Bus & Coach Preservation - December 2018

20.4 MB·English

THE BEST PRESERVED BUSES AROUND
IInnssiiddee tthhiiss mmoonntthh::
HERITAGE TRAM TOURS
GRIMSBY-CLEETHORPES FLEETLINE
WHIPPET SCANIA
O n e a n d
PERIOD ADVERTISING
Plus all the latest
news and regular
features galore!
EAST YORKSHIRE ABERDONIAN RESTORED
Vol 21 No 7 DECEMBER 2018 £4.60
A WELCOME IN THE VALLEYS
For many a trip to the capital by a white band and there
in the 1960s, its streets remained an independent
thronged with RMs, RTs and lurking round every corner,
the like, was a joy to behold, almost all sporting attractive
but we always preferred a more colour schemes. The larger
provincial setting, and a trip municipals ploughed on,
to places such as South Wales whilst local government
was our joy. With its numerous reorganisation etc led to
operators both large and several new operating
ABOVE: Western Welsh took 20 of the 180 AEC Bridgemasters,
small, even a visit to such well- authorities coming into
an integral structure completed by Park Royal, built. Seen here
known bus-spotting locations being replacing the smaller in challenging rural operating conditions is 1962-built No 701
as Cardiff bus station always undertakings. It all added (PBO 701) bound for Broad Haven on the Pembrokeshire coast.
held the promise of seeing up to an ever-changing scene MAIN PICTURE: In July 1975 in the familiar environs of
something new or different. unequalled by the legions of Cardiff bus station, former Rhondda 1964 AEC Regent V/
The arrival of the National RMs and RTs passing through NCME No 364 (471 UNY), new as Rhondda 471,
squeezes past Treorchy-bound 1969 NCME-
Bus Company on 1 January Piccadilly Circus year in year
bodied Leyland Atlantean PDR1A/1
1969 led to a universal out!
VTG 504G, formerly
application of poppy red to Furthermore as illustrated Rhondda 504.
the fl eets of the indigenous here with this small selection
major operators, but were of Western Welsh buses,
they not red already, just there were still plenty
different shades? The new of AECs!
poppy red was at least
relieved on most buses
NEWS PLUS 6 S
The latest news from the world of T
bus preservation and beyond. N
E
THE LONE ABERDONIAN 12 T
BELOW: Western Welsh returned to the AEC Regent V the A recently restored East Yorkshire N
following year. Seen here is NCME-bodied No 703 (703 CUH) Albion Aberdonian neatly fi ts the O
en route to Cadoxton near Neath. Pictures: PRESBUS ARCHIVE unique description as SIMON GILL C
reports.

ON THE ROAD 18 O718
DAVID JUKES presents a selection of mature buses and coaches still N20
doing what they do best. 21R
LE
OB
SCANIA WITH A STORY 22 VM
E
A low fl oor Whippet Scania may be one of the newest vehicles in C
E
preservation but, now superbly restored, it has an important history as D
NICK LARKIN explains.

LOWHEIGHT IN WINCHESTER 26
The Friends of King Alfred Buses Twilight Running Day began early
with an opportunity to compare four different lowheight buses.
SIMON GILL was there.

SHOWBUS 2018 28
The 46th Showbus International
display took place at Donington Park
on 30 September as SIMON GILL
illustrates.

BLACKPOOL ROCKS 34
The Blackpool Tramway was
substantially rebuilt but several of
the old trams remained to form the
Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours fl eet.
DAVID JUKES reports.

FLEETLINE FANTASTIC 46
The Stagecoach Heritage Fleet’s lone
Fleetline was sold last year for
private preservation; its new owner
GRAHAM LORD explains how and
why he acquired it.

RETURN JOURNEY: A VISIT TO GRIMSBY AND CLEETHORPES 50
Seaside fun and fi sh — yes there’s plenty of variety when it comes to
these two Lincolnshire towns! We look back . . .

