Eastern Coach Works
History of Eastern Coach Works (ECW)
Eastern Coach Works (ECW) was a prominent British bus and coach bodybuilder based in Lowestoft, Suffolk, England, with a history spanning several decades. Its origins and development are summarised as follows.
Founding and Early Years (1912–1936)
ECW traces its roots to 1912, when United Automobile Services was established in Lowestoft to operate bus services. In 1920, United began building coach bodies at its Lowestoft site. In 1931, the East Anglian operations were spun off into the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company, which inherited the coach works, focusing primarily on bus body construction and employing over 600 people. In July 1936, the coach works were incorporated as a separate entity, Eastern Coach Works Limited, becoming Lowestoft’s largest full-time employer.
A view from inside the factory at Eastern Coach works (ECW).
An ariel view of the Eastern Coach Works factory.
World War II and Post-War Era (1940–1960s)
During World War II, in May 1940, ECW halted production due to military orders, as the East Coast was considered vulnerable to German invasion. Post-war, ECW resumed operations and grew significantly, becoming a key supplier for the Tilling Group, which included bus companies like Eastern Counties and Eastern National. By the 1950s, ECW was one of Lowestoft’s biggest employers, producing bodies for various bus operators. Its in-house magazine, *The Hooter*, published by the ECW Sports and Social Club, documented the lives and work of its employees during this period.
National Bus Company and British Leyland Era (1960s–1982)
In 1969, following the Transport Act 1968, ECW became jointly owned by the National Bus Company (NBC) and British Leyland, with NBC holding a 75% stake inherited from the Transport Holding Company. ECW was closely associated with Bristol Commercial Vehicles, bodying chassis such as the Bristol Lodekka, LH, RE, and VR, which were widely used by NBC subsidiaries like Crosville Motor Services. This partnership made ECW bodies synonymous with NBC’s fleet, including National Express coaches. In 1982, British Leyland acquired NBC’s share, gaining full control of ECW.
The Eastern Coach Works factory during National Bus Company times showing Bristol VRT bodies being built.
Decline and Closure (1982–1987)
ECW continued to produce bodies for modern chassis like the Bristol VR and Leyland Olympian during the 1980s. However, the company faced challenges due to industry deregulation and competition. ECW closed in January 1987, and its Lowestoft site was demolished to make way for the North Quay Retail Park, which opened in 1990. At its peak, ECW employed around 1,200 people and was a cornerstone of Lowestoft’s economy.
Relevance to CRG163
CRG163 (EFM163H) is a preserved Bristol RELH6G Series 2 Mark 1 coach, registered on March 6, 1970, by Crosville Motor Services, with its body built by Eastern Coach Works. The connection between ECW and CRG163 is significant, as ECW’s craftsmanship and design directly shaped the vehicle’s construction and historical role.
ECW-Built Body
CRG163 features a Series 2, Mark 1 ECW coach body, fitted to a Bristol RELH chassis (Rear-Engine, Long, High). The body was designed for long-distance express services, equipped with a 47-seat layout and powered by a Gardner 6HLX 10.45-liter engine. ECW’s high-quality construction ensured durability, contributing to CRG163’s survival and preservation.
The Bristol RELH (Rear-Engine, Long, High) was a single-decker coach chassis introduced by Bristol Commercial Vehicles in 1962, designed to leverage the 1961 regulation allowing single-deckers up to 36 feet in length. The RELH was specifically engineered for coach work, featuring a high chassis frame for long-distance comfort. ECW was the primary bodybuilder for the RELH, producing bodies for the nationalized Tilling Group and other operators. Production began in 1963, with 976 RELH chassis built, making it the second most popular Bristol RE model after the RELL.
From 1963 to 1970, ECW constructed 413 bodies on Bristol RELH chassis. ECW-bodied RELH coaches were known for their luxury and durability, featuring innovations like air-ride suspension and comfortable Chapman seating (e.g., Mk155 fixed seats or Mk166 recliners). These coaches served operators like Red & White, Crosville Motor Services, and Eastern Counties, often on express routes across the UK, such as Red & White’s Associated Motorways services to Blackpool, Brighton, and London.
An advert for the luxurious Chapman seating of the time. This particular advert makes reference to the driver’s seat and the MK166 reclining seats.
An internal image of CRG163 showing the luxurious Chapman MK155 fixed seating.
CRG163, preserved since 1984, is a testament to ECW’s engineering and aesthetic legacy. The vehicle’s ECW body, featuring original components. ECW’s reputation for quality is a key reason enthusiasts value such fine vehicles.
