01442 820580

NEWS PLUS6

The latest news from the world of bus preservation and beyond.

KENTISH BELLE14

ASHLEY BLACKMAN meets James White and his East Kent Daimler Fleetline. He discovers why James is an EK enthusiast . . .

RETURN JOURNEY: East Kent18

We take a trip back in time way down in the deep South-East.

ON THE ROAD20

DAVID JUKES presents another selection of active older vehicles from
the United States and the United Kingdom.

SIXTY NOT OUT26

Glyn Bowen shares 60 years of memories and previously unpublished
photos with NICK LARKIN.

COACHING CLASSICS: The Bedford VAS30

The Bedford VAS was introduced in 1962. Here are some of the
bodywork variations that appeared over the years.

AMBERLEY AUTUMN 201934

This year’s Amberley Autumn Bus Show was held on 22 September.
DAVID JUKES pictures some of the vehicles present during the day.

NIGHTFALL IN MANCHESTER38

The weekend of 6/7 December saw the annual Christmas Cracker event
at the Manchester Museum of Transport. Two of the buses maintaining
the service to the city centre were Leylands, Ashton 44 (PTE 944C) and Greater Manchester 5871 (KJA 871F).

RTs AND RFs AT THE RAILWAY40

NIGEL APPLEFORD attended the Epping Ongar Railway RT/RF
Celebration Day on Sunday 8 September 2019.

ACCIDENT PRONE42

Birmingham City Transport Guy Arab 3009 (MOF 9) looks splendid
now but, as SIMON GILL explains, it may not have survived having had its
fair share of accidents over the years.

MEALS ON WHEELS46

London Transport endeavoured to provide refreshment facilities for its crews, acquiring 13 mobile canteen trailers between 1947 and 1949.
One of these has recently been restored at the London Bus Museum, as DAVID JUKES reports.

AFTER THEY WERE FAMOUS52

Not all of this month’s offerings are strictly ‘After Famous’ candidates,
but are nevertheless ideal to illustrate the variety of vehicles to be found
in an operator’s service fleet.

TROLLEY TIMES: Chomutov’s Škoda 15Trs54

PHILIP LAMB relates the relationship between a Czech city, its
neighbouring town and the Škoda 15Tr trolleybus.

THE MODEL PAGE56

The year 2019 marked 40 years since the first production MCW
Metrobus joined West Midlands PTE, so this is opportune moment to
look at Corgi’s long-running models of this popular bus.

OFF ROUTE60

Why did London Transport park four buses in Merthyr Tydfil Bus Station
in 1933? Over to NICK LARKIN.

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any bus-related item.

NEWS PLUS 6

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BACK ON TRACK 12

A former guided busway MCW Metrobus has been restored to original condition. PHILIP LAMB reports.

RETURN JOURNEY: West Midlands and the
MCW Metrobus Mkii 16

A pictorial tribute to the West Midlands MCW Metrobus MkII.

ON THE ROAD 18

Chichester, Grantham and Havenstreet welcomed a selection of active preserved buses as this summer drew to a sunny close. DAVID JUKES presents.

THE WHITE QUEEN 22

A Southdown ‘Queen Mary’ Northern Counties-bodied Leyland PD3/4
has turned white for a new career. NICK LARKIN reports.

SUNBEAM CONQUERED! 26

Hastings Tramways 34 (BDY 809), a 1947 Weymann-bodied Sunbeam W trolleybus, has made its operational debut at the East Anglia Transport Museum. DAVID JUKES reports.

TROLLEY TIMES: Innsbruck 32

PHILIP LAMB takes a brief look at Innsbruck’s trolleybuses

SHOWBUS 2019 34

SIMON GILL brings us a selection of the entries that took part.

AN ARAB AT HOME 36

NIGEL APPLEFORD reports on the restoration of Southampton
Park Royal-bodied Guy Arab III No 222.

RETURN JOURNEY: Southampton 42

We look back at Southampton’s buses of the past.