‘AD’ TO YOUR
RESTORATION 54
It is time to decide if you would
like period advertisements recreated
on your vehicle’s exterior.
ASHLEY BLACKMAN explains.
THE MODEL PAGE 58
NIGEL APPLEFORD examines
Exclusive First Edition’s London
Transport RC-class AEC Reliances,
which proved somewhat disappointing
in full-sized form.
OFF ROUTE 62
A search for a distinctive Reliance, a little bus nostalgia in Spain, and a
nostalgic look at 1970s Manchester. NICK LARKIN reports.
BUSMART 65/I
B&CP’s comprehensive advertising section, where you can buy or sell
any bus-related item.
Cover: Former East Yorkshire Motor Services 674 (VKH 674), a
1958 Park Royal-bodied Albion Aberdonian MR11L makes a fi ne
sight. The story of its history and restoration starts on page 12.
SIMON GILL
December 2018 3
YARDLEY WOOD BUS CLUB
“Atlas Editions” M odels £10 Each NORTHCORD MODEL CO MPANY NEWS RELEASE
BUS COLLECTION GREAT BRITISH BUSES
JY-11 STEYR 380 1955 JB-02 SOUTHDOWN BRISTOL LODEKKA Model Release Update
JY-14 LEYLAND RTW 1959 JB-03 WALLACE ARNOLD BEDFORD OB
JY-24 IKARUS 311 1959 JB-04 LONDON TRANS. TROLLEYBUS
JY-25 VOLVO B375 1957 JB-05 SOUTHDOWN QUEEN MARY O/T
JY-26 MERCEDES BENZ LOP 3500 1935 JB-10 BRIGHTON & HOVE AEC REGENT As the first tranche of models announced last year will be
JY-31 OPEL BLITZ 1954 JB-11 DOUGLAS CORP. AEC REGENT completed with the release of the Reading Buses models
JB-12 MIDLAND RED CM5T COACH
JY-32 JEICZ 043 1959
JB-13 BLACKPOOL BALOON TRAM early next month, it is good timing for NMC to announce
JY-36 MERCEDES BENZ O 3500 1949 JB-14 GREEN LINE AEC Q TYPE
JY-38 SCHOOL BUS GMC B SERIES 1979 JB-18 RIBBLE BURLINGHAM SEAGULL some further planned releases that will cover quarter 4 of
JY-40 MAGIRUS DEUTZ SATURN II 1964 JB-19 LEEDS CITY TRANS. CROSSLEY 2018 and into early 2019.
JY-41 VETRA VBRH TROLLEYBUS 1948 JB-20 WEST RIDING BEDFORD VAL
JY-04 SAURER L4C 1959 JB-22 HANTS & DORSET PANORAMA
JY-18 FIAT 306/3 INTERURBANO 1972 JB-24 ST HELENS AEC REGENT V
JY-22 REO SPEEDWAGON 1946 JB-25 METROPOLITAN FELTHAM TRAM Part One : Models that have had the pre-production
JY-17 IKARUS 66-1955 JB-26 MIDLAND RED D9 samples produced and / or authorised for final production
JJYY--3354 RKEANSSABUOLTH RSE45R R S4E2T1R0—A 1S985—3 1951 JJBB--2289 HEAUSLTL YCOORRKP.S THRIROEL LBEEYTB US by the operator
IKARUS COLLECTION JB-30 MIDLAND RED WEST LEY. LYNX
CLASSIC COACHES COLLECTION
JZ-01 IKARUS 311 1960
JJZZ--0026 IIKKAARRUUSS 66260 1 9159559 JJJEEE---000123 WWROHANILT LDTALRCEEE WB AU BRRENLDOINFLGODHR BADEM OD SBFEO ARGDU VLALL UKBUS0061 : Rea(rdeinnugm Bbuesreesd (f7r5o8m – U YKXB6U4VSR65U0)5 –) September 2018
JZ-07 IKARUS 256 1977 JE-04 KINGS FERRY VAN HOOL T9 UKBUS0062 : Reading Buses Greenline (758 – YX64VRU)