ECW’s expertise in bodying Bristol chassis, as seen in CRG163 with the RELH chassis paired with ECW’s body allowed CRG163 to serve demanding routes across the UK, from Liverpool to London and North Wales.
A snap shot of Crosville ECW bodied vehicles
The following images are only some of the vehicles ECW bodied and used within the Crosville fleet.
John Buchan recalls, “Bristol MW6G coach CMG 513, 4222FM, at Llandudno on 23 July 1971.
Delivered new in 1964 and was withdrawn in June 1976, going to Martin of Middlewich. From there Morris Brothers of Swansea Ltd acquired it early in 1977.”
John Buchan recalls, “CMG 477 seen in Caernarfon on 19th July 1971 on PH work. There is what looks to be one of those old converted ambulances in the distance. On reflection I wish I had included more of the other MW in the picture, but such is life.”
John Buchan recalls, “Here's another smart looking coach. CMG 30 in its cream and black livery with bright red upholstery inside. Even the dashboard cover is bright red. Impressive to say the least. At Crewe 18th July 1971.”
John Buchan remembers, “CRG 109 leaving Crewe Bus Station bound for London on the X2 service from Liverpool on 24th July 1971. The coach had been in service for around 2 years by then.”
John Buchan recalls, “John Buchan recalls, “CRG 527 at Llandudno Junction on 6th September 1971. New in 1964 it remained in the Crosville fleet until its withdrawal in 1980 and was scrapped at the end of that year.”
John Buchan recalls, “CRG 532 was pressed into service on stage carriage work on the last Tuesday before Christmas, 21st December 1971 and is seen in Nantwich at the Beam Street bus station. It's looking rather grubby here and perhaps understandably so given the time of year.”
John Buchan remembers, “CRG 163 taken at Crewe Bus Station on Christmas Day 1971.”
A wonderful image of a flat screen Bristol RELL. John Buchan recalls, “A rather dusty looking SRG 128, DFM128H, arriving in Runcorn High Street from the depot, I presume, to enter service. New in 1969 it was disposed of via Martin of Middlewich in March 1982. The driver enjoyed reading the Daily Mirror from what one can see. Worth noting that the route number box had black rubber surrounds. Photo dated 1st July 1972.”
John Buchan recalls, “SMG 391 seen in St. Georges's Crescent, Wrexham on 11th July 1972. It looked like it was fresh out of the Paint Shop, which was probably no mean achievement given the number of ex-North Western vehicles having to be resprayed that year.”
John Buchan comments, “CRG 496 picking up passengers in Aberystwyth on its way to Swansea on the X73 service. 19th July 1972.”
John Buchan remembers, “A second photo from my visit to King Street in Wrexham in July 1975. Bristol RE SRG 100.”
Don McKeown comments “ERG 1 - 6 usually monopolised the D93/94 route from Wrecsam to Barmouth, but on this occasion some lucky passengers were treated to EMG 431, seen here laying over at Barmouth. I don't suppose the driver was impressed, but I only wish I could have been on board!”
Don McKeown comments “SMG 402 climbs the steep gradient from Maentwrog towards Llan Ffestiniog. The Moelwyn Mountains dominate the background.”
Don McKeown comments “SRG 93 spent several year at Aberystwyth Depot, and for a while was a regular at Lampeter outstation. It was later transferred to Bangor, and is seen here on a Bethesda local service.”
Don McKeown comments “For a while, Blaenau Ffestiniog Depot's allocation was dominated by the Bristol LHs. This was SLL 627, seen here returning towards the town from Tanygrisiau. This was during the period from 1976 to about 1981when the local service to Tanygrisiau was tagged onto the end of the main line services R1/2/3.”{
Don McKeown comments “DFB 202 is parked at an obscure location near Gaerwen, Anglesey. Bangor Depot had a regular contract to supply British Rail with a bus each day to take a gang of permanent way workers to their worksite, and remain on site all day for use as a "messroom." Occasionally if there was a shortage of drivers at Bangor Depot, Caernarfon depot would step in, and thus I spent the day here one day in the summer of 1979. At that time, Caernarfon was an all single-deck depot, so this was one of the very rare occasions when I drove a Lodekka. The destination display was specially posed.”
Don McKeown comments, “SRG 179 was another RE which made a guest appearance at Caernarfon for repair work; I was able to drive it for half a day before it returned to Wrecsam. It is seen here at Dinorwic. At this time (around 1984) a great deal of landscaping work was taking place among the former quarry workings here.”
