Some pics of a local rally here on the Wirral.
I , up until 2 years ago lived on the village shown here.
Used get this bus to school.

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/06122009023.jpg[/img]

The fare to school was 1.1/2d roughly 1/2 a new penny!

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/06122009024.jpg[/img]

The greenCrosville bus would take my sister and I  to Chester for 6d ( 2.1/2 new pennies) return. That would be our day out.

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/Picture032.jpg[/img]

The yellow one was a Wallasey bus that would take my sister and I to New Brighton for 2d (roughly 1 new pence) were there was two fair grounds.

Very nice too!! :-* :-* :-* :-*

My childhood always comes fooding back when I see those type of buses 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)

Had the privilege of working on one of that type of Buses when I was an apprentise  ;) although they do remind me of On the Buses ;D

Lizzie Zoom wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:18:

Very nice too!! :-* :-* :-* :-* My childhood always comes fooding back when I see those type of buses 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)

They're still state of the art in Malta now aye Lizzie  :y

I used to get the ferry to Birkenhead, and then the crosville to Chester zoo. Took ages but it was part of the day out. Feckin knackered on the way back though.

Darth Loo-knee wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:19:

Had the privilege of working on one of that type of Buses when I was an apprentise  ;) although they do remind me of On the Buses ;D

They were Router London buses( I think ) in "On the Buses" :-?

Elite Pete wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:21:

Lizzie Zoom wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:18: Very nice too!! :-* :-* :-* :-* My childhood always comes fooding back when I see those type of buses 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) They're still state of the art in Malta now aye Lizzie  :y

Ah, in Malta they were always single decker coaches, but of course just as old Pete! 8-) 8-) 8-)

No when I was small in this country the buses of London, Tunbridge Wells, then Dartmouth were I travelled with my parents were all of this era, if not older!! :D :D :-* :-*

splott wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:24:

Darth Loo-knee wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:19: Had the privilege of working on one of that type of Buses when I was an apprentise  ;) although they do remind me of On the Buses ;D They were Router London buses( I think ) in "On the Buses" :-?

Routemaster IIRC.

Darth Loo-knee wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:19:

Had the privilege of working on one of that type of Buses when I was an apprentise  ;) although they do remind me of On the Buses ;D

I still have every episode, including the B/W ones, and the three movies, brilliant.
A bit of useless info, the actress who played the mother, Doris Hare, (not Ceclily Courtlidge, who only played 'mam in the 1st series) went to school with my grandmother, St Gwladys School Bargoed.

wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:25:

splott wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:24: Darth Loo-knee wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:19: Had the privilege of working on one of that type of Buses when I was an apprentise  ;) although they do remind me of On the Buses ;D They were Router London buses( I think ) in "On the Buses" :-? Routemaster IIRC.

Well they look the same but just red ;D

wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:32:

Darth Loo-knee wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:19: Had the privilege of working on one of that type of Buses when I was an apprentise  ;) although they do remind me of On the Buses ;D I still have every episode, including the B/W ones, and the three movies, brilliant. A bit of useless info, the actress who played the mother, Doris Hare, (not Ceclily Courtlidge, who only played 'mam in the 1st series) went to school with my grandmother, St Gwladys School Bargoed.

Great stuff Di, I will sleep better now ;D :-*

Darth Loo-knee wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:33:

wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:32: Darth Loo-knee wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:19: Had the privilege of working on one of that type of Buses when I was an apprentise  ;) although they do remind me of On the Buses ;D I still have every episode, including the B/W ones, and the three movies, brilliant. A bit of useless info, the actress who played the mother, Doris Hare, (not Ceclily Courtlidge, who only played 'mam in the 1st series) went to school with my grandmother, St Gwladys School Bargoed. Great stuff Di, I will sleep better now ;D :-*

I did say was useless info ;D ;D ;D ;D

wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:36:

Darth Loo-knee wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:33: wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:32: Darth Loo-knee wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:19: Had the privilege of working on one of that type of Buses when I was an apprentise  ;) although they do remind me of On the Buses ;D I still have every episode, including the B/W ones, and the three movies, brilliant. A bit of useless info, the actress who played the mother, Doris Hare, (not Ceclily Courtlidge, who only played 'mam in the 1st series) went to school with my grandmother, St Gwladys School Bargoed. Great stuff Di, I will sleep better now ;D :-* I did say I was useless info that I needed to get off my chest  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Well if you need any help getting anymore off your chest just say the word ::) :-*

There arent any pictures of my old school bus - we burnt it. ;D ;D ;D
Oh those far off innocent schooldays in Belfast. :)

wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:23:

I used to get the ferry to Birkenhead, and then the crosville to Chester zoo. Took ages but it was part of the day out. Feckin knackered on the way back though.

I asume you lived Liverpool way ,then?

splott wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 21:45:

wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:23: I used to get the ferry to Birkenhead, and then the crosville to Chester zoo. Took ages but it was part of the day out. Feckin knackered on the way back though. I asume you lived Liverpool way ,then?

Born and bred. :y

wrote on 13. Mar 2010 at 10:15:

splott wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 21:45: wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:23: I used to get the ferry to Birkenhead, and then the crosville to Chester zoo. Took ages but it was part of the day out. Feckin knackered on the way back though. I asume you lived Liverpool way ,then? Born and bred. :y

That explains your sense of humour then. ;D Should have guessed, :y :y :y

Oooh!!
I spot a "Bristol (Eastern coachworks) Lodekka there!!

They were built up the road from me when I was a kid, used to pay 2d a day return to go to school on one.

Yep. I'm old.

Sixstring wrote on 13. Mar 2010 at 10:41:

Oooh!! I spot a "Bristol (Eastern coachworks) Lodekka there!! They were built up the road from me when I was a kid, used to pay 2d a day return to go to school on one. Yep. I'm old.

Me too :y
Those buses were very plush, they all had leather seats. :y

For anyone who particulars likes big lorries and buses this is well worth a vist http://www.llantransfest.co.uk/

My Father used to take a Dennis "toastrack" bus to this event most years.

A classic British bus indeed!

It's a late-model Leyland Titan PD2 with bodywork by Massey Bros of Wigan.

The Crosville bus on the left is a Bristol Lodekka FS with body by Eastern Coach Works of Lowestoft.
Passed my PSV driving test on a longer variant FL which had been converted into a driver trainer.

Seth wrote on 13. Mar 2010 at 14:03:

A classic British bus indeed! It's a late-model Leyland Titan PD2 with bodywork by Massey Bros of Wigan. The Crosville bus on the left is a Bristol Lodekka FS with body by Eastern Coach Works of Lowestoft. Passed my PSV driving test on a longer variant FL which had been converted into a driver trainer.

See your pm's :y

This is a model of the buses i remember from my childhood  in my area, made by a local model shop.  The fare cost 2d  ::)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i247/mysticfred/bs02front1.jpg

Lizzie Zoom wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:24:

Elite Pete wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:21: Lizzie Zoom wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:18: Very nice too!! :-* :-* :-* :-* My childhood always comes fooding back when I see those type of buses 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) They're still state of the art in Malta now aye Lizzie  :y Ah, in Malta they were always single decker coaches, but of course just as old Pete! 8-) 8-) 8-) No when I was small in this country the buses of London, Tunbridge Wells, then Dartmouth were I travelled with my parents were all of this era, if not older!! :D :D :-* :-*

Would have been the buses of London Transport, Maidstone & District, and Devon General respectively then.
:y

Sixstring wrote on 13. Mar 2010 at 10:41:

Oooh!! I spot a "Bristol (Eastern coachworks) Lodekka there!! They were built up the road from me when I was a kid, used to pay 2d a day return to go to school on one. Yep. I'm old.

You might be interested to know that the erstwhile Red & White company used Bristol Lodekkas on the 73 Cardiff - Gloucester service, passing through Lydney en-route.
They also had a depot in Lydney too.

Sethsmate's Renovation of an old bus:-

Autumn 1988, and basically in 'as acquired' condition.
Seating has already been refurbished, and one panel changed

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img048.jpg[/img]

A former colleague applying the finishing touches.
Peter actually traced the sole-remaining company scroll transfer to
achieve this!

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img049.jpg[/img]


Changing a rear spring - a heavy, but straightforward task with the
help of another colleague!

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img050.jpg[/img]


The traditional back end of a Brewers bus - as accurate as we could
possibly get it!

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img051.jpg[/img]

NOW SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE FINISHED PRODUCT:

















[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img052.jpg[/img]









[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img053.jpg[/img]









[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img054.jpg[/img]

mudflap wrote on 13. Mar 2010 at 16:16:

This is a model of the buses i remember from my childhood  in my area, made by a local model shop.  The fare cost 2d  ::) http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i247/mysticfred/bs02front1.jpg

Thought it was a real bus at first :y

Thanks for posting these photos of my former bus Kev :y

The finished job was totally brush-painted and then over-varnished, again by brush.