JZ-08 IKARUS 30 1951 JE-05 KAESSBOHRER SETRA S8 September 2018 (new details)
TRAMS & LOCOS JJEE--0180 IAFLAL HA6N DBE R TRAVEL BOVA FUTURA UKBUS6507A : Bluestar (1641 – HF66CFM) Rt1 Winchester
HQ-01 BLACKPOOL BALOON 1960 JE-11 EXCELSIOR PLAX. EXCALIBUR October 2018
HQ-02 FELTHAM TRAM UCC 1931 JE-12 YORK PULLMAN VAN HOOL UKBUS6507B : Bluestar (1641 – HF66CFM) Rt1 Southampton
HQ-03 BLACKPOOL RAILCOACH 1937 JJEE1-143 M BIODRLAGNWDO ROEDD B COM 450T0 C0 OACH Octobe r 2018
HQ-04 HONG KONG TRAM 1986 JE-15 MERCEDES BENZ O3500 UKBUS6508A : National Express West Midlands
HHHQQQ---990985 KSSAERRNOI KEFORS DACINCLC L4ISO10CC1OO0 CLOABCLOE CAR JJJEEE---111786 VMTRAAANGN IHRSOU POSEL DA 3EK0U 6PT LZA SXA. PTURREMN IIEI RE (U68K4B3U -S S6N56068WB F: MN)a tXio1n Caol vEexnptrreys –s NWoevsetm Mbiderla 2n0d1s8
HQ-20 STUBAITALBAHN TWI 1904 JE-25 IKARUS 66 (6843 – SN66WFM) X1 Birmingham – November 2018
HQ-24 ELEKTRISK MOTORVAGN 1902 JE-26 FLEISCHER S5
HQ-30 ATELIERS DE BRUGES 1949 FULL LIST AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE
PLUS TRAINS OF THE WORLD Including Trains of The World “Z Gauge” Part Two : Planned models that are awaiting pre-
IN “Z” GAUGE SEE THE LIST ON OUR www.ywbc.co.uk
production samples to be made and / or final operator
WEBSITE
authorisation.
RAPIDO MOD ELS
DUE EARLY 2019
DELUXE COMES WITH WORKING INTERIOR / HEAD & DESTINATION LIGHTS (Which
Requires a 12v 500mA DC Power Supply) UKBUS6509 : Abellio Bus (2600 – YY67GZW)
UKBUS6510 : Yellow Buses (200 – SN17MTO)
Birmingham City Transport Livery
UKBUS6511 : Stagecoach West Scotland (10930 – SN67XAY)
Standard Deluxe UKBUS6512 : Southern Vectis (1660 – HW67AHY)
71000 Bus 2976 No Route JOJ 976 71500
71001 Bus 3100 6 Sandon Road MOF 100 71501 UKBUS6513 : Stagecoach South (10892 – YX67VCE)
71002 Bus 3062 11 Outer Circle MOF 62 71502 UKBUS6514 : First in Glasgow (33982HB – SN65OFX)
71003 Bus 2986 32 Gospel Lane JOJ 986 71503 UKBUS6515 : Metroline (TEH2087 – LK15CUH)
71004 Bus 3009 52 Beeches Estate MOF 9 71504
YWBC Prices - Northcord Models
71005 Bus 3000 56 Castle Bromwich LOG 300 71505
71006 Bus 2958 63 Rubery JOJ 958 71506 0061 Reading Buses & 6508A/B NXWM Platinum Special Price £40
71007 Bus 2976 750 Wythall Bus Museum JOJ 976 71507
0062, 6507A/B, 6509, 6510, 6511, 6512, 6513, 6514 & 6515 £45 rrp £59.99
West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive Livery PRE-ORDER NOW, NO PAYMENT REQUIRED
71008 Bus 3037 5 Perry Common MOF 37 71508 UNTIL THE MODEL IS RELEASED / RECEIVED
71009 Bus 2964 9 Quinton JOJ 964 71509
NORTHCORD
71010 Bus 2995 15 Blakenall JOJ 995 71510
71011 Undecorated Plain Model ADL Enviro400 MMC