DVG270 at Rainhill, Norland’s Lane on 19 April 1986. Robert comments “A fine vehicle for the H3, Edge Lane depot’s busiest route.”
Don McKeown recalls, “DOG 119 was the first Olympian to be allocated to Caernarfon Depot. It was normally used on service M5 to Llandudno, but for the high summer season, when vehicles on the M5 were interchanged with Llandudno Junction depot, that service reverted to Leyland National operation. As a result, DOG 119 was able to be used on other services for a few weeks, and here it is seen climbing the Llanberis Pass on a ‘Snowdon Sherpa’ working. There were no passengers on board, so I was able to stop and take the photograph. Service number R99 was used for a short time for workings beyond Nant Peris. There was no "Penygwryd" on the destination blind, hence the blank, although i did have my own cardboard ‘Snowdon Sherpa’ sign, which can be seen in the nearside windscreen.”
Preservation and Legacy
ECW’s stylish and durable bodies, particularly on Bristol chassis, left a lasting impact on British public transport. Vehicles like the Bristol VR remained in service into the 21st century, and many ECW-bodied buses, including CRG163, have been preserved. ECW’s craftsmanship is celebrated in books, pictorial tributes, and enthusiast communities.
ECW’s collaboration with Bristol produced iconic vehicles that defined mid-20th-century British coach travel, and their legacy endures through preserved examples and enthusiast communities.
Summary
Eastern Coach Works was a cornerstone of British bus and coach manufacturing, evolving from a regional operation in 1912 to a major supplier for the National Bus Company by the 1970s. Its closure in 1987 marked the end of an era, but its legacy endures through preserved vehicles like CRG163. This Bristol RELH6G coach, bodied by ECW in 1970, embodies the company’s craftsmanship and its pivotal role in National Express and Crosville’s operations. CRG163’s preservation, documented service history, and cultural significance highlight ECW’s lasting impact on the UK’s transport heritage.
Thank you
My grateful thanks to John Buchan, Don Mckeown and Robert Montgomery for the privilege of being able to include their photographs through kind permission.
Can you help?
If you have any photos or related information about CRG163 or any information on the parts presently required then please e-mail post@crg163.com or post@crosville.net. Many thanks in advance.
You can also subscribe to this website by entering your e-mail address into the white box below, bottom right and click the subscription button. ⬇️
Eastern Coach Works (ECW) was a prominent British bus and coach bodybuilder based in Lowestoft, Suffolk, England, with a history spanning several decades. Its origins and development are summarised as follows.
Founding and Early Years (1912–1936)
ECW traces its roots to 1912, when United Automobile Services was established in Lowestoft to operate bus services. In 1920, United began building coach bodies at its Lowestoft site. In 1931, the East Anglian operations were spun off into the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company, which inherited the coach works, focusing primarily on bus body construction and employing over 600 people. In July 1936, the coach works were incorporated as a separate entity, Eastern Coach Works Limited, becoming Lowestoft’s largest full-time employer.
A view from inside the factory at Eastern Coach works (ECW).An ariel view of the Eastern Coach Works factory.World War II and Post-War Era (1940–1960s)
During World War II, in May 1940, ECW halted production due to military orders, as the East Coast was considered vulnerable to German invasion. Post-war, ECW resumed operations and grew significantly, becoming a key supplier for the Tilling Group, which included bus companies like Eastern Counties and Eastern National. By the 1950s, ECW was one of Lowestoft’s biggest employers, producing bodies for various bus operators. Its in-house magazine, *The Hooter*, published by the ECW Sports and Social Club, documented the lives and work of its employees during this period.
National Bus Company and British Leyland Era (1960s–1982)
In 1969, following the Transport Act 1968, ECW became jointly owned by the National Bus Company (NBC) and British Leyland, with NBC holding a 75% stake inherited from the Transport Holding Company. ECW was closely associated with Bristol Commercial Vehicles, bodying chassis such as the Bristol Lodekka, LH, RE, and VR, which were widely used by NBC subsidiaries like Crosville Motor Services. This partnership made ECW bodies synonymous with NBC’s fleet, including National Express coaches. In 1982, British Leyland acquired NBC’s share, gaining full control of ECW.
The Eastern Coach Works factory during National Bus Company times showing Bristol VRT bodies being built.Decline and Closure (1982–1987)
ECW continued to produce bodies for modern chassis like the Bristol VR and Leyland Olympian during the 1980s. However, the company faced challenges due to industry deregulation and competition. ECW closed in January 1987, and its Lowestoft site was demolished to make way for the North Quay Retail Park, which opened in 1990. At its peak, ECW employed around 1,200 people and was a cornerstone of Lowestoft’s economy.