SHADES OF MIDLAND RED 46

SIMON GILL reports on Stagecoach Midland Red 202 (M202 LHP),
an Alexander PS-bodied Volvo B10M that returned to original condition
this year.

NO STANDING PLEASE! 50

Following on from his comprehensive round-up of seat moquette
designs last month. ASHLEY BLACKMAN takes a look at putting your moquette to good use.

AFTER THEY WERE FAMOUS: L-plate lovelies 54

Some unusual training vehicles from our archives.

THE MODEL PAGE 56

NIGEL APPLEFORD scrutinises Original Omnibus Company (Corgi)’s
AEC Q double-decker bus.

OFF ROUTE 60

A super recreation of United history and some ‘Off Route’ finds in the
Sussex County town. Over to NICK LARKIN.

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BACK ON TRACK12

A former guided busway MCW Metrobus has been restored to original condition. PHILIP LAMB reports.

RETURN JOURNEY: West Midlands and the
MCW Metrobus Mkii 16

A pictorial tribute to the West Midlands MCW Metrobus MkII.

ON THE ROAD18

Chichester, Grantham and Havenstreet welcomed a selection of active preserved buses as this summer drew to a sunny close. DAVID JUKES presents.

THE WHITE QUEEN22

A Southdown ‘Queen Mary’ Northern Counties-bodied Leyland PD3/4
has turned white for a new career. NICK LARKIN reports.

SUNBEAM CONQUERED!26

Hastings Tramways 34 (BDY 809), a 1947 Weymann-bodied Sunbeam W trolleybus, has made its operational debut at the East Anglia Transport Museum. DAVID JUKES reports.

TROLLEY TIMES: Innsbruck32

PHILIP LAMB takes a brief look at Innsbruck’s trolleybuses

SHOWBUS 201934

SIMON GILL brings us a selection of the entries that took part.

AN ARAB AT HOME36

NIGEL APPLEFORD reports on the restoration of Southampton
Park Royal-bodied Guy Arab III No 222.

RETURN JOURNEY: Southampton42

We look back at Southampton’s buses of the past.

SHADES OF MIDLAND RED46

SIMON GILL reports on Stagecoach Midland Red 202 (M202 LHP),
an Alexander PS-bodied Volvo B10M that returned to original condition
this year.

NO STANDING PLEASE!50

Following on from his comprehensive round-up of seat moquette
designs last month. ASHLEY BLACKMAN takes a look at putting your moquette to good use.

AFTER THEY WERE FAMOUS: L-plate lovelies54

Some unusual training vehicles from our archives.

THE MODEL PAGE56

NIGEL APPLEFORD scrutinises Original Omnibus Company (Corgi)’s
AEC Q double-decker bus.

OFF ROUTE60

A super recreation of United history and some ‘Off Route’ finds in the
Sussex County town. Over to NICK LARKIN.

BUSMART65/I

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any bus-related item.

NEWS PLUS6

The latest news from the world of bus preservation and beyond.

WESTERN WELSH LEOPARD ROARS AGAIN12

Cardiff Transport Preservation Group member STEPHEN WREN tells
the story of a Western Welsh 1971 Leyland Leopard converted into a tow bus which has now been restored to its former glory.

WESTERN WELSH AT 9016

It was a bumper weekend out in the South Wales Valleys over the weekend of Saturday/Sunday 7/8 September when enthusiasts made the journey to celebrate ‘Western Welsh 90’. PHILIP LAMB and STEPHEN Wren report.

RETURN JOURNEY: Western Welsh20

Primarily a Leyland user, Western Welsh also indulged in small batches
of AECs. Seen here are some of the buses in use in the 1960s, Cardiff bus station not surprisingly featuring heavily in the views.

ON THE ROAD24

DAVID JUKES presents this month’s collection of older buses out and
about on Britain’s roads.

SOUTH EAST ACTIVITY28

Following last month’s visit to South East Coachworks to catch up on Chatham & District Bristol K5G, GKE 68, NICK LARKIN finds out more about the many and varied activities of the firm carrying out the work.