UK 6501 Go Ahead London
Standard £39.99, Deluxe £49.99 UK 6502 NXWM
PRE-ORDERS NOW BEING TAKENA UAKv 6a5il0a6b lFei rIsnt SBtroisctko l
NO PAYMENT REQUIRED AT TIME OF PREORDERING —————U———K—— —6—5——0——3— —&—— —6——5—0——4—— ————
SOLD OUT
POSTAL CHARGES FROZEN AGAIN UNTIL MARCH 2019 UK 0061 Rea ding Buses
For Models Posted Out Together UK 0062 Reading Greenline
UK Rates: 1 Model = £3: Each Additional Model £1.50 each To Be Released
£40 / £45
Europe Rates: 1 Model = £4: Each Additional Model £2 each
YWBC Show Bus
Worldwide Rates: £5 per Model
Payment by Cheque, Bank Transfer Credit/Debit Cards UPDATED RALLY DATES FOR 2018 SEASON
www.ywbc.co.uk
27 Oc tober Local Garage Open Days
Email Address: [email protected] Wythall Transport Museum NXW M
Twilight Event
07814 403173 10th Nov NXWM Yardley Wood
28 October 1000-1500hrs
Swansea Transport Museum Display of Vintage & Modern
YARDLEY WOOD BUS CLUB Buses,
10 Nov NXWM Yardley Wood
Sales Stalls
71 TAYLOR ROAD Garage Open Day