The penultimate photo is of my former MD and myself stood in front of the bus.
He was a top bloke, who put the Companies' facilities at my disposal, and even gave me the keys to the depot.

The final shot is of myself and Mrs Sethsmate relaxing at a steam rally near Chippenham.
She helped me wherever possible - even breaking her finger nails assisting me changing the radiator!

For the technically minded:
Chassis: AEC 'Reliance 505' 6MU3R
Body: Willowbrook 45-seat BET-style
Engine: AEC's own 8.2 litre AH505 unit - 154BHP version
Transmission: AEC's own D171 5-speed synchromesh 'box and 4.7:1 ratio differential.

Sorry mate, I oviously missed the technical bit . :-[ It looks good though :y

No problem bud :y

I'll add that this bus was very economical to run.
Locally, she'd always return 13/14mpg.
On a non-motorway run to Manchester, she covered the 212 miles consuming a frugal 10.5 gallons of diesel.
In fact, a Reliance 505 was about as good as you got for 'local bus' work.

Funnily enough, I have a bus too!!!!!

Its a Leyland "swift"   converted to a luxury 4 berth motorhome, with 4ltr six cyl cummins, with a 3 sp auto box, and returns 20 mpg anywhere.

Took me 2 years to convert, and now I have to sell it to make up the 25% deposit on a new house (boo-hoo).

Sixstring wrote on 13. Mar 2010 at 20:31:

Funnily enough, I have a bus too!!!!! Its a Leyland "swift"  converted to a luxury 4 berth motorhome, with 4ltr six cyl cummins, with a 3 sp auto box, and returns 20 mpg anywhere. Took me 2 years to convert, and now I have to sell it to make up the 25% deposit on a new house (boo-hoo).

Like this one?
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/Leyland_Swift.jpg

Nice one! Loos like Kos airport??? :-/

Sorry Kev, but it's the Channel Islands here! :y

It seems that these Leyland Swifts were not paricularly happy bunnies here in the UK.
That said, their 7'6" width would be useful over there.

Mainland operators didn't seem to keep them for long.
:(

Seth wrote on 14. Mar 2010 at 11:07:

Sorry Kev, but it's the Channel Islands here! :y It seems that these Leyland Swifts were not paricularly happy bunnies here in the UK. That said, their 7'6" width would be useful over there. Mainland operators didn't seem to keep them for long. :(

May be wish full thinking then on my part Byron, as it looks nice and sunny there. :y
Fed up with this crap weather :( :(

Yep Di, EXACTLY like that one, only white, and now has lounge, toilet, shower, kitchen, and dining room areas!!

(oh, and only 9 seats..................)

Sixstring wrote on 14. Mar 2010 at 11:20:

Yep Di, EXACTLY like that one, only white, and now has lounge, toilet, shower, kitchen, and dining room areas!! (oh, and only 9 seats..................)

Bodywork by Wadham Stringer I believe?

Yes'm!!
Has two walled and wallpapered seperate bedrooms, one with 4'6" double bed, and the other with full size pine single bed, kitchen with fullsize fridge freezer and proper gas cooker on lpg, microwave, and all the toys like flat screen tv's and freeview in all rooms!!

And I've got to sell it.............(sob)

Sixstring wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 12:24:

Yes'm!! Has two walled and wallpapered seperate bedrooms, one with 4'6" double bed, and the other with full size pine single bed, kitchen with fullsize fridge freezer and proper gas cooker on lpg, microwave, and all the toys like flat screen tv's and freeview in all rooms!! And I've got to sell it.............(sob)

That is worth seeing some pics of young man. I remember driving one of them for Martin Howarth. He was a big noise in 60 60, but Gareth always knew who was boss, and it was not Martin.

When you come over to get car kit done, I'll show you it.
Havent got any "fifshed" pictures, just w.i.p ones from two years ago to about six months ago. Its taken me two years of evenings and weekends to get it ready to be m.o.t'd and used!!
Seriously, "young man"???...........i'm a year older than you!!!

(but I love being called young)


you're a sweetie, Di. xx

Got to get my teeth in.....I meant "finished", sorry.

wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 13:17:

Sixstring wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 12:24: Yes'm!! Has two walled and wallpapered seperate bedrooms, one with 4'6" double bed, and the other with full size pine single bed, kitchen with fullsize fridge freezer and proper gas cooker on lpg, microwave, and all the toys like flat screen tv's and freeview in all rooms!! And I've got to sell it.............(sob) That is worth seeing some pics of young man. I remember driving one of them for Martin Howarth. He was a big noise in 60 60, but Gareth always knew who was boss, and it was not Martin.

Wasn't he a former Merthyr Corporation bus fitter, who left to start the Silverline operation?

Seth wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 17:12:

wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 13:17: Sixstring wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 12:24: Yes'm!! Has two walled and wallpapered seperate bedrooms, one with 4'6" double bed, and the other with full size pine single bed, kitchen with fullsize fridge freezer and proper gas cooker on lpg, microwave, and all the toys like flat screen tv's and freeview in all rooms!! And I've got to sell it.............(sob) That is worth seeing some pics of young man. I remember driving one of them for Martin Howarth. He was a big noise in 60 60, but Gareth always knew who was boss, and it was not Martin. Wasn't he a former Merthyr Corporation bus fitter, who left to start the Silverline operation?

You got him. That went tits up and he now works for Silverline again, actually called 1st Call Silverline, they took over the Merthyr Swansea route couple years ago after Stagecoach said it was not viable.

Bloody Hell!! isn't it a small world...................bought mine from a garage in carlyle, drove it home overnight from there. found out since it was a northern ireland bus, and before that a channel island one from jersey. BUT......I was put on to the bloke i bought it from by Martin after a chance conversation in the bus depot..........!!

wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 13:17:

Sixstring wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 12:24: Yes'm!! Has two walled and wallpapered seperate bedrooms, one with 4'6" double bed, and the other with full size pine single bed, kitchen with fullsize fridge freezer and proper gas cooker on lpg, microwave, and all the toys like flat screen tv's and freeview in all rooms!! And I've got to sell it.............(sob) That is worth seeing some pics of young man. I remember driving one of them for Martin Howarth. He was a big noise in 60 60, but Gareth always knew who was boss, and it was not Martin.

Gareth Handy of 60-60 coaches ..........
Have you heard of a chap from Troedyrhiw by the name of Glyn Bowen?
Some years back he had a bus in 60-60s depot for spares. I went there and removed the gearbox for a friend's Leyland Tiger Cub. That same gearbox has now been further transplanted into a Stratford Blue Leyland Leopard.
Tidy bunch of chaps at 60-60 - even gave us a shout for a cuppa :y

I know GLYN Bowen VERY VERY VERY well, He was responsible for giving me my 1st taxi licence. He was licencing officer for Merthyr Council, retired about 6 -7 years ago.
Always at the Merthyr bus show.

Hi you bus anoraks
You know who I mean AKA :-

sethsmate :y
onherown  :y
sixstring     :y

See this link
http://www.truckandbusforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9
and this
http://tangytango.proboards.com/index.cgi
and this
http://sickcert.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=viewprofile&user=admin
and this
http://www.busandcoachforum.net/
and this from the USA
http://www.britishbusclub.org/

These should keep you amused  :y :y :y :y :y

wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 17:40:

I know GLYN Bowen VERY VERY VERY well, He was responsible for giving me my 1st taxi licence. He was licencing officer for Merthyr Council, retired about 6 -7 years ago. Always at the Merthyr bus show.

That's the fella :y :y :y :y :y

Seth wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 17:34:

wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 13:17: Sixstring wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 12:24: Yes'm!! Has two walled and wallpapered seperate bedrooms, one with 4'6" double bed, and the other with full size pine single bed, kitchen with fullsize fridge freezer and proper gas cooker on lpg, microwave, and all the toys like flat screen tv's and freeview in all rooms!! And I've got to sell it.............(sob) That is worth seeing some pics of young man. I remember driving one of them for Martin Howarth. He was a big noise in 60 60, but Gareth always knew who was boss, and it was not Martin. Gareth Handy of 60-60 coaches .......... Have you heard of a chap from Troedyrhiw by the name of Glyn Bowen? Some years back he had a bus in 60-60s depot for spares. I went there and removed the gearbox for a friend's Leyland Tiger Cub. That same gearbox has now been further transplanted into a Stratford Blue Leyland Leopard. Tidy bunch of chaps at 60-60 - even gave us a shout for a cuppa :y

I remember when Gareth lived in the GURNOS. As far as I know he still does. All that money, all them coaches and he lived in the Gurnos. It takes all sorts.

splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 17:42:

Hi you bus anoraks You know who I mean AKA :- sethsmate :y onherown  :y sixstring     :y See this link http://www.truckandbusforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9 and this http://tangytango.proboards.com/index.cgi and this http://sickcert.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=viewprofile&user=admin and this http://www.busandcoachforum.net/ and this from the USA http://www.britishbusclub.org/ These should keep you amused  :y :y :y :y :y

Forgot to add this
http://www.games2win.com/en/car/play-london_bus.asp

splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 17:42:

Hi you bus anoraks You know who I mean AKA :- sethsmate :y onherown  :y sixstring     :y See this link http://www.truckandbusforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9 and this http://tangytango.proboards.com/index.cgi and this http://sickcert.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=viewprofile&user=admin and this http://www.busandcoachforum.net/ and this from the USA http://www.britishbusclub.org/ These should keep you amused  :y :y :y :y :y

Be careful now fella!
You don't wanna go upsetting the Valleys folk ..........