ELECTROLINE REJUVENATION32

The experimental Dennis Dominator trolleybus built for the South
Yorkshire PTE in 1985 is currently receiving electronic and electrical
attention at The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft as DAVID JUKES reports.

CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF WEST MIDLANDS PTE!36

We preview the event at the Transport Museum, Wythall on Sunday
6 October celebrating the 50th anniversary of the creation of West
Midlands PTE.

BUSES FESTIVAL 201942

Sunday 18 August 2019 saw the sixth BUSES Festival take place at the
British Motor Museum at Gaydon, Warwickshire. SIMON GILL brings us
a selection of some of the heritage buses and coaches that attended.

A FELIX EUROPA44

SIMON GILL reports on the restoration of a Yeates-bodied Bedford SB1 from the smart fleet of Felix Bus Services of Stanley, Derbyshire.

AFTER THEY WERE FAMOUS: Showing off48

Once a common sight, buses were often converted into exhibition units promoting all manner of businesses from bus companies to transport museums, not to forget local authority facilities.

ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY?50

ASHLEY BLACKMAN takes us through an all-you-need-to-know guide
to seat moquette.

COACHING CLASSICS: Paramount De-regulation54

We look at a selection of early Plaxton Paramounts wearing de-regulation liveries.NEWS PLUS6

The latest news from the world of bus preservation and beyond.

WESTERN WELSH LEOPARD ROARS AGAIN12

Cardiff Transport Preservation Group member STEPHEN WREN tells
the story of a Western Welsh 1971 Leyland Leopard converted into a tow bus which has now been restored to its former glory.

WESTERN WELSH AT 9016

It was a bumper weekend out in the South Wales Valleys over the weekend of Saturday/Sunday 7/8 September when enthusiasts made the journey to celebrate ‘Western Welsh 90’. PHILIP LAMB and STEPHEN Wren report.

RETURN JOURNEY: Western Welsh20

Primarily a Leyland user, Western Welsh also indulged in small batches
of AECs. Seen here are some of the buses in use in the 1960s, Cardiff bus station not surprisingly featuring heavily in the views.

ON THE ROAD24

DAVID JUKES presents this month’s collection of older buses out and
about on Britain’s roads.

SOUTH EAST ACTIVITY28

Following last month’s visit to South East Coachworks to catch up on Chatham & District Bristol K5G, GKE 68, NICK LARKIN finds out more about the many and varied activities of the firm carrying out the work.

ELECTROLINE REJUVENATION32

The experimental Dennis Dominator trolleybus built for the South
Yorkshire PTE in 1985 is currently receiving electronic and electrical
attention at The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft as DAVID JUKES reports.

CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF WEST MIDLANDS PTE!36

We preview the event at the Transport Museum, Wythall on Sunday
6 October celebrating the 50th anniversary of the creation of West
Midlands PTE.

BUSES FESTIVAL 201942

Sunday 18 August 2019 saw the sixth BUSES Festival take place at the
British Motor Museum at Gaydon, Warwickshire. SIMON GILL brings us
a selection of some of the heritage buses and coaches that attended.

A FELIX EUROPA44

SIMON GILL reports on the restoration of a Yeates-bodied Bedford SB1 from the smart fleet of Felix Bus Services of Stanley, Derbyshire.

AFTER THEY WERE FAMOUS: Showing off48

Once a common sight, buses were often converted into exhibition units promoting all manner of businesses from bus companies to transport museums, not to forget local authority facilities.

ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY?50

ASHLEY BLACKMAN takes us through an all-you-need-to-know guide
to seat moquette.

COACHING CLASSICS: Paramount De-regulation54

We look at a selection of early Plaxton Paramounts wearing de-regulation liveries.

THE MODEL PAGE56

This month we will look at models of Merseyside PTE’s predecessors — Birkenhead, Liverpool, St Helens, Southport and Wallasey.

OFF ROUTE60

Could an innocent looking 50-year-old Bury Corporation commemorative brochure contain thinly veiled hatred? NICK LARKIN reports.