KINGS HEATH Sat / Sun 1st & 2nd December EVERTYOO NAET TWEENLDC OME
Manchester Transport Museum

BIRMINGHAM B13 0PB Christmas Cracker Event FREE ENTRANCE
BUSES 2, 18 & 27 STOP OUTSIDE

SERVICE WITH A SMILE AT YWBC
Presbus Publishing News L
A
I
R
Editor:
Philip Lamb 024 7661 6930 O
“ ” [email protected] Thank you once again to all those of you On a different note we’d like to remind T
I
Contributing editors: who have enquired about my health and you one more time to use our Busmart
D
SDimavoidn JGukilel s dsiamviodn.ng.ijlul2k1e7s@@gbmtianitl.ecronmet.com to David Jukes for his sterling efforts in pages, not only to buy and sell vehicles E
Nick Larkin [email protected] keeping the magazine going. I am now but also to sell and search for illusive
John G. Lidstone [email protected]
on the mend and hope to increasingly spares. Over the years we have turned
News editor:
resume my involvement, albeit in fi rst up hundreds of parts, many of which are
Nigel Appleford 8 Claydon Avenue, Southsea PO4 8RJ
[email protected] gear! now fi rmly attached to the buses you see
Design and layout: We have by popular demand decided at an event near you every Sunday!
Russell Strong [email protected]
to reintroduce our mail order service And fi nally an early reminder to send
Administration/Readers’ ads/trade advertising
for the Christmas period and in this details of your 2019 events to Nigel
sales:
1953 Sandra Lamb 024 7661 6930 issue you will fi nd a centre page pull-out Appleford (Nigel.Appleford@btinternet.
1951 [email protected]
with both new titles and a back list of com). Receiving these early really does
To contact any of the above by post please write to:
Bus & Coach Preservation, Unit 12, Redland Close, bargains, some of which are in very short make things easier for everyone!
Alderman’s Green Industrial Estate, Coventry CV2 2NP. supply, so do not hold back — get your PHILIP LAMB

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[email protected] On the back page of the pull-out you OXFORD BUS MUSEUM
Write to: Bus & Coach Preservation Subscriptions will fi nd our best ever subscriptions INCLUDING MORRIS MOTORS MUSEUM
Department: Unit 4 College Road Business Park, offer for new subscribers. You can for a NEW YEAR
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Binders and back issues are available from Webscribe
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(6843
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Printed by:
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“ ” Haldane, Halesfi eld 1, Telford, Shropshire. TF7 4QQ.
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DSeiysmtroiburu Dtioisntr ibbyu:t ion Ltd Christmas present. UP WTOIT HB RTIHNEGD O EYXLOFIUGO HRAT DWS B!INUTSE MR UOSFE UM
2 Poultry Avenue, London. EC1A 9PP. On the inside back cover of the FREE BUS RIDES | MUSEUM ATTRACTIONS
TRADE STALLS | QUALITY REFRESHMENTS

Editorial contributions: magazine you will fi nd details of next ADMISSIONOPEN 10.30 - 16.30
We welcome digital images, but regret we are no longer ADULTS £6 | CHILDREN £3 | FAMILY £13*
able to take any responsibility for prints or transparencies, year’s New Year event. We are joining *FAMILY TICKET IS FOR TWO ADULTS AND TWO CHILDREN
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oimuargseelsv. eCs.o Inf t rei-bmutaoilrinsg a prele raessep soennsdib olen lfyo hr ivgehr-irfeysinoglu tion to bring you a running day using both HPAALRFK-HWOAUYR 1L0Y. 0S0E-R12V.I0C0E ATON/DF 1R4O.M00 O-1X6F.O00R.D
APPROX HALF-HOURLY SERVICE TO
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rates in force at the time of publication. Documentation museum and visiting buses. Great SEE YOU THERE!
must accompany all contributions. Articles are also refreshments and a selection of sales
wnaetlucroem (eied 5, b0u0t w woer dads voisre m toharet )w thheant ytoheu sceo anrtea cotf uas l ofi nrsgte r stands including ourselves will complete STATION 0YA1R9D9, 3M A8IN8 3R6OA1D7, L(MOUNSGE UHMA) N|B O0R1O2UG9H6, W3I3T7N6EY2, 2O X(FOOURT DOFS HHOIRUER SO)X29 8LA
to discuss your ideas. Neither the Editor nor Presbus www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk
the perfect day. Once again — see you
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ISSN 1462 1886 Unit 4, College Road Business Park, College Road North, Aston Clinton, HP22 5EZ Offer ends 10.12.18 – only open to new subscribers in the UK