Just remember who started this topic pal  8-)

I've been reading you posts with interest, not having a go. I posted the links for your entertainment.
The four buses in one picture was taken at the Llandudno steam rally( which one of you mentioned) last year They had some old cars there too, most of which I have owned or wished I'd had!
I wasn't taking the pee, honest Byron!  ;) ;) ;) ;)

Talking of buses and taxi's in Merthyr, wer'nt we?
I think Merthyr has the fastest Taxi in the UK.
1st Call taxi's have a licensed SUBARU IMPREZA for TAXI use, and it is used everyday, in fact my son was just in it, and from where you comee on the Heads of the Valleys at Rocky Road to the bridge going to Pant they were doing 110 mph, MENTAL. SHOULD never have been plated.

splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 17:56:

I've been reading you posts with interest, not having a go. I posted the links for your entertainment. The four buses in one picture was taken at the Llandudno steam rally( which one of you mentioned) last year They had some old cars there too, most of which I have owned or wished I'd had! I wasn't taking the pee, honest Byron!  ;) ;) ;) ;)

Aye, okay Kev, you fell for that wind-up mate ;D

Try looking at this website:

www.wellandsteamrally.co.uk

We make a holiday of it, and being a member, I'm a campsite steward at the event.
Easy to get to from The Wirral too!
:y

Seth wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 18:27:

splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 17:56: I've been reading you posts with interest, not having a go. I posted the links for your entertainment. The four buses in one picture was taken at the Llandudno steam rally( which one of you mentioned) last year They had some old cars there too, most of which I have owned or wished I'd had! I wasn't taking the pee, honest Byron!  ;) ;) ;) ;) Aye, okay Kev, you fell for that wind-up mate ;D Try looking at this website: www.wellandsteamrally.co.uk We make a holiday of it, and being a member, I'm a campsite steward at the event. Easy to get to from The Wirral too! :y

£10 quid to get in, blo*dy hell, do you get a free steam engine with that. ;) ;)
Joking apart might give it a go, I love steam rallies :y

Albs wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:43:

There arent any pictures of my old school bus - we burnt it. ;D ;D ;D Oh those far off innocent schooldays in Belfast. :)

were you anywhere near Wales at the weekend?

Doug

splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 18:34:

Seth wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 18:27: splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 17:56: I've been reading you posts with interest, not having a go. I posted the links for your entertainment. The four buses in one picture was taken at the Llandudno steam rally( which one of you mentioned) last year They had some old cars there too, most of which I have owned or wished I'd had! I wasn't taking the pee, honest Byron!  ;) ;) ;) ;) Aye, okay Kev, you fell for that wind-up mate ;D Try looking at this website: www.wellandsteamrally.co.uk We make a holiday of it, and being a member, I'm a campsite steward at the event. Easy to get to from The Wirral too! :y £10 quid to get in, blo*dy hell, do you get a free steam engine with that. ;) ;) Joking apart might give it a go, I love steam rallies :y

Is there camping facilities there as we could bring the caravan? Need hook up tho'. :y

We could even organise a Miggy meet. Its quite central for quite a few OOF members :y

splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 18:38:

splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 18:34: Seth wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 18:27: splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 17:56: I've been reading you posts with interest, not having a go. I posted the links for your entertainment. The four buses in one picture was taken at the Llandudno steam rally( which one of you mentioned) last year They had some old cars there too, most of which I have owned or wished I'd had! I wasn't taking the pee, honest Byron!  ;) ;) ;) ;) Aye, okay Kev, you fell for that wind-up mate ;D Try looking at this website: www.wellandsteamrally.co.uk We make a holiday of it, and being a member, I'm a campsite steward at the event. Easy to get to from The Wirral too! :y £10 quid to get in, blo*dy hell, do you get a free steam engine with that. ;) ;) Joking apart might give it a go, I love steam rallies :y Is there camping facilities there as we could bring the caravan? Need hook up tho'. :y

Go back to the website, and look at 'Accomodation'
Full details there - however - there's a MASSIVE DISCOUNT if a group of ten camping units book-in as a club.
It's our AGM tomorrow evening, and I'll be in a position to confirm further on Wednesday.
It would be great to have a few OOFers there, and I'll make a post very soon.
:y

splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 18:41:

We could even organise a Miggy meet. Its quite central for quite a few OOF members :y

All under control Kev - see my post mate. :y

Seth wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 18:49:

splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 18:41: We could even organise a Miggy meet. Its quite central for quite a few OOF members :y All under control Kev - see my post mate. :y

Where, in meetings? :-/

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/889aax02.jpg[/img]

Is this a Leyland Tiger cub that you guy's were talking about? 8-)
See' now I'm getting to be a bus anorak :'(
More pics of Welsh Buses on this link
http://www.showbus.com/gallery/wales/index.html

splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 19:06:

Seth wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 18:49: splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 18:41: We could even organise a Miggy meet. Its quite central for quite a few OOF members :y All under control Kev - see my post mate. :y Where, in meetings? :-/ [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/889aax02.jpg[/img] Is this a Leyland Tiger cub that you guy's were talking about? 8-) See' now I'm getting to be a bus anorak :'( More pics of Welsh Buses on this link http://www.showbus.com/gallery/wales/index.html

OOOPS, you guy's were talking about Leyland Swifts. ::)
http://mike323.photos.me.uk/
Hundreds of different welsh buses on this site :y

http://mike323.photos.me.uk/p58492437.html
I used to drive this coach on Merthyr Cardiff every day.
Now that brings back memories.
D.

wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 20:04:

http://mike323.photos.me.uk/p58492437.html I used to drive this coach on Merthyr Cardiff every day. Now that brings back memories. D.

How long ago was that then? ::)

Well, I'm also glad I found  something local for you guy's. :y

You're a real girly then Di............!!

Sixstring wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 20:18:

You're a real girly then Di............!!

Down boy.............behave! ;) ;) ;)

;D all this talk of busses and no one has said" I HATE YOU BUTLER" !

splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 19:06:

Seth wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 18:49: splott wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 18:41: We could even organise a Miggy meet. Its quite central for quite a few OOF members :y All under control Kev - see my post mate. :y Where, in meetings? :-/ [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/889aax02.jpg[/img] Is this a Leyland Tiger cub that you guy's were talking about? 8-) See' now I'm getting to be a bus anorak :'( More pics of Welsh Buses on this link http://www.showbus.com/gallery/wales/index.html

That's the jobbie Kev!

This particular bus was one of three with semi-automatic transmissions that were originally an export order for Trinidad that fell through.
The trio was snapped-up by our subsidiary company, Jones Omnibus Services of Aberbeeg, and has the ubiquitous Weymann 'Hermes' 44-seat body.

The parent Western Welsh Omnibus Company, (where I served my apprenticeship, and stayed on for 18 years), had the largest fleet of Tiger Cubs in the world. No less than 180 outwardly-similar Weymann-bodied Cubs were delivered in several batches from 1953 onwards. The final batch of Tiger Cubs arrived in 1968, at which point nearly 300 of this model had entered service.
All the Western Welsh ones had the Albion constant-mesh gearbox though.
I could take a Tiger Cub apart with my eyes shut! :y

redelitev6 wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 21:39:

;D all this talk of busses and no one has said" I HATE YOU BUTLER" !

None of us are old enough to remember that..........what was the programme? ::) ::) :D :D :D ;) ;)

wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 20:04:

http://mike323.photos.me.uk/p58492437.html I used to drive this coach on Merthyr Cardiff every day. Now that brings back memories. D.

Ah ....... The Leyland 'Royal Tiger Doyen' integral (ie. chassisless construction).
Not Leyland Bus' most successful offering, though with well-proven and familiar running gear.
Horizontally-mounted Leyland TL11H engine at the rear, driving through the renowned ZF S6-80 'box.
I think that this particular coach was a former demonstrator.

Lizzie Zoom wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 22:01:

redelitev6 wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 21:39: ;D all this talk of busses and no one has said" I HATE YOU BUTLER" ! None of us are old enough to remember that..........what was the programme? ::) ::) :D :D :D ;) ;)

I am :y

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/HolidayOnTheBuses061.gif[/img]

And there you go  :yRedelitev6

PM sent Kev. :y

wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:32:

Darth Loo-knee wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:19: Had the privilege of working on one of that type of Buses when I was an apprentise  ;) although they do remind me of On the Buses ;D I still have every episode, including the B/W ones, and the three movies, brilliant. A bit of useless info, the actress who played the mother, Doris Hare, (not Ceclily Courtlidge, who only played 'mam in the 1st series) went to school with my grandmother, St Gwladys School Bargoed.