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ALEXANDER’S BEDFORD12

Not well known on the rally scene is this immaculate Duple Viscount-
bodied Bedford VAM14. PHILIP LAMB reports.

COACHING CLASSICS: Hendon v Blackpool15

Following Duple’s acquisition of Burlingham in 1960, output from the Blackpool factory became branded Duple (Northern). We compare
designs

ON THE ROAD18

DAVID JUKES presents a bumper collection of older buses in the Irish Republic, the USA and on home soil.

GKE 68 AT 8024

Now celebrating 80 years since the bus entered service, restoration of
GKE 68, a 1939 Chatham & District Bristol K5G, is well on the way to completion. NICK LARKIN reports.

THE COASTAL SERVICE28

The Southern Vectis Omnibus Co’s coastal service from Ryde to Alum
Bay first ran on 12 July 1934. Eighty-five years to the day, the Isle of Wight
Bus & Coach Museum recreated the route. JUKES reports.

DEVON GENERAL CENTENARY32

The Devon General Centenary event featured free bus services from
the racecourse to Chudleigh, Bovey Tracey, Ipplepen and Teignmouth together with a link to the Railway Station. STEPHEN WREN reports.

THE EASTERN TRANSPORT SOCIETY AT 5036

The Eastern Transport Collection Society celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special event at the East Anglia Transport Museum on 6/7 July.

SANDTOFT GATHERING 201940

A good turnout of visitors — enthusiast and non-enthusiast alike —
were present for Sunday’s main event as the weather finally remained dry. DAVID JUKES recorded the event.

TROLLEY TIMES: Bradford42

Bradford lasted the longest of all the UK’s trolleybus systems being the
last to close on 26 March 1972.

AN ADVERTISING GEM45

Not many preserved single-deckers feature six adverts but, as
SIMON GILL discovers, these are proving a major attraction on former Western National Bristol SUL No 692 (EDV 555D).

RETURN JOURNEY: Western National50

Western National, serving parts of the West Country, one of our most popular holiday areas, came to the attention of enthusiasts from far and
wide. Here we bring you a small selection of the vehicles that they might
have seen.

THE MODEL PAGE52

NIGEL APPLEFORD discusses the Original Omnibus Company’s
AEC ‘Q’ single-deck bus

OFF ROUTE56

Frank Sinatra turned down the chance of having his name plastered on
a withdrawn from service Bolton bus, and there’s something strange from Austria. NICK LARKIN reports.

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NEWS PLUS 6

The latest news from the world of bus preservation and beyond.

TWO RETURNS TO WARRINGTON 10

Two unusual buses return to the streets of Warrington.

RETURN JOURNEY: Warrington 17

Warrington continues to operate today having expanded and contracted
and looks set to continue as an example of ‘arm’s-length’ municipal pride.
We look back.

TROLLEY TIMES: ÚstÍ nad Labem 20

In 1999, a major international bus rally was held in the northern Czech
town of Usti nad Labem. The trolleys have now gone, their legacy lingering
on in the many modern systems of both Eastern and Western Europe.

ON THE ROAD 22

We take a look at several recent running days and some of our older
buses still earning their keep. DAVID JUKES reports.

PRIVATE HIRE RF REVIVED 26

Former London Transport RF19 (LUC 219), a 1951 Metro-Cammell-bodied AEC Regal IV, is the latest restoration to emerge from the London Bus Museum’s workshop, as DAVID JUKES reports.

LONDON TO NOTTINGHAM 30

A Nottingham operator celebrating its tenth anniversary now runs the
largest and most diverse range of former London Transport vehicles
outside the capital. NICK LARKIN reports.

TAVISTOCK RUNNING DAY 35

The Tavistock Mini-Running Day, held on Sunday 14 July, was one of
several events held in the West of England, organised by the Thames Valley
& Great Western Omnibus Trust. Pictures by RICHARD STUBBINGS.

