fodens. Similarly, their Mercedes artic with a large traction engine on its low loading trailer had twin flashing lights – rather than just beacons – to warn other road users. Two more items worthy of special mention at the moment are the Commer/ Scammell based furniture van operating as new for Staites Furniture and Removals in the 1950s and an up-to-date Scania "T" Topline in the livery of Maquires of Cheltenham. This huge bonneted tractor unit even had custom lining and flags on its Brunswick green and white metalwork.

For me though, probably the most exciting vehicle is the orange and white tractor unit in the top right of the picture below. Now that this Charles Russell asset has been finished, Paul and David tell me that they might one day be working on a matching trailer with a Blackburn Buccaneer load - recreating the epic movement of Jet Age preserved aircraft from Staverton to Bentham and back to Staverton. And in the case of the Buccaneer, possibly onward to Farnborough. But, for the moment, that is another story.

Like an Aston Martin or a fine malt whisky, no Mellor vehicle is ever rushed. And the true connoisseur is happy to delight in whatever vehicle - new or old - is on display: either representing Paul's membership of the Model Bus Federation or David's affiliation with the National Association of Road Transport Modellers.

THE STORY OF BROCKLECOTE BUS STATION

Purportedly built in the 1960s to serve a new town development, Brocklecote is also the hub of frequent services to Abbotswood, Abbeydale and Abbeymead areas. Sited on part of the old Gloster Aircraft Company factory in the shadow of Coopers Hill, its facilities are due for a makeover – not least because a new link to the M5 and the arrival of more industrial units nearby has made a separate long distance coach terminal a possibility.

Also next door are the offices and works of the North Western Road Car Co. (Glos) Ltd : the fictional City bus operator which has fought off takeover bids from many larger firms and continues to paint its buses red with an ivory trim and its coaches ivory with a red trim. This is a variation on the real-life North Western Road Car Co, founded in Cheshire in 1958.

KEEPING ON TRUCKING

ON THE BUSES

MELLORS ON THE ROAD