'On the buses' was filmed using Eastern National's Wood Green depot.

The earlier series (with red-liveried buses) featured Bristol KSW5Gs with lowbridge ECW open-platform bodies.
Later episodes (green-liveried buses) featured late-model Bristol Lodekka FLF6LXs, whose usual domain was ENOC's flagship London-Southend service.
Splendid vehicles with semi-automatic transmissions.
:y

Seth wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 23:54:

wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:32: Darth Loo-knee wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:19: Had the privilege of working on one of that type of Buses when I was an apprentise  ;) although they do remind me of On the Buses ;D I still have every episode, including the B/W ones, and the three movies, brilliant. A bit of useless info, the actress who played the mother, Doris Hare, (not Ceclily Courtlidge, who only played 'mam in the 1st series) went to school with my grandmother, St Gwladys School Bargoed. 'On the buses' was filmed using Eastern National's Wood Green depot. The earlier series (with red-liveried buses) featured Bristol KSW5Gs with lowbridge ECW open-platform bodies. Later episodes (green-liveried buses) featured late-model Bristol Lodekka FLF6LXs, whose usual domain was ENOC's flagship London-Southend service. Splendid vehicles with semi-automatic transmissions. :y

Found this:-
[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/onthebusestitle1.jpg[/img]

I have spent over an hour looking at all the bus photo's on the link given...... :-[ :-[ :-[ but I enjoyed looking...... :y

splott wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 00:05:

Seth wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 23:54: wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:32: Darth Loo-knee wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:19: Had the privilege of working on one of that type of Buses when I was an apprentise  ;) although they do remind me of On the Buses ;D I still have every episode, including the B/W ones, and the three movies, brilliant. A bit of useless info, the actress who played the mother, Doris Hare, (not Ceclily Courtlidge, who only played 'mam in the 1st series) went to school with my grandmother, St Gwladys School Bargoed. 'On the buses' was filmed using Eastern National's Wood Green depot. The earlier series (with red-liveried buses) featured Bristol KSW5Gs with lowbridge ECW open-platform bodies. Later episodes (green-liveried buses) featured late-model Bristol Lodekka FLF6LXs, whose usual domain was ENOC's flagship London-Southend service. Splendid vehicles with semi-automatic transmissions. :y Found this:- [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/onthebusestitle1.jpg[/img]

And this from Wiki :-
THE BUSES
The red "Town & District" buses were Bristol KSWs with Eastern Coachworks bodies. These were ex Eastern National. Stan and Jack's "regular" bus appeared to be VNO 857.

The Green "Luxton & District" buses were Bristol Lodekkas with bodywork by Eastern Coach Works of Lowestoft. In reality these were Eastern National buses (in some episodes buses could be seen with Eastern National on the side), although as mentioned earlier, some of those in the interior depot shots were in fact "dummy" buses. Some "dummy" buses were real single deck buses with a wooden frame on top, such as in the episode Series 3 Episode Radio Control, when the bus has crashed into the bridge. The most commonly used bus in the series was AVW 399F.

The open top bus in 'Holiday on the Buses was XFM 229, a Bristol LD new to Crosville Motor Services.

The bus at the safari park in 'Mutiny on the Buses' was NRN 607, a Leyland Atlantean/Metro Cammell, new to Ribble Motor Services.

:y

splott wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 00:15:

splott wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 00:05: Seth wrote on 15. Mar 2010 at 23:54: wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:32: Darth Loo-knee wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:19: Had the privilege of working on one of that type of Buses when I was an apprentise  ;) although they do remind me of On the Buses ;D I still have every episode, including the B/W ones, and the three movies, brilliant. A bit of useless info, the actress who played the mother, Doris Hare, (not Ceclily Courtlidge, who only played 'mam in the 1st series) went to school with my grandmother, St Gwladys School Bargoed. 'On the buses' was filmed using Eastern National's Wood Green depot. The earlier series (with red-liveried buses) featured Bristol KSW5Gs with lowbridge ECW open-platform bodies. Later episodes (green-liveried buses) featured late-model Bristol Lodekka FLF6LXs, whose usual domain was ENOC's flagship London-Southend service. Splendid vehicles with semi-automatic transmissions. :y Found this:- [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/onthebusestitle1.jpg[/img] And this from Wiki :- THE BUSES The red "Town & District" buses were Bristol KSWs with Eastern Coachworks bodies. These were ex Eastern National. Stan and Jack's "regular" bus appeared to be VNO 857. The Green "Luxton & District" buses were Bristol Lodekkas with bodywork by Eastern Coach Works of Lowestoft. In reality these were Eastern National buses (in some episodes buses could be seen with Eastern National on the side), although as mentioned earlier, some of those in the interior depot shots were in fact "dummy" buses. Some "dummy" buses were real single deck buses with a wooden frame on top, such as in the episode Series 3 Episode Radio Control, when the bus has crashed into the bridge. The most commonly used bus in the series was AVW 399F. The open top bus in 'Holiday on the Buses was XFM 229, a Bristol LD new to Crosville Motor Services. The bus at the safari park in 'Mutiny on the Buses' was NRN 607, a Leyland Atlantean/Metro Cammell, new to Ribble Motor Services. :y

Yes indeed, Ribble and the associated Standerwick company built-up a sizeable fleet of these.

Christened 'Gay Hostesses' by the company, they were put into service on their Lancashire-London express services.
The chassis also featured air suspension, the higher-powered 0.680 engine, (as opposed to the usual 0.600), and higher-ratio diffs.
Outwardly similar vehicles of a lower spec were used on their substantial 'limited stop' service network.

Can you equate to the reg mumbers in any way. Is there a way of tracing them :-? :-?

splott wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 11:22:

Can you equate to the reg mumbers in any way. Is there a way of tracing them :-? :-?

I'd imagine that the PSV Circle would have comprehensive records.
Or the Ribble Preservation Trust possibly.
:y

Seth wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 11:28:

splott wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 11:22: Can you equate to the reg mumbers in any way. Is there a way of tracing them :-? :-? I'd imagine that the PSV Circle would have comprehensive records. Or the Ribble Preservation Trust possibly. :y

Just thought that you may be able to trace those buses, see if they are still going. :y

The open top bus in 'Holiday on the Buses was XFM 229, a Bristol LD new to Crosville Motor Services.



:y[/quote]
IIRC this was in fact the comparatively rare 30' LDL variant.
Was the location Butlins at Pwllheli, or Pontins at Prestatyn?
;)

Seth wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 11:36:

The open top bus in 'Holiday on the Buses was X[highlight]FM 229, a Bristol LD new to Crosville Motor Services.[/highlight] :y

IIRC this was in fact the comparatively rare 30' LDL variant.
Was the location Butlins at Pwllheli, or Pontins at Prestatyn?
;)
[/quote]
FM reg, the bus has got to have come from Chester, so could be either :-/ :-/

Seth wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 11:36:

The open top bus in 'Holiday on the Buses was XFM 229, a Bristol LD new to Crosville Motor Services. :y

IIRC this was in fact the comparatively rare 30' LDL variant.
Was the location Butlins at Pwllheli, or Pontins at Prestatyn?
;)
[/quote]

It was Pontins at Prestatyn

FM reg, the bus has got to have come from Chester, so could be either :-/ :-/
[/quote]
That's correct mate!
Crosville, like many of the big concerns pursued a policy of registering it's buses centrally at head office (Chester).

Similarly, Western Welsh registered all it's new buses at Cardiff (with BO, KG or UH).
However, our associated Rhondda Transport registered it's deliveries with Glamorgan suffixes (NY, TG or TX). RTC being based at Porth.
:y

Merthyr Council buses were registered withthe local HB, as in HB 1 which is still on the Mayor's limosine. I remember The late Tony Hart painting a car and he put HB1 on the car he painted, (Hart Beat 1) and the BBC were forced to offer an apology.

Can you really remember that???

Bristol's mayor has "AE1" on his official car, but my uncle has AE2,AE4,and AE6, but unfortunately AE5 was written off and disposed of before the plate could be transferred off of it. Dunno what became of AE5, they were originally all on Bristol milkfloats owned by Unigate I was told.