LLANGOLLEN RALLY 37

This event, held over the weekend of 6/7 July, but not previously visited by
us, proved to be very enjoyable day out. PHILIP LAMB reports.

FEATHERWEIGHT REGENT 40

To celebrate the Devon General Centenary, ASHLEY BLACKMAN
focuses on DR705 (ETT 995), an AEC ‘Light Six’, in this latest article in
the survivor series.

COACHING CLASSICS: Grey Cars 44

During the period of our principal recollections, Devon General’s coaching
arm has operated under the Grey Cars banner.

A ‘TOP’ RESTORATION 46

Transport Leyland Atlantean No 287 (SWB 287L) has been restored to its original closed-top condition.SIMON GILL explains what was entailed.

AFTER they were FAMOUS: Half-cab assortment50

Roles for non-PSVs continue to diminish, and they are getting harder to
track down. These views, captured in the 1970s and 1980s, were a little
easier to find. Pictures: PRESBUS ARCHIVE

THE MODEL PAGE52

Before the PTEs. NIGEL APPLEFORD examines models from the Walsall, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton and Coventry fleets.

OFF ROUTE56

Salford memories, Stevenage on a postcard and some depot discussions
are among NICK LARKIN’s topics this month.

BUSMART61/I

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any bus-related item.

NEWS PLUS6

The latest news from the world of bus preservation and beyond.

A TOUCH OF BLUE12

Former Wallasey Leyland Atlantean has been restored in Merseyside
PTE’s blue Wirral livery.

RETURN JOURNEY: Merseyside’s colours16

Following the formation of Merseyside PTE, the livery went through a number of changes both major and minor. Here are some examples . . .

ON THE ROAD18

DAVID JUKES presents this month’s round-up of older buses still working
in the UK and abroad.

RESTORATION ON A WORKING MAN’S BUDGET22

Two of the final Southern Vectis Bristol LHS deliveries are actively
preserved on the Isle of Wight. DAVID JUKES crosses The Solent to discover more about KDL 202 and 203W.

RETURN JOURNEY: Bristol LH26

Here we look only at LH models fitted with standard ECW bus bodywork. Others wait for another day!

B10B BLISS28

The Northern Counties Paladin Volvo B10Bs new to Trent had incredibly long service lives. Now, as NICK LARKIN reports, one has been superbly restored.

NORTH WEST VRT OPEN DAY32

One of the most popular events in the North-west, the annual NWVRT Open Day took place as usual on the first Sunday in June.

THIRD CHIPPENHAM BUS RALLY & RUNNING DAY34

This event, organised by the Bristol Road Transport Collection and the Bristol Omnibus Vehicle Collection, saw four routes operated from Chippenham bus station. NIGEL APPLEFORD reports.

BARRY36

Early June saw the Cardiff Transport Preservation Group’s annual Barry
rally on two sites — Its headquarters established in the former Western Welsh depot in Barry and the former holiday camp on Barry Island.

BROOKLANDS ON THE BUSES37

Rare vehicles in the London Bus Museum collection come out to play.

RIBBLE 10042

The Ribble Vehicle Preservation Trust celebrated the 100th anniversary
of what was Ribble Motor Services on 26 May 2019 with a Morecambe-based event.

TROLLEY TIMES: Portsmouth44

A look back at trolleybus days in Portsmouth.

TOW BUS SAVIOUR46

SIMON GILL reports on former Birmingham City Transport Leyland Tiger PS2 2257 (JOJ 257) as it makes a return to service in Somerset this summer.

COACHING CLASSICS: PMT50

Potteries or PMT was a respected coach operator within the BET group providing tours, excursions and private hire work. Here we look at some
of the vehicles used.

TURNOVER REGENT52

Regular readers will recall that your Editor wrote in April about a
Doncaster AEC Regent V that had left the road and landed on its side in
a field. With the help of KEITH PLATT and JIM SAMWAYS we bring you these rare views of the event!

THE MODEL PAGE54

OOC’s Plaxton Premiere COMES under NIGEL APPLEFORD’s spotlight.