E TODAY!
December 2018 5
S Last-built ‘Beverley Bar’ bus
U
L
RAT 872G, a 1969 Park Royal-bodied Company (NBC). EYMS again became The Fleetline is now owned by the
P

Daimler Fleetline now awaiting a private company in 1987 and its livery Ultimate Heritage Bus Company and joins
S
restoration, was the last bus built for East was changed slightly to that shown in the its fl eet of two preserved single-deckers,
W
E Yorkshire Motor Services (EYMS) with righthand picture. a 1955 Leyland Tiger Cub and 1970
N a specially-shaped roof to enable safe No 872 was withdrawn around 1991 AEC Reliance. It is planned to partially
passage through Beverley’s North Bar. It and is currently in as-withdrawn condition, fund the Fleetline’s restoration through
has recently surfaced after more than 25 although the exterior and driver’s cab a crowdfunding appeal offering some
years in storage. area have suffered some damage while exciting rewards. Please visit the Ultimate
The bus was originally painted in in storage. The bus is otherwise in Heritage Bus Company’s Facebook page
EYMS indigo and primrose livery and remarkable condition and an extensive for work updates and information about the
operated in the Hull and Withernsea restoration is planned for the coming launch and crowdfunding appeal rewards.
areas; it was later painted poppy red months before hand-painting in the Pictures: MALCOLM KING
under the auspices of the National Bus traditional manner by Ashley Blackman. COLLECTION / MALCOLM DAVIES
RF213 in new hands Oxford Diecast
2018 Release 3
Modernised London Transport Green of long-term storage. The Group’s initial
Line coach RF213 (MLL 600), a 1951 plans are for the RF to be thoroughly
Metro-Cammell-bodied AEC Regal IV, checked over, repainted and prepared for Oxford Diecast has recently announced
was recently acquired by the newly-created a Class 5 MoT. its third release programme for this
year despite some of its second release
RF213 Group and has been brought out Picture: BOB WINGROVE
models not yet appearing on dealers’
shelves.
Among the new 4mm scale models
are a Thames Valley Bristol MW coach
(Ref: 76MW6005, RRP £18.75), a
Ribble NBC Plaxton Panorama coach
(76PAN009, £18.75), a County Donegal
Railway Saro single-deck bus (76SB004,
£18.75), and a Grey Cars Duple
Commander Mk II coach (76DC002,
£19.95).
New 2mm scale models include a
London Transport double-deck tram
(NTR008, £6.45) and a Browns Blue
RT Bus (NRT007, £6.95).
Thames Valley Bristol MW (76MW6005).
6 www.presbuspublishing.com
Yeates Rivera free Rebuilt VAL returns S
U
to a good home L
RPR 738K, a 1972 Plaxton Panorama Coachways of Attleborough in 1977
P
Elite II-bodied Bedford VAL last used by before acquisition by the Castle Cary
ECB 687, which is believed to be the last S
a majorettes’ band then left in a yard for Cygnets Majorettes circa-1983 via a dealer.
surviving Yeates Riviera-bodied Bedford W
20 years, has taken to the road again after It was later sold to Smith Coaches of Pylle E
SBG, is offered free to someone with
the skills to restore it. The coach was a 11-month rebuild by Steve Lester of in the mid-1990s, remaining unused until N
new to Ribblesdale of Blackburn in Shepton Mallet. acquired by Steve last November.
March 1954, later passing to Towler of The coach was new to Rendell of Picture: STEVE LESTER
Emneth. Parkstone in 1972, passing to Norfolk
It ended its days as toilet facilities on
Epworth Showground and was saved
from scrapping by William Staniforth in
2001.
Serious interested parties should
contact William on 07941 615333 or
e-mail: [email protected].
Picture: JOHN WAKEFIELD
COLLECTION
Unusual Tube replacements
Recent strikes on the London SMA8 and GLS490 were both in use and ‘Watch out for further surprises in 2019
Underground saw buses from the London carried good loads and, for the first time, as more buses emerge from our works.’
Vintage Bus fleet in service. a heritage bus was scheduled for Night Also in London, the Woolwich Free
A Piccadilly Line shutdown saw RTs Bus operations; XF1 running through the Ferry closed for a three-month period
and RMs as route 29 extras, with Leyland small hours on the N8 between Holborn from 5 October to enable major pier repair
Titan T1also making an appearance, while and Stratford. works and the current fleet’s replacement.
Park Royal-bodied Daimler Fleetline XF1 Said a London Vintage Bus spokesman: The previous night saw RTL1076 and
assisted operation of routes 271 and 91. ‘We are well-used to running something GLS490 ferried across the Thames as the
Subsequent Central Line industrial different, hence a few years back we ran last buses to be carried by the old boats –
action brought further heritage vehicles RFs on route 108 through the Blackwall which bus will be first on the new?
onto East London routes 257 and 167. Tunnel; we believed this was also a first. Picture: KEITH VALLA
December 2018 7
S Back to the Isle of Wight
The decade that
U
L
P GDL 137, a 1949 Duple Vista-bodied and hopes to restore GDL 137 to running taste forgot