Seth wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 11:28:

splott wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 11:22: Can you equate to the reg mumbers in any way. Is there a way of tracing them :-? :-? I'd imagine that the PSV Circle would have comprehensive records. Or the Ribble Preservation Trust possibly. :y

Try looking at these:

http://www.rvpt.org/standerwick-25.htm

http://www.rvpt.org/p1.htm

:y

Seth wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 14:17:

Seth wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 11:28: splott wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 11:22: Can you equate to the reg mumbers in any way. Is there a way of tracing them :-? :-? I'd imagine that the PSV Circle would have comprehensive records. Or the Ribble Preservation Trust possibly. :y Try looking at these: http://www.rvpt.org/standerwick-25.htm http://www.rvpt.org/p1.htm :y

An old yellow Wallesey Corp Bus in the front, followed by a Birkenhead Corp Bus  :y
[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/3959761339_f9c339cace1.jpg[/img]

If I remember, I will get some pics of the buses at the heritage centre at the weekend

I just looked at that pic, and some were taken in FRECKLETON. Now that brings back memories because my grandparents lived in Freckleton and I lived with them for a short while.
My grandad was Steward of Freckleton Sports and Social club, and my grandmother was warden of Naze court. I dragged an unconsious lady out of her flat in Croft Court one sunday morning as her flat was on fire, got a mention in local paper for that.

Nice site full of buses and coaches from all over the UK
http://mainlybus.photos.gb.com/list_collections.php :y :y

Hey Smethsmate
Any news yet on the discount for Miggies from OOF yet? :y

splott wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 19:42:

Hey Smethsmate Any news yet on the discount for Miggies from OOF yet? :y

PM sent as promised mate  :y

Has also just been posted in 'Meetings etc' section on here  8-)

Seth wrote on 17. Mar 2010 at 16:53:

splott wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 19:42: Hey Smethsmate Any news yet on the discount for Miggies from OOF yet? :y PM sent as promised mate  :y Has also just been posted in 'Meetings etc' section on here  8-)

No PM as yet  :'(

splott wrote on 17. Mar 2010 at 17:10:

Seth wrote on 17. Mar 2010 at 16:53: splott wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 19:42: Hey Smethsmate Any news yet on the discount for Miggies from OOF yet? :y PM sent as promised mate  :y Has also just been posted in 'Meetings etc' section on here  8-) No PM as yet  :'(

I bet he forgot to put the phucking stamp on it.
He is from MAESTEG after all

wrote on 17. Mar 2010 at 17:11:

splott wrote on 17. Mar 2010 at 17:10: Seth wrote on 17. Mar 2010 at 16:53: splott wrote on 16. Mar 2010 at 19:42: Hey Smethsmate Any news yet on the discount for Miggies from OOF yet? :y PM sent as promised mate  :y Has also just been posted in 'Meetings etc' section on here  8-) No PM as yet  :'( I bet he forgot to put the phucking stamp on it. He is from MAESTEG after all

Calls me mate then lets me down, some mate!!! ;) ;) ;) ;) ;D

Can any of you " Bus Anoraks " or " BAs " for short, name these types of buses

Bus One

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img121.jpg[/img]


Bus Two


[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img120.jpg[/img]


No prize but you can gloat and call yourself a Smart a**se BA  8-) 8-) 8-) :y

Ahhh ...........
If ever there was a classic Western Welsh bus, then this is what we're looking at folks!

Both are Leyland Tiger Cubs with Weymann 'Hermes' 44-seat all-metal bodies, and are two examples from an order that totalled 180 near-identical buses delivered between 1953 and 1957.

Photo 2 shows fleet no 1026 laying-over at Station Square, Neath. This was one of those that entered service in 1953. The 1953/4 bodies had an angular cantrail profile above the side windows, and their registrations were HUH or JBO prefixed.

Photo 1 shows 1177 at Cardiff's Central Bus Station blinded-up for the three-hour trek westwards to distant Ammanford. It's another Tiger Cub/Weymann, and being MUH-prefixed, entered service in 1957. Note the curved cantrail profile. This route was the hourly flagship 301 limited-stop service, which extended to Carmarthen on a two-hourly basis.

If you look closely aft of the driver's window, you'll see the fleet number with a coloured diamond positioned above that. The colour denoted the vehicle's home depot - 1026 would have almost certainly displayed a red one, being allocated to Neath. Judging by the lightness of 1177's diamond, I reckon that it's fair to assume that it was orange, and therefore based at Cardiff (Penarth Road).
8-)

Phew - anyone wanna know more?

Seth wrote on 17. Mar 2010 at 23:46:

Ahhh ........... If ever there was a classic Western Welsh bus, then this is what we're looking at folks! Both are Leyland Tiger Cubs with Weymann 'Hermes' 44-seat all-metal bodies, and are two examples from an order that totalled 180 near-identical buses delivered between 1953 and 1957. Photo 2 shows fleet no 1026 laying-over at Station Square, Neath. This was one of those that entered service in 1953. The 1953/4 bodies had an angular cantrail profile above the side windows, and their registrations were HUH or JBO prefixed. Photo 1 shows 1177 at Cardiff's Central Bus Station blinded-up for the three-hour trek westwards to distant Ammanford. It's another Tiger Cub/Weymann, and being MUH-prefixed, entered service in 1957. Note the curved cantrail profile. This route was the hourly flagship 301 limited-stop service, which extended to Carmarthen on a two-hourly basis. If you look closely aft of the driver's window, you'll see the fleet number with a coloured diamond positioned above that. The colour denoted the vehicle's home depot - 1026 would have almost certainly displayed a red one, being allocated to Neath. Judging by the lightness of 1177's diamond, I reckon that it's fair to assume that it was orange, and therefore based at Cardiff (Penarth Road). 8-) Phew - anyone wanna know more?

There you go Byron................ BA Honours :y :y :y

splott wrote on 17. Mar 2010 at 23:55:

Seth wrote on 17. Mar 2010 at 23:46: Ahhh ........... If ever there was a classic Western Welsh bus, then this is what we're looking at folks! Both are Leyland Tiger Cubs with Weymann 'Hermes' 44-seat all-metal bodies, and are two examples from an order that totalled 180 near-identical buses delivered between 1953 and 1957. Photo 2 shows fleet no 1026 laying-over at Station Square, Neath. This was one of those that entered service in 1953. The 1953/4 bodies had an angular cantrail profile above the side windows, and their registrations were HUH or JBO prefixed. Photo 1 shows 1177 at Cardiff's Central Bus Station blinded-up for the three-hour trek westwards to distant Ammanford. It's another Tiger Cub/Weymann, and being MUH-prefixed, entered service in 1957. Note the curved cantrail profile. This route was the hourly flagship 301 limited-stop service, which extended to Carmarthen on a two-hourly basis. If you look closely aft of the driver's window, you'll see the fleet number with a coloured diamond positioned above that. The colour denoted the vehicle's home depot - 1026 would have almost certainly displayed a red one, being allocated to Neath. Judging by the lightness of 1177's diamond, I reckon that it's fair to assume that it was orange, and therefore based at Cardiff (Penarth Road). 8-) Phew - anyone wanna know more? There you go Byron................ BA Honours :y :y :y

But tell me this..................
Regarding the system of coloured diamonds that are on the buses above the fleet numbers. How many colours and depots were in the Western Welsh empire!

Gotchya, ;) I've done my homework on this  :y

splott wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 00:04:

splott wrote on 17. Mar 2010 at 23:55: Seth wrote on 17. Mar 2010 at 23:46: Ahhh ........... If ever there was a classic Western Welsh bus, then this is what we're looking at folks! Both are Leyland Tiger Cubs with Weymann 'Hermes' 44-seat all-metal bodies, and are two examples from an order that totalled 180 near-identical buses delivered between 1953 and 1957. Photo 2 shows fleet no 1026 laying-over at Station Square, Neath. This was one of those that entered service in 1953. The 1953/4 bodies had an angular cantrail profile above the side windows, and their registrations were HUH or JBO prefixed. Photo 1 shows 1177 at Cardiff's Central Bus Station blinded-up for the three-hour trek westwards to distant Ammanford. It's another Tiger Cub/Weymann, and being MUH-prefixed, entered service in 1957. Note the curved cantrail profile. This route was the hourly flagship 301 limited-stop service, which extended to Carmarthen on a two-hourly basis. If you look closely aft of the driver's window, you'll see the fleet number with a coloured diamond positioned above that. The colour denoted the vehicle's home depot - 1026 would have almost certainly displayed a red one, being allocated to Neath. Judging by the lightness of 1177's diamond, I reckon that it's fair to assume that it was orange, and therefore based at Cardiff (Penarth Road). 8-) Phew - anyone wanna know more? There you go Byron................ BA Honours :y :y :y But tell me this.................. Regarding the system of coloured diamonds that are on the buses above the fleet numbers. How many colours and depots were in the Western Welsh empire! Gotchya, ;) I've done my homework on this  :y

A fiver say he know's................ :y

A fiver say he know's................