OFF ROUTE58

The ultimate solution to the problems of collecting old buses is a bit of an e-effrontery reckons NICK LARKIN. And what is a racing car doing on a
bus museum wall?

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NEWS PLUS 6

The latest news from the world of bus preservation and beyond.

NEW COLOURS FOR D9 12

The Transport Museum, Wythall has three BMMO D9s. Midland Red
5399 (BHA 399C), which has been restored in traditional Midland Red
livery for some years, has recently been repainted poppy red.

ON THE ROAD 16

This month’s roundup of older buses and coaches is presented by
DAVID JUKES.

DEVONSHIRE CREAM 20

The Devon General Omnibus Trust was formed in 2013 to better secure
the future preservation of representative vehicles, as DAVID JUKES discovers.

RETURN JOURNEY: Devon General26

Known for its smart deep red and white-liveries vehicles, Devon General
was a favourite amongst enthusiasts, many of whom holidayed in the T
orbay area. We look back . . .

BURLINGHAM OB BEAUTY 28

Lodge Coaches waived its normal collection policy to add this now
beautifully restored Burlingham ‘Baby Seagull’-bodied Bedford OB to its heritage fleet. NICK LARKIN reports.

ON THE ROAD EXTRA 32

DAVID JUKES presents an extra helping of mature vehicles still doing
what they do best; this time focusing on some of spring’s running day events.

WINCHESTER’S RED-LETTER DAY 36

The Friends of King Alfred Buses’ running day on 6 May marked the
debut of ex-King Alfred Motor Services AEC Renown 596 LCG in
National Bus Company poppy red.

LLANDUDNO 2019 38

This year we feature vehicles ferrying the 1,000s of visitors between the Transport Festival rally site at Bodafon Fields and the town centre.

RETURN JOURNEY: Round the Orme41

A trip round the Orme. The North Wales Coast’s most prominent
landmark has seen a number of sometimes unique buses over the years.
We take a look at some of them.

BIRMINGHAM BUSES AT ALDRIDGE 44

The Aldridge Transport Museum held its well-attended Spring Running Day on 28 April which included a unique opportunity to see three former Birmingham Leyland Tiger PS2s.

QUORN & WOODHOUSE SPECTACULAR 45

The Quorn & Woodhouse Station-based Bus & Train Spectacular of
27 April was organised by the Leicester Transport Heritage Trust and the
Great Central Railway.

LOW-HEIGHT BEDFORD VAL 46

SIMON GILL examines former North Western 139 (AJA 139B), a
specially built low-height Strachans-bodied Bedford VAL14 which was
one of ten bought for a specific purpose.

WELCOME ABOARD — PART 1 50

In the latest instalment of his restoration series, ASHLEY BLACKMAN examines the restoration of bus and coach interiors.

THE MODEL PAGE 54

This month we take a look at models of Birmingham City Transport
prior to the formation of West Midlands PTE. Those of Coventry, Walsall, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton require another ‘Model Page’.

OFF ROUTE 58

An apparently reluctant groom clinging to an AEC Regent, and tales of Sweaty Betty. Over to NICK LARKIN.

BUSMART 61/I

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NEW COLOURS FOR D9 12

The Transport Museum, Wythall has three BMMO D9s. Midland Red
5399 (BHA 399C), which has been restored in traditional Midland Red
livery for some years, has recently been repainted poppy red.

ON THE ROAD 16

This month’s roundup of older buses and coaches is presented by
DAVID JUKES.

DEVONSHIRE CREAM 20

The Devon General Omnibus Trust was formed in 2013 to better secure
the future preservation of representative vehicles, as DAVID JUKES discovers.

RETURN JOURNEY: Devon General26

Known for its smart deep red and white-liveries vehicles, Devon General
was a favourite amongst enthusiasts, many of whom holidayed in the T
orbay area. We look back . . .

BURLINGHAM OB BEAUTY 28

Lodge Coaches waived its normal collection policy to add this now
beautifully restored Burlingham ‘Baby Seagull’-bodied Bedford OB to its heritage fleet. NICK LARKIN reports.