Relevance to CRG163
CRG163 (EFM163H) is a preserved Bristol RELH6G Series 2 Mark 1 coach, registered on March 6, 1970, by Crosville Motor Services, with its body built by Eastern Coach Works. The connection between ECW and CRG163 is significant, as ECW’s craftsmanship and design directly shaped the vehicle’s construction and historical role.
ECW-Built Body
CRG163 features a Series 2, Mark 1 ECW coach body, fitted to a Bristol RELH chassis (Rear-Engine, Long, High). The body was designed for long-distance express services, equipped with a 47-seat layout and powered by a Gardner 6HLX 10.45-liter engine. ECW’s high-quality construction ensured durability, contributing to CRG163’s survival and preservation.
The Bristol RELH (Rear-Engine, Long, High) was a single-decker coach chassis introduced by Bristol Commercial Vehicles in 1962, designed to leverage the 1961 regulation allowing single-deckers up to 36 feet in length. The RELH was specifically engineered for coach work, featuring a high chassis frame for long-distance comfort. ECW was the primary bodybuilder for the RELH, producing bodies for the nationalized Tilling Group and other operators. Production began in 1963, with 976 RELH chassis built, making it the second most popular Bristol RE model after the RELL.
From 1963 to 1970, ECW constructed 413 bodies on Bristol RELH chassis. ECW-bodied RELH coaches were known for their luxury and durability, featuring innovations like air-ride suspension and comfortable Chapman seating (e.g., Mk155 fixed seats or Mk166 recliners). These coaches served operators like Red & White, Crosville Motor Services, and Eastern Counties, often on express routes across the UK, such as Red & White’s Associated Motorways services to Blackpool, Brighton, and London.
An advert for the luxurious Chapman seating of the time. This particular advert makes reference to the driver’s seat and the MK166 reclining seats.An internal image of CRG163 showing the luxurious Chapman MK155 fixed seating.CRG163, preserved since 1984, is a testament to ECW’s engineering and aesthetic legacy. The vehicle’s ECW body, featuring original components. ECW’s reputation for quality is a key reason enthusiasts value such fine vehicles.
ECW’s expertise in bodying Bristol chassis, as seen in CRG163 with the RELH chassis paired with ECW’s body allowed CRG163 to serve demanding routes across the UK, from Liverpool to London and North Wales.
A snap shot of Crosville ECW bodied vehicles
The following images are only some of the vehicles ECW bodied and used within the Crosville fleet.
John Buchan recalls, “Bristol MW6G coach CMG 513, 4222FM, at Llandudno on 23 July 1971.Delivered new in 1964 and was withdrawn in June 1976, going to Martin of Middlewich. From there Morris Brothers of Swansea Ltd acquired it early in 1977.”
John Buchan recalls, “CMG 477 seen in Caernarfon on 19th July 1971 on PH work. There is what looks to be one of those old converted ambulances in the distance. On reflection I wish I had included more of the other MW in the picture, but such is life.”John Buchan recalls, “Here's another smart looking coach. CMG 30 in its cream and black livery with bright red upholstery inside. Even the dashboard cover is bright red. Impressive to say the least. At Crewe 18th July 1971.”John Buchan remembers, “CRG 109 leaving Crewe Bus Station bound for London on the X2 service from Liverpool on 24th July 1971. The coach had been in service for around 2 years by then.”John Buchan recalls, “John Buchan recalls, “CRG 527 at Llandudno Junction on 6th September 1971. New in 1964 it remained in the Crosville fleet until its withdrawal in 1980 and was scrapped at the end of that year.”John Buchan recalls, “CRG 532 was pressed into service on stage carriage work on the last Tuesday before Christmas, 21st December 1971 and is seen in Nantwich at the Beam Street bus station. It's looking rather grubby here and perhaps understandably so given the time of year.”John Buchan remembers, “CRG 163 taken at Crewe Bus Station on Christmas Day 1971.”A wonderful image of a flat screen Bristol RELL. John Buchan recalls, “A rather dusty looking SRG 128, DFM128H, arriving in Runcorn High Street from the depot, I presume, to enter service. New in 1969 it was disposed of via Martin of Middlewich in March 1982. The driver enjoyed reading the Daily Mirror from what one can see. Worth noting that the route number box had black rubber surrounds. Photo dated 1st July 1972.”John Buchan recalls, “SMG 391 seen in St. Georges's Crescent, Wrexham on 11th July 1972. It looked like it was fresh out of the Paint Shop, which was probably no mean achievement given the number of ex-North Western vehicles having to be resprayed that year.”John Buchan comments, “CRG 496 picking up passengers in Aberystwyth on its way to Swansea on the X73 service. 