Your right, didn't think any different really............. :(

splott wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 00:13:

A fiver say he know's................ Your right, didn't think any different really............. :(

Just let me know when to PM my Paypal details...... :D :D :D

i would like to say thanks guys for bringing back all the old memorys of buses and coaches .i past my psv test on a pd2 in 1972 .nottingham city transport .we use to call them backenders .they have crash gearboxes .you had to double the clutch when changeing gear. no power steering in them days .the windsceen use to open forward nice inthe summer .you had to be carefull when you got in because some times you could not find the gearstick ? it was up your trouser leg .i drove buses and coaches fo twenty nine fantastic years .brilliant job .i pack it in because i could not stand people talking behind my back? :D ;D ;D :y

Lizzie Zoom wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:18:

Very nice too!! :-* :-* :-* :-* My childhood always comes fooding back when I see those type of buses 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)

mine comes back when i see a 1998 S reg  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 00:51:

Lizzie Zoom wrote on 12. Mar 2010 at 20:18: Very nice too!! :-* :-* :-* :-* My childhood always comes fooding back when I see those type of buses 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) mine comes back when i see a 1998 S reg  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Rug Rat....... :D :D :D

p j morgan wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 00:50:

i would like to say thanks guys for bringing back all the old memorys of buses and coaches .i past my psv test on a pd2 in 1972 .nottingham city transport .we use to call them backenders .they have crash gearboxes .you had to double the clutch when changeing gear. no power steering in them days .the windsceen use to open forward nice inthe summer .you had to be carefull when you got in because some times you could not find the gearstick ? it was up your trouser leg .i drove buses and coaches fo twenty nine fantastic years .brilliant job .i pack it in because i could not stand people talking behind my back? :D ;D ;D :y

Suppose you have been going through all the links for the past couple of days ;) ;) ;) :y

Vamps wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 00:24:

splott wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 00:13: A fiver say he know's................ Your right, didn't think any different really............. :( Just let me know when to PM my Paypal details...... :D :D :D

Hey, looks like I've got him :y He hasn't answered yet ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

yes some nice buses i am not an anorak .still like looking at them driven a few in my time on the continent .i never had a bump or got done for anything .i have taken a few celebs around ! roy wood .lionel blair bugger wouldant stop dancing .we had a contract with central tv and use to take the cast and extras out on location .one was shine on harvey moon can you remember that one sp?took them to loughborough they was filming on the steam train  at the railway museum.i have also done a fair bit on the mecanical side .immet byron at the newent meet last year .he has been around a bit good lad  we had the same colour migs  :y . :y

p j morgan wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 01:31:

yes some nice buses i am not an anorak .still like looking at them driven a few in my time on the continent .i never had a bump or got done for anything .i have taken a few celebs around ! roy wood .lionel blair bugger wouldant stop dancing .we had a contract with central tv and use to take the cast and extras out on location .one was shine on harvey moon can you remember that one sp?took them to loughborough they was filming on the steam train  at the railway museum.i have also done a fair bit on the mecanical side .immet byron at the newent meet last year .he has been around a bit good lad  we had the same colour migs  :y . :y

Are you going to Wellands, Byron is trying to organise an OOF meeting there. See " Meetings " as he has posted the arrangements on there.  We're taking the caravan and going to stay over for a couple of nights :y :y

not sure yet i will have to have a look. i am having head gasket problems with my miggy and i havent had much time to sort her out yet .you no starts up lumpy and steam comin from the exhaust. i am disabled so i am a bit slow getting things done i will have to let you no ? :y

p j morgan wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 01:48:

not sure yet i will have to have a look. i am having head gasket problems with my miggy and i havent had much time to sort her out yet .you no starts up lumpy and steam comin from the exhaust. i am disabled so i am a bit slow getting things done i will have to let you no ? :y

I have probs with my car too, but I will sort it out by then. I hope :y

But tell me this..................
Regarding the system of coloured diamonds that are on the buses above the fleet numbers. How many colours and depots were in the Western Welsh empire!

Gotchya, ;) I've done my homework on this  :y


If we take the mid-1960s, (just before I started working for WW), there were some 20 depots situated across a large swathe of southern Wales.
The total fleet strength was around 560 buses.

If you drew an imaginary line from Aberystwyth to Hereford, then another line south to Newport, then the area bounded by it was Western Welsh territory. The only exclusion was Swansea and the Gower peninsular - this area was the preserve of the South Wales Transport and United Welsh concerns.



A system of coloured diamonds was used to denote the area to which a bus was allocated thus:

Green:
Ammanford, Carmarthen, Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Newcastle Emlyn, New Quay, St David's.

Blue:
Bridgend, Kenfig Hill, Port Talbot.

Red:
Aberdare, Neath.

Grey:
Cross Keys, Cwmbran, Pontypool.

Black:
Barry.

White:
Brecon.

Orange:
Cardiff (Penarth Road).

Interestingly, the coach fleet never carried the coloured diamonds, and was generally based at the Head Office & Central Workshops at Cardiff (Ely).

Western Welsh was keen to support a thriving staff sports & social scene.
Accordingly, Bridgend's rugby team was fielded in a blue strip, with Haverfordwest's similarly in green, and so on.
 

Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 12:44:

But tell me this.................. Regarding the system of coloured diamonds that are on the buses above the fleet numbers. How many colours and depots were in the Western Welsh empire! Gotchya, ;) I've done my homework on this  :y If we take the mid-1960s, (just before I started working for WW), there were some 20 depots situated across a large swathe of southern Wales. The total fleet strength was around 560 buses. If you drew an imaginary line from Aberystwyth to Hereford, then another line south to Newport, then the area bounded by it was Western Welsh territory. The only exclusion was Swansea and the Gower peninsular - this area was the preserve of the South Wales Transport and United Welsh concerns. A system of coloured diamonds was used to denote the area to which a bus was allocated thus: Green: Ammanford, Carmarthen, Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Newcastle Emlyn, New Quay, St David's. Blue: Bridgend, Kenfig Hill, Port Talbot. Red: Aberdare, Neath. Grey: Cross Keys, Cwmbran, Pontypool. Black: Barry. White: Brecon. Orange: Cardiff (Penarth Road). Interestingly, the coach fleet never carried the coloured diamonds, and was generally based at the Head Office & Central Workshops at Cardiff (Ely). Western Welsh was keen to support a thriving staff sports & social scene. Accordingly, Bridgend's rugby team was fielded in a blue strip, with Haverfordwest's similarly in green, and so on.

Close enough................ another BA Honours  :y

Did you know that, during the war, the Western Welsh bus company had their own Home Guard Regiment. It was based in Barry 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)

Yes indeed come to think of it!
:y

Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 18:44:

Yes indeed come to think of it! :y

Couldn't find out much about the home guard  at Barry but I found this site that may be of interest. :y
Its more buses ::)
http://www.bus-and-coach-photos.com/index.asp


:y :y :y :y

Can anyone come up with anything about this bus? Where I got the picture, the people are looking for information on it!!! :y :y



[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/12411.jpg[/img]

It's a Bedford OB with a Duple Vista body.
Usual seating capacity was 29 passengers.

Looks like this one has the optional sliding roof.

splott wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 19:14:

Can anyone come up with anything about this bus? Where I got the picture, the people are looking for information on it!!! :y :y [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/12411.jpg[/img]

In 1964/5 I went to school on a bus like that from Haselmere to Midhurst and back again!

A lovely cute coach :-* :-* :-*

These were simplicity themselves!
28hp 4-cylinder OHV petrol engine.

Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 19:16:

It's a Bedford OB with a Duple Vista body. Usual seating capacity was 29 passengers.

Any idea where from, Reg number G*N 707? :y

Gotta be worth trying to Google GAN 707, then GBN 707 etc etc.

Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 19:27:

Gotta be worth trying to Google GAN 707, then GBN 707 etc etc.

Hmm, tried it - no luck!
:(

Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 19:38:

Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 19:27: Gotta be worth trying to Google GAN 707, then GBN 707 etc etc. Hmm, tried it - no luck! :(

I tried all the possible combinations and it was not on any database. :'( :'( :'( :'(

Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 19:38:

Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 19:27: Gotta be worth trying to Google GAN 707, then GBN 707 etc etc. Hmm, tried it - no luck! :(

It actually looks like the middle number is split and the front of the middle letter has fallen to wards the first letter????? :-? :-?

splott wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 20:01:

Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 19:38: Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 19:27: Gotta be worth trying to Google GAN 707, then GBN 707 etc etc. Hmm, tried it - no luck! :( It actually looks like the middle number is split and the front of the middle letter has fallen to wards the first letter????? :-? :-?

I tried all possible combinations, All to no avail.
I believe there are a few vintage buses and coaches in Gwalia's yard in Merthyr,  near the old Theatre Royal.

wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 20:03:

splott wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 20:01: Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 19:38: Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 19:27: Gotta be worth trying to Google GAN 707, then GBN 707 etc etc. Hmm, tried it - no luck! :( It actually looks like the middle number is split and the front of the middle letter has fallen to wards the first letter????? :-? :-? I tried all possible combinations, All to no avail. I believe there are a few vintage buses and coaches in Gwalia's yard in Merthyr,  near the old Theatre Royal.