ON THE ROAD EXTRA 32

DAVID JUKES presents an extra helping of mature vehicles still doing
what they do best; this time focusing on some of spring’s running day events.

WINCHESTER’S RED-LETTER DAY 36

The Friends of King Alfred Buses’ running day on 6 May marked the
debut of ex-King Alfred Motor Services AEC Renown 596 LCG in
National Bus Company poppy red.

LLANDUDNO 2019 38

This year we feature vehicles ferrying the 1,000s of visitors between the Transport Festival rally site at Bodafon Fields and the town centre.

RETURN JOURNEY: Round the Orme41

A trip round the Orme. The North Wales Coast’s most prominent
landmark has seen a number of sometimes unique buses over the years.
We take a look at some of them.

BIRMINGHAM BUSES AT ALDRIDGE 44

The Aldridge Transport Museum held its well-attended Spring Running Day on 28 April which included a unique opportunity to see three former Birmingham Leyland Tiger PS2s.

QUORN & WOODHOUSE SPECTACULAR 45

The Quorn & Woodhouse Station-based Bus & Train Spectacular of
27 April was organised by the Leicester Transport Heritage Trust and the
Great Central Railway.

LOW-HEIGHT BEDFORD VAL 46

SIMON GILL examines former North Western 139 (AJA 139B), a
specially built low-height Strachans-bodied Bedford VAL14 which was
one of ten bought for a specific purpose.

WELCOME ABOARD — PART 1 50

In the latest instalment of his restoration series, ASHLEY BLACKMAN examines the restoration of bus and coach interiors.

THE MODEL PAGE 54

This month we take a look at models of Birmingham City Transport
prior to the formation of West Midlands PTE. Those of Coventry, Walsall, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton require another ‘Model Page’.

OFF ROUTE 58

An apparently reluctant groom clinging to an AEC Regent, and tales of Sweaty Betty. Over to NICK LARKIN.

BUSMART 61/I

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NEWS PLUS6

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BARKING MADNESS!12

Legions of London Transport RTs returned to Barking garage to celebrate
the 40th anniversary of the type’s last day in service in the capital.

RETURN JOURNEY: Trolley Times in Walsall16

The Walsall system was one of our medium-sized systems, with a total
of 6 routes, and a maximum fleet of 60 trolleybuses. We look back . . .

ON THE ROAD18

This month’s roundup of older buses and coaches is presented by
DAVID JUKES

BODY WORK22

Steve Waggitt of Cobus has now spent 50 years building, repairing and restoring bodywork on buses and coaches. NICK LARKIN catches up
with him.

A REGENCY KSW28

After three years toil, the restoration of former Cheltenham District 90 (UHY 374), a 1955 Eastern coach Works-bodied Bristol KSW6G, has recently been completed. SIMON GILL discovers what was involved.

AFTER THEY WERE FAMOUS: Last chance saloons32

We bring you a fine selection of saloon buses which had survived to
become ancillary vehicles in the fleets they once served . . .

COACHING CLASSICS: From LS to MW34

A round up of Bristol LS and early MW coaches.

SPRING GATHERING 201938

The London Bus Museum’s Spring Gathering on 7 April commemorated
80 years since the first RT entered service and 40 years since the
withdrawal of London Transport’s last RFs.

MISTY SCENES AT DETLING41

This year’s South East Bus Festival took place at a misty and damp Kent
Showground on 6 April. The weather may not have great but there was plenty to enjoy.

AN ONLY OMNI46

H389 KPY, the only remaining Class 6 PCV-licenced CVE Omni, is owned
and operated by Empress Coaches of Hastings. DAVID JUKES reports.

THE MODEL PAGE50

NIGEL APPLEFORD takes a look at available Glasgow/Strathclyde
PTE models.

OFF ROUTE54

Time travel can be confusing, a great way of explaining the joys of bus restoration to the public and definitely time to call a taxi. NICK LARKIN reports.

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