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 Subscription Service: order in today! Webscribe Ltd 01442 820580 [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 College Road North, Aston Clinton, HP22 5EZ. limited time get six issues for £20 — a 2019 Binders and back issues are available from Webscribe using the B&CP subscriptions address given above. super saving of £7.60! UK only I’m afraid (6843 and on this offer direct debits are not Printed by: “ ” Precision Colour Printing Ltd possible, but this is a super opportunity TUESDAY 1st JANUARY “ ” Haldane, Halesfi eld 1, Telford, Shropshire. TF7 4QQ. and well worth considering perhaps as a THIS YEAR WE ARE AGAIN TEAMING 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 unless they have been specifi cally commissioned by forces with the Oxford Bus Museum MUSEURMUN BNUINSEGS F ARNODM V 1IS0I.T0I0N-G16 V.0E0HICLES 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 copyright. Items accepted will be paid for at our standard NEARBY TOWNS/VILLAGES. 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 Publishing can be held responsible for any loss/damage however caused. there! Please send your contributions to: Bus & Coach Preservation, Unit 12, Redland Close, Alderman’s Green Industrial Estate, Coventry CV2 2NP. Limited Offer E-mail: [email protected] subscriptions receive Opinions and views expressed in this magazine are Standard £39.99, Deluxe £49.99 not necessarily those of the Editor nor of Presbus 6 issues Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the bona fi des of any of our for £20 advertisers. Readers are strongly recommended to take their own precautions before parting with any information or item of value, including, but not limited to money, only manuscripts, photographs or personal information in response to any advertisement within this publication. when you subscribe for 6 months Bus & Coach Preservation is published on the fi rst Thursday of the month preceding the cover date. All rights today! Six roers terravnesdm. iNttoe dp ainr tasn oy ff othrims mbya gaanzyi nme emanays , beele pcrtoroduncice od r 12 month issues mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any stou bBs&cCriPp taioren s for £20 ipnefromrmisastioionn i ns tworraitgien ga nfrdo mre ttrhiee vcaol psyyrsitgehmt ,o wwintheor.u Mt purltiioprle aPllseoa saev aciolnatbalect. Limited time copying of the contents of the magazine without prior us for further offer! details. written approval is not permitted. © 2018 Presbus Publishing Unit 12, Redland Close, Alderman’s Green Industrial Estate, Coventry CV2 2NP E-mail: [email protected] tel: 01442 820580 | e-mail [email protected] 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