The 1st letter could be a C and the middle letter a D.
ie CDN 707 or GDN 707  :-/ :-/

Another bus for you welsh Bus Anoraks. :y :y
Which one of you was the driver and which one the clippie? :-/ :y
What was the colour of the other Streets.  ;) ;)

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img122.jpg[/img]

All is not what it seems here .......

No 1233 is not a Leyland Tiger Cub at all.
It is in fact a Leyland Olympian, and one of 40 identical buses delivered in 1956, when the mass arrival of the 180 Weymann-bodied Tiger Cubs was still in full swing. These Olympians carried fleet numbers 1200-1239, and were registered LKG 200-239.

This photo was taken sometime in the mid-1960s, judging by the newer WW front motif, the 'boxed' WW side fleetname, and all-over dark red livery. Operational economies dictated the abolition of the cream waistbands with black lining-out. The location was Carmarthen, and judging by the destination display, 1233 was working on one of the town services, and would have therefore carried a green diamond.

The Olympian was a chassis-less version of the Tiger Cub, being a joint venture between Leyland Motors and Weymanns. The basic idea was to reduce the vehicle's unladen weight, and thereby increase fuel economy and improve operating costs. In reality, there was relatively little reduction in the unladen weight, and I distinctly recall that the Weymann-bodied Tiger Cubs tipped the scales at 5 tons, 14 cwt; 1 qt; unladen.

Although Western Welsh took more Olympians into stock in smaller numbers over the ensuing years, the Tiger Cub adequately satisfied the companies' requirements, and continued to be ordered in quantity right up until 1968. 

Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 22:59:

All is not what it seems here ....... No 1233 is not a Leyland Tiger Cub at all. It is in fact a Leyland Olympian, and one of 40 identical buses delivered in 1956, when the mass arrival of the 180 Weymann-bodied Tiger Cubs was still in full swing. These Olympians carried fleet numbers 1200-1239, and were registered LKG 200-239. This photo was taken sometime in the mid-1960s, judging by the newer WW front motif, the 'boxed' WW side fleetname, and all-over dark red livery. Operational economies dictated the abolition of the cream waistbands with black lining-out. The location was Carmarthen, and judging by the destination display, 1233 was working on one of the town services, and would have therefore carried a green diamond. The Olympian was a chassis-less version of the Tiger Cub, being a joint venture between Leyland Motors and Weymanns. The basic idea was to reduce the vehicle's unladen weight, and thereby increase fuel economy and improve operating costs. In reality, there was relatively little reduction in the unladen weight, and I distinctly recall that the Weymann-bodied Tiger Cubs tipped the scales at 5 tons, 14 cwt; 1 qt; unladen. Although Western Welsh took more Olympians into stock in smaller numbers over the ensuing years, the Tiger Cub adequately satisfied the companies' requirements, and continued to be ordered in quantity right up until 1968.

I didn't know what it was but I thought you might Byron :y

wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 20:03:

splott wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 20:01: Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 19:38: Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 19:27: Gotta be worth trying to Google GAN 707, then GBN 707 etc etc. Hmm, tried it - no luck! :( It actually looks like the middle number is split and the front of the middle letter has fallen to wards the first letter????? :-? :-? I tried all possible combinations, All to no avail. I believe there are a few vintage buses and coaches in Gwalia's yard in Merthyr,  near the old Theatre Royal.

I can recall these, as well as Morlais, Hills and R I Davies.
The latter concern being something of a pioneer in continental operations.

New twist on this bus...............................where is it? ::)
And what they going to do with the building this year?
::)
Come on you BA's :y :y

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/24441.jpg[/img]

splott wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 16:55:

New twist on this bus...............................where is it? ::) And what they going to do with the building this year? ::) Come on you BA's :y :y [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/24441.jpg[/img]

Well, I think I have seen the converted bus that is 'Towing' and the bus at the rear of the main bus is in my opinion an old RVDC bus. The rest of it I am at a loss. My ££££ are on Byron telling us. Is HWO a Newport Registration Number? I had a motorcycle from Newport (Blackwood) and the number on that was EWO177V, so my guess it is in the old Islwyn Borough Council Depot.

In this clip of buses in my area you will see, soon after it starts, a No.51 bus. That bus is the actual one pictured at the start of this thread. Later in the clip you will see a No.58 bus turning to its right. There is a pub behind it, it is called The Three Stags, that is my local.
I live about 1/2 a mile from there, my wife thinks I live at the Stags. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBjpUkH1Uuw

Well, I think I have seen the converted bus that is 'Towing' and the bus at the rear of the main bus is in my opinion an old RVDC bus. The rest of it I am at a loss. My ££££ are on Byron telling us. Is HWO a Newport Registration Number? I had a motorcycle from Newport (Blackwood) and the number on that was EWO177V, so my guess it is in the old Islwyn Borough Council Depot.

I will have to give Sethsmate a chance, Di.
Clue for location......................... near an island.
Ps they have already converted the building, last year. Oooops :-[

splott wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 17:19:

Well, I think I have seen the converted bus that is 'Towing' and the bus at the rear of the main bus is in my opinion an old RVDC bus. The rest of it I am at a loss. My ££££ are on Byron telling us. Is HWO a Newport Registration Number? I had a motorcycle from Newport (Blackwood) and the number on that was EWO177V, so my guess it is in the old Islwyn Borough Council Depot. I will have to give Sethsmate a chance, Di. Clue for location......................... near an island. Ps they have already converted the building, last year. Oooops :-[

Gotta be BARRY then.

wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 17:21:

splott wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 17:19: Well, I think I have seen the converted bus that is 'Towing' and the bus at the rear of the main bus is in my opinion an old RVDC bus. The rest of it I am at a loss. My ££££ are on Byron telling us. Is HWO a Newport Registration Number? I had a motorcycle from Newport (Blackwood) and the number on that was EWO177V, so my guess it is in the old Islwyn Borough Council Depot. I will have to give Sethsmate a chance, Di. Clue for location......................... near an island. Ps they have already converted the building, last year. Oooops :-[ Gotta be BARRY then.

Give that lady a prize :y
There is a link, which I will post soon, explaining :y
What did you think of my home town buses then? 8-) 8-)

splott wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 17:27:

wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 17:21: splott wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 17:19: Well, I think I have seen the converted bus that is 'Towing' and the bus at the rear of the main bus is in my opinion an old RVDC bus. The rest of it I am at a loss. My ££££ are on Byron telling us. Is HWO a Newport Registration Number? I had a motorcycle from Newport (Blackwood) and the number on that was EWO177V, so my guess it is in the old Islwyn Borough Council Depot. I will have to give Sethsmate a chance, Di. Clue for location......................... near an island. Ps they have already converted the building, last year. Oooops :-[ Gotta be BARRY then. Give that lady a prize :y There is a link, which I will post soon, explaining :y What did you think of my home town buses then? 8-) 8-)

I just love buses, no matter which town they are from, but I try and savour the Welsh Bus Circuit. A lot of them bring back memories. I bet Byron cannot remember Tudor Davies's buses from Bedlinog. I remember them on the Deep Navigation and Taff Merthyr colliery runs when I was a saucepan. There is also a story to be told there, but that is for a pm and not for broadcast as it may be a little long winded.

Okay, okay, okay ..........

The location is the former Western Welsh depot at Barry - now a bus museum project.

Centre-stage in the photo is an ex-Red & White 1950 Leyland Tiger PS1 with rare Lydney Coachworks body, which can easily be mistaken for the contemporary Duple A-type offering.

Behind it is a former RVDC Bristol RESL6G with ECW body.

To the right is one of the former National Welsh Leyland Leopards of the 1971 batch which were converted to towing buses, and allocated to most of the depots. I think that the one pictured here had been with 60-60 coaches at Merthyr for a while.

To the left of the R&W PS1 is former Western Welsh 177.
Registered OUH 177G, it was once the sole coach allocated to my home depot at Bridgend.
It's from the 1969 delivery, and is a 36' Leyland Leopard with Plaxton Panorama Elite body, Eaton 2-speed rear axle and no power steering!
I fitted a reconditioned Leyland 0.600 engine into it, prepared it for MoT; and after a successful pass it was immediately withdrawn and sold to Dunvant School in Swansea.
It's presently finished in the fabulous Peacock Blue/Royal Ivory livery as delivered.

wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 17:21:

splott wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 17:19: Well, I think I have seen the converted bus that is 'Towing' and the bus at the rear of the main bus is in my opinion an old RVDC bus. The rest of it I am at a loss. My ££££ are on Byron telling us. Is HWO a Newport Registration Number? I had a motorcycle from Newport (Blackwood) and the number on that was EWO177V, so my guess it is in the old Islwyn Borough Council Depot. I will have to give Sethsmate a chance, Di. Clue for location......................... near an island. Ps they have already converted the building, last year. Oooops :-[ Gotta be BARRY then.

Red & White's head office and Central Workshops were located at Bulwark, Chepstow, which was then in the county of Monmouthshire.
Consequently, it's new buses were registered in that county, and had AX and WO plates.