Bedford OB new to Seaview Services, order.
S
is due to return to the Island after an GDL 137 remained with Seaview
W The Museum of Transport Greater
E absence of 53 years, 39 of which were Services until its July 1965 sale to D Evans
Manchester has published a new book
N spent dismantled in a Henley on Thames of High Wycombe. It passed through Buses of Greater Manchester in the 1970s
garden after a stalled restoration. The three other independent operators before to coincide with its 1970s event over the
OB was purchased in September 2018 its sale for preservation in July 1972, weekend of 20/21 October.
by Edward Day, a dental technician from Edward Day is now its fourth such owner. Written by Stephen Morris, a
transport author and former editor
Ryde, Isle of Wight, who also owns CDL
GDL137 on Madeira Drive, Brighton, in
of Buses magazine who grew up in
792, a former Shotters Bedford WTB, May 1971. JOHN WAKEFIELD COLLECTION
Manchester through the 1960s and
1970s, it sets the orange buses against
the social and political turmoil of that
troubled decade, when unemployment
soared, inflation ran out of control and
strikes led to the Three-Day Week and
Winter of Discontent.
The A5 56-page book is largely
illustrated in colour using images
from the Museum’s own archive and
other sources to provide a colourful
reminder of times when integration
and centralised control were seen as
the answer to the region’s transport
challenges.
Buses of Greater Manchester in the 1970s
is available from the MoTGM Shop for £6
(plus postage & packaging).
www.motgmshop.co.uk
Burlingham Seagull moves on
OAE 949, a 1951 Burlingham Seagull- yard at Donisthorpe for many years.
bodied AEC Regal IV new to Westbury Macpherson’s was taken over by Roberts
of Bristol and later re-registered LAX 333, Travel Group of Hugglescote this
was acquired by Sharpes of Nottingham February, but the AEC remained in
in September 2018 for preservation after MacPherson’s ownership.
languishing in the open in Macpherson’s Picture: RUSSELL SHARPE
8 www.presbuspublishing.com
SB3 seeks new home
Retiring after 53 years S
U
L
John Seale, Optare Senior Engineer – 519 SLG, a 1961 Plaxton Embassy-bodied Embassy-bodied SB.
P
Sales and Marketing, technical author
Bedford SB3 new to Thornley of Woodley, Stephen invites offers in the region
and museum founder, retired after 53 S
is offered for sale by Stephen Cook of of £12,000 for further preservation;
years in the industry. His career started W
in 1965 as an Apprentice Draughtsman Ventnor, Isle of Wight, who has owned it prospective purchasers can contact him on E
with Metro-Cammell, later Metro- in preservation for 15 years. It is believed 07850 088040. N
Cammell Weymann, where he was a to be the only restored and roadworthy Picture: DAVID JUKES
member of the Metrobus and Metrocab
taxi design teams.
John moved to Doncaster-based C G
Whittaker (Europa Coaches) in 1988 to
pursue an ambition to design his own bus
and coach bodywork before becoming
Engineering Design Manager at Autobus
Classique, which was later acquired by
Optare. A career change took John to
Bessacarr Caravans, but he went on to
design the Mercedes 817L-based Vision
coach for SC Coachcraft in 1997.
John moved to Marshall Bus in
Cambridge, leaving in 2002 to join
Turkish bus and truck manufacturer
BMC where he was responsible for
the 1100FE Schoolbus and the Condor
service bus, the latter re-engineered
for the UK market. This was followed
by periods at Autocruise Motorhomes,
Optare and Goole-based ambulance and
minibus manufacturer Oughtred and
Harrison until John was invited back to
Optare in 2011.
He also contributed to bus
preservation in 1973 when John and
others established the organisation that
Devon General minibus in new role
today is the Transport Museum Wythall.
It became a registered charity in 1978
and John served as one of the original
M250 UTM, a 1995 Marshall SPV September as a wine bar for local company
Trustees for over ten years before his
B21D-bodied Mercedes 709D new to Thirsty. It was acquired circa-2017 from
move to Yorkshire. His Metro-Cammell
Weymann drawing board is now an Devon General as its No 1058 and later The Brew Brothers of Bournemouth, which
exhibit at the museum. Stagecoach Devon 468, was seen in had earlier converted it into a mobile bar.
John was the technical author of the St Giles Churchyard, Cambridge, this Picture: RICHARD HAUGHEY
two-volume work Midland Red a History
of the Company and its Vehicles which
drew from the company’s own historical
sources and engineering drawings.
Robert Drewery, Optare’s
Commercial Director said: ‘I have been
honoured to work closely with John
and draw on his wealth of industry
experience over the last three years, he
has been an invaluable member of the
Optare Team. We all wish him well in
his retirement which will no doubt still
feature his passion for all things bus.’
Picture: OPTARE GROUP LTD
December 2018 9
A4 Press Ad 0263_- 30/08/2018 21:53 Page 1
S Police Bedford seeks custodian
Eastern Counties
U
L
WCE 95T, a 1979 Plaxton Supreme extensive welding underneath, possibly a FLF sold to Germany
P