19th July 1972.”John Buchan remembers, “A second photo from my visit to King Street in Wrexham in July 1975. Bristol RE SRG 100.”Don McKeown comments “ERG 1 - 6 usually monopolised the D93/94 route from Wrecsam to Barmouth, but on this occasion some lucky passengers were treated to EMG 431, seen here laying over at Barmouth. I don't suppose the driver was impressed, but I only wish I could have been on board!”Don McKeown comments “SMG 402 climbs the steep gradient from Maentwrog towards Llan Ffestiniog. The Moelwyn Mountains dominate the background.”Don McKeown comments “SRG 93 spent several year at Aberystwyth Depot, and for a while was a regular at Lampeter outstation. It was later transferred to Bangor, and is seen here on a Bethesda local service.”Don McKeown comments “For a while, Blaenau Ffestiniog Depot's allocation was dominated by the Bristol LHs. This was SLL 627, seen here returning towards the town from Tanygrisiau. This was during the period from 1976 to about 1981when the local service to Tanygrisiau was tagged onto the end of the main line services R1/2/3.”{Don McKeown comments “DFB 202 is parked at an obscure location near Gaerwen, Anglesey. Bangor Depot had a regular contract to supply British Rail with a bus each day to take a gang of permanent way workers to their worksite, and remain on site all day for use as a "messroom." Occasionally if there was a shortage of drivers at Bangor Depot, Caernarfon depot would step in, and thus I spent the day here one day in the summer of 1979. At that time, Caernarfon was an all single-deck depot, so this was one of the very rare occasions when I drove a Lodekka. The destination display was specially posed.”Don McKeown comments, “SRG 179 was another RE which made a guest appearance at Caernarfon for repair work; I was able to drive it for half a day before it returned to Wrecsam. It is seen here at Dinorwic. At this time (around 1984) a great deal of landscaping work was taking place among the former quarry workings here.”DVG270 at Rainhill, Norland’s Lane on 19 April 1986. Robert comments “A fine vehicle for the H3, Edge Lane depot’s busiest route.”Don McKeown recalls, “DOG 119 was the first Olympian to be allocated to Caernarfon Depot. It was normally used on service M5 to Llandudno, but for the high summer season, when vehicles on the M5 were interchanged with Llandudno Junction depot, that service reverted to Leyland National operation. As a result, DOG 119 was able to be used on other services for a few weeks, and here it is seen climbing the Llanberis Pass on a ‘Snowdon Sherpa’ working. There were no passengers on board, so I was able to stop and take the photograph. Service number R99 was used for a short time for workings beyond Nant Peris. There was no "Penygwryd" on the destination blind, hence the blank, although i did have my own cardboard ‘Snowdon Sherpa’ sign, which can be seen in the nearside windscreen.”Preservation and Legacy
ECW’s stylish and durable bodies, particularly on Bristol chassis, left a lasting impact on British public transport. Vehicles like the Bristol VR remained in service into the 21st century, and many ECW-bodied buses, including CRG163, have been preserved. ECW’s craftsmanship is celebrated in books, pictorial tributes, and enthusiast communities.
ECW’s collaboration with Bristol produced iconic vehicles that defined mid-20th-century British coach travel, and their legacy endures through preserved examples and enthusiast communities.
Summary
Eastern Coach Works was a cornerstone of British bus and coach manufacturing, evolving from a regional operation in 1912 to a major supplier for the National Bus Company by the 1970s. Its closure in 1987 marked the end of an era, but its legacy endures through preserved vehicles like CRG163. This Bristol RELH6G coach, bodied by ECW in 1970, embodies the company’s craftsmanship and its pivotal role in National Express and Crosville’s operations. CRG163’s preservation, documented service history, and cultural significance highlight ECW’s lasting impact on the UK’s transport heritage.
Thank you
My grateful thanks to John Buchan, Don Mckeown and Robert Montgomery for the privilege of being able to include their photographs through kind permission.
Can you help?
If you have any photos or related information about CRG163 or any information on the parts presently required then please e-mail post@crg163.com or post@crosville.net. Many thanks in advance.
You can also subscribe to this website by entering your e-mail address into the white box below, bottom right and click the subscription button. ⬇️