You mention 'island' .....
By coincidence, there's also a bus museum at Canvey Island in Essex!
Think it's called the Castle Point Transport Museum - or similar.

Seth wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 18:20:

Okay, okay, okay .......... The location is the former Western Welsh depot at Barry - now a bus museum project. Centre-stage in the photo is an ex-Red & White 1950 Leyland Tiger PS1 with rare Lydney Coachworks body, which can easily be mistaken for the contemporary Duple A-type offering. Behind it is a former RVDC Bristol RESL6G with ECW body. To the right is one of the former National Welsh Leyland Leopards of the 1971 batch which were converted to towing buses, and allocated to most of the depots. I think that the one pictured here had been with 60-60 coaches at Merthyr for a while. To the left of the R&W PS1 is former Western Welsh 177. Registered OUH 177G, it was once the sole coach allocated to my home depot at Bridgend. It's from the 1969 delivery, and is a 36' Leyland Leopard with Plaxton Panorama Elite body, Eaton 2-speed rear axle and no power steering! I fitted a reconditioned Leyland 0.600 engine into it, prepared it for MoT; and after a successful pass it was immediately withdrawn and sold to Dunvant School in Swansea. It's presently finished in the fabulous Peacock Blue/Royal Ivory livery as delivered.

I fekking knew I had seen it before.YESSSS :y :y :y :y

Seth wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 18:20:

Okay, okay, okay .......... The location is the former Western Welsh depot at Barry - now a bus museum project. Centre-stage in the photo is an ex-Red & White 1950 Leyland Tiger PS1 with rare Lydney Coachworks body, which can easily be mistaken for the contemporary Duple A-type offering. Behind it is a former RVDC Bristol RESL6G with ECW body. To the right is one of the former National Welsh Leyland Leopards of the 1971 batch which were converted to towing buses, and allocated to most of the depots. I think that the one pictured here had been with 60-60 coaches at Merthyr for a while. To the left of the R&W PS1 is former Western Welsh 177. Registered OUH 177G, it was once the sole coach allocated to my home depot at Bridgend. It's from the 1969 delivery, and is a 36' Leyland Leopard with Plaxton Panorama Elite body, Eaton 2-speed rear axle and no power steering! I fitted a reconditioned Leyland 0.600 engine into it, prepared it for MoT; and after a successful pass it was immediately withdrawn and sold to Dunvant School in Swansea. It's presently finished in the fabulous Peacock Blue/Royal Ivory livery as delivered.

Red & White Leyland Tiger

Preserved Red & White Leyland Tiger with Lydney Coachworks bodywork, HWO323, in the former Western Welsh depot at Barry, South Wales on 14th June 2009. The depot is now being converted to a bus museum by the Cardiff Transport Preservation Group.

Jeeze I was only asking about the Red one!!!! ;) ;)

Did you see the link I posted for my local area? :y

wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 17:21:

splott wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 17:19: Well, I think I have seen the converted bus that is 'Towing' and the bus at the rear of the main bus is in my opinion an old RVDC bus. The rest of it I am at a loss. My ££££ are on Byron telling us. Is HWO a Newport Registration Number? I had a motorcycle from Newport (Blackwood) and the number on that was EWO177V, so my guess it is in the old Islwyn Borough Council Depot. I will have to give Sethsmate a chance, Di. Clue for location......................... near an island. Ps they have already converted the building, last year. Oooops :-[ Gotta be BARRY then.

Only thing at Barry I know if is the famous scrap yard

Yep - Dai Woodham's - long gone now :y

Seth wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 19:01:

Yep - Dai Woodham's - long gone now :y

My late brother bought Swansea Vale No1 from Mr Woodham. It is I believe fully restored on the Gwili Railway.

Seth wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 19:01:

Yep - Dai Woodham's - long gone now :y

Dai Woodham, MBE, BEM I'll have you know. (1919 - 12 September 1994) RIP!!!!!! Good Man

There was also Bill Way's scrapyard at Cardiff Docks.
Many buses ended their days there, though long gone now :y

Seth wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 19:12:

There was also Bill Way's scrapyard at Cardiff Docks. Many buses ended their days there, though long gone now :y

My  ex wifes uncle used to live in Cardiff! In Blackwier, North Rd No 59.http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?sourceid=navclient&oq=blackwier&rlz=1T4ADFA_enGB357GB366&q=blackweir+cardiff&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Blackweir,+Cardiff,+South+Glamorgan&gl=uk&ei=ksGjS7jKJob80wTwheXxCQ&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CAgQ8gEwAA
Which is why I'm interested in your banter for this area :y I know it  well :y

Seth wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 19:12:

There was also Bill Way's scrapyard at Cardiff Docks. Many buses ended their days there, though long gone now :y

When was that in operation? :-/

I wish I had known during my trips to Dia Woodhams yard in the late 70s, early 80s.  I would definately been intrested in seeing a bus scrap yard 8-) 8-) 8-)

Lizzie Zoom wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 19:52:

Seth wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 19:12: There was also Bill Way's scrapyard at Cardiff Docks. Many buses ended their days there, though long gone now :y When was that in operation? :-/ I wish I had known during my trips to Dia Woodhams yard in the late 70s, early 80s.  I would definately been intrested in seeing a bus scrap yard 8-) 8-) 8-)

Certainly up until the late-1970s :y

Seth wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 20:16:

Lizzie Zoom wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 19:52: Seth wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 19:12: There was also Bill Way's scrapyard at Cardiff Docks. Many buses ended their days there, though long gone now :y When was that in operation? :-/ I wish I had known during my trips to Dia Woodhams yard in the late 70s, early 80s.  I would definately been intrested in seeing a bus scrap yard 8-) 8-) 8-) Certainly up until the late-1970s :y

Thanks!  In that case I only just missed them :'( :'(

wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 17:21:

splott wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 17:19: Well, I think I have seen the converted bus that is 'Towing' and the bus at the rear of the main bus is in my opinion an old RVDC bus. The rest of it I am at a loss. My ££££ are on Byron telling us. Is HWO a Newport Registration Number? I had a motorcycle from Newport (Blackwood) and the number on that was EWO177V, so my guess it is in the old Islwyn Borough Council Depot. I will have to give Sethsmate a chance, Di. Clue for location......................... near an island. Ps they have already converted the building, last year. Oooops :-[ Gotta be BARRY then.

Di, here is the link I promised.
I forgot, sorry :-[ :-[
The are many buses on this link but it does go direct to the picture of the bus at Barry :y
http://www.bus-and-coach-photos.com/picture/number2444.asp

Some more to test our resident BA's
Name the bus company.......................................
Ps you are cheating if you go into properties

[url]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/MerthyrTydfil_Buses_HarrisGeorge_Va.jpg[/url]



[url]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/MerthyrVale_HarrisGeorge_SafetyCoac.jpg[/url]

When did they have sunshine in Wales ::) ::)
[url]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/MerthyrVale_HarrisGeorgeCharabancVM.jpg[/url]

Ah a charabanc in the last picture! 8-) 8-) :y

My Home town, I think.  :) :) :)

wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 21:25:

My Home town, I think.  :) :) :)

Your right :y
What is the company name?????? ::) ::) ::)

I was thinking Harris Coaches, but they were from Pengam I think, cannot be Parfitts of Rhymney Bridge, or could it? Harry Evans, New Tredegar. Ernie Snow,
Beats me
Sethsmate will know. :y

wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 22:01:

I was thinking Harris Coaches, but they were from Pengam I think, cannot be Parfitts of Rhymney Bridge, or could it? Harry Evans, New Tredegar. Ernie Snow, Beats me Sethsmate will know. ;) ;) ;) :y

Who needs smethsmate............. close..............Harris  George

What I have always wondered is what happened to all the BUSTLERS that were in the valley's when Council's de-regulated, there were hundreds of em, all Yellow.
Where the hell did they all go? Disappeared overnight. BYRON :-/ :-/ :-/ :-/

wrote on 19. Mar 2010 at 22:09:

What I have always wondered is what happened to all the BUSTLERS that were in the valley's when Council's de-regulated, there were hundreds of em, all Yellow. Where the hell did they all go? Disappeared overnight. BYRON :-/ :-/ :-/ :-/

Thankfully, most went when the National Welsh empire collapsed spectacularly and went into receivership early in 1992.

Those that survived didn't seem to last long with their successive owners either.
The Freight Rover Sherpas were simply not man enough for the job, and the Transits and Ivecos faired little better.

I was assigned as 'Flying Tail End Charlie' one dismal Sunday in 1990.
The task in hand was to get 10 D-reg 16 seaters in convoy to Carlyle in Birmingham as part-exchanges for 10 brand-new 20-seaters. Fine in theory, but so was Hitler's plan to invade Poland!

That's a story for another day, though I will add that the patience of one West Mercia traffic officer was severly tested.
Another time possibly .......... :-X :-X

This very nostalgic thread has