IV-bodied Bedford YMT new to new compressor, new air tanks and several
S
Cambridgeshire Police and used for driver other major items; perhaps not the project JPW 459D, a 1966 Eastern Coach
W
E training and officer movements to crime for the faint-hearted or those without deep Works-bodied Bristol Lodekka FLF6G
N and incident locations, is available for sale pockets. new to Eastern Counties as its FLF459,
has recently been sold to a German
at Bathgate (West Lothian) bus recovery Interested parties can contact Richard
owner, Benny Wachtel of Hoykenkamp.
operator and dealer Richard Madden. via e-mail at: [email protected].
He is understood to be considering his
The coach has several issues, needing Picture: DAVID OAKLEY options for the bus, possibly as a ‘food
truck’, providing trips to SV Werder
Bremen games or sightseeing tours.
The bus at 4.12 metres height is
currently too tall to be driven on
German roads without a special permit;
1994 Badgerline Bus Handbook 2008 Arriva Bus Handbook FBH Special Appliances – Volume 1
German citizens are not allowed to drive 1994 Stagecoach Bus Handbook 2008 First Bus Handbook FBH Special Appliances – Volume 2
a bus higher than 4 metres. 1995 Stagecoach Bus Handbook 2008 Stagecoach Bus Handbook London Bus Handbook – 5th Edition
FLF459 remained with Eastern 1996 FirstBus Bus Handbook 2008-09 Go-Ahead Bus Handbook London Bus Handbook – 6th Edition
1996 Stagecoach Bus Handbook 2009 First Bus Handbook London Bus Handbook – 7th Edition
Counties until sold for preservation in
1997 FirstBus Bus Handbook 2009 London Bus Handbook London Bus Handbook – 8th Edition
1984, although passed to Cambus for 1997 Stagecoach Bus Handbook 2009 Stagecoach Bus Handbook Mailvan Handbook
further service in the late-1980s. It was 1998 Cowie Bus Handbook 2009–10 Arriva Bus handbook Malta Bus Handbook – 1st Edition
transferred to Viscount Bus & Coach 1998 FirstBus Bus Handbook 2009–10 Go-Ahead Bus Handbook Malta Bus Handbook – 2nd Edition
1998 Stagecoach Bus Handbook 2010 First Bus Handbook National Express – 3rd Edition
Ltd in September 1989 and received
1999 Arriva Bus Handbook 2010–11 Go-Ahead Bus Handbook National Express – 4th Edition
Peterborough Electric Traction livery
1999 FirstGroup Bus Handbook 2010 Stagecoach Bus Handbook National Express – 5th Edition
but was sold out of service just two 1999 Stagecoach Bus Handbook 2011 Arriva Bus handbook National Express – 6th Edition
months later. 2000 Arriva Bus Handbook 2011 First Bus Handbook National Express – 7th Edition
An initial period as a hired London 2000 FirstGroup Bus Handbook 2011 Stagecoach Bus Handbook National Express – 8th Edition
2000 Stagecoach Bus Handbook 2011–12 Go-Ahead Bus Handbook National Express – 9th Edition
United driver trainer was followed by
2001 Arriva Bus Handbook 2012 First Bus Handbook National Express – 10th Edition
export to France in September 1991, 2001 FirstGroup Bus Handbook 2012 Stagecoach Bus Handbook
the bus passing through several French 2001 Stagecoach Bus Handbook 2012-13 Go-Ahead Bus Handbook
owners until its most recent sale earlier 2002 Arriva Bus Handbook 2013 Arriva Bus handbook
2002 FirstGroup Bus Handbook 2013 First Bus Handbook
this year.
2002 Stagecoach Bus Handbook 2013 Stagecoach Bus Handbook
2003 Arriva Bus Handbook 2013–14 Go-Ahead Bus Handbook
2003 FirstGroup Bus Handbook 2014 Arriva Bus handbook
2003 Stagecoach Bus Handbook 2014 First Bus Handbook
Sussex Village Cards 2004 Arriva Bus Handbook 2014 Stagecoach Bus Handbook
2004 FirstGroup Bus Handbook 2014–15 Go-Ahead Bus Handbook
2004 Go-Ahead Bus Handbook 2015 Arriva Bus handbook
A new Christmas card by Sussex former was the last service vehicle to enter 2004 London Bus Handbook 2015 First Bus Handbook
2004 Stagecoach Bus Handbook 2015–16 Go-Ahead Bus Handbook
artist Matthew Cousins GRA features the depot in May 1980 before its closure.
2005 Arriva Bus Handbook 2016 Arriva Bus handbook
Southdown Leyland National 34 (PCD Cards and mounts can be purchased 2005 First Bus Handbook 2016–17 Go-Ahead
2005 Go-Ahead Bus Handbook Bus Review 2013
80R) and Bristol RESL 486 (TCD 486J) from www.gardenmead.com for £1.50
2005 Stagecoach Bus Handbook English Majors: Smaller groups 1st Edition
on the slope at Crowborough Depot – the (cards) or £10 (mounted prints). 2006–07 Arriva Bus Handbook English Majors: Smaller groups 2nd Edition
2006 First Bus Handbook English Majors: Smaller groups 3rd Edition
2006 Go-Ahead Bus Handbook English Majors: Coaches 1st Edition
2006 London Bus Handbook English Majors: Coaches 2nd Edition
FLF459 after delivery to Germany in
2006 Stagecoach Bus Handbook English Majors: Coaches 3rd Edition
June 2018 with Frank Sirach (owner
2007 First Bus Handbook English Majors: Notable Independents 1st Edition
from 2004 to circa-2011) and current
2007 Stagecoach Bus Handbook English Majors: Notable Independents 2nd Edition
owner Benny Wachtel (right). 2007-08 Go-Ahead Bus Handbook English Majors: Notable Independents 3rd Edition
ALEXANDRA WOLFF
Acknowledgements
Particular thanks to Malcolm Davies, Paul
Llewellyn, The Museum of Transport
Greater Manchester, Optare Group Ltd,
Oxford Diecast, John Wakefield and Bob
Wingrove for their contributions to this
month’s news pages.
Have you any preservation news?
Please send it to Nigel Appleford
([email protected])
and the B&CP editorial office
01952 255669
([email protected]).
Postal addresses are shown on page 5.
10 www.presbuspublishing.com