London's first standardised Motor Bus with its horse-box type of body was introduced in October 1910.
By 1913 no fewer than 2,500 "B" type Buses had been built and it was destined to play its part in France and Flanders, for in the 1914-1918 war, 1,300 of them were aquired by the War Department for use as troop carriers. In addition 300 were engaged in defence work in London.
A "B" type Bus that survives today was affectionately named "Old Bill" and has taken part in many commemoration parades.
This famous bus was made in its final form in 1920.

The B-Type bus did service in the First World War moving troops and one can be seen in the Imperial War Museum.
Dewar's and London buses go together like fish and chips.

The (Y2-1) 1911 B-Type London bus was first released in 1956 and remained in the range until 1961, a good long run.

Livery: Lower panel: Yellow 'GENERAL'
Upper panel: White 'DEWARS' with black outline. In white 'THE WHISKY' in red panel on left and in white 'WHITE LABEL' in red panel on the right.
Front destination board: White board with black lettering. White 'Pears' on pale blue panel on both sides of board. 'THE KING OF SOAPS' In white on black panel on left of board and 'THE SOAP OF KINGS' in white on right of board.
Rear destination board: White 'NESTLES MILK RICHEST IN CREAM' on dark blue on right hand side of white board with black lettering.
Stair panel: 'OAKLEY'S WELLINGTON KNIFE POLISH' in yellow.

Variations/Rarities: It was always painted red and shades can vary.
The radiator grille shell was originally painted silver all over by hand but with the introduction of mask spray painting it was reduced to just the grille slats being silver.
The wheels were unique to this model with the front wheels being spoked and a daisy pattern to the rear. They are usually unpainted but the final issues were painted black which are harder to find.
The axles were crimped to begin with but later they were changed to axles with a rounded end.
The lower deck ceiling can be either bare metal or tan.
On the early versions the upper deck seats were painted light brown all over but the later issues had just the upper face painted.
The driver can be painted black, blue or light blue and they are equally common.
The variant with the four small windows is slightly harder to find than the eight window version and will consequently cost you a little more.

An interesting point is that the D1 box on this model is one of the very hard to obtain and fetches a high premium when sold.

Scale: 1:100

1911 B Type London Bus; Dewar's

Black or blue drivers

4/4 Windows

8/4 Windows

Body types