By mid nineteenth century, rush hour traffic in London had become so congested, businessmen would often perch on the roofs of single decker omnibuses rather than wait for another. Hence London's first double-decker buses came into existence. These presented a problem, however, and 'decency' boards, such as those seen along the top sides of this bus, were fitted to prevent passers-by from looking at the ankles of ladies bold enough to climb to the top. The 'garden seat' variety of the double-decker bus, so called because of the wooden two-seater benches placed along the top deck, operated in London from 1881 until the last one ceased business on the eve of the first World War. The model here seated 24 passengers and was built in 1886.

The original London Omnibus was often caught up in the hustle and bustle of London rush hour traffic in the late 1800s. This particular model, faithfully captures the look and feel of the first double decker busses of the era, from the wooden two-seater benches on top deck, the outside staircase with the conductor and a glimpse of the advertising of the time.

(1993)

Scale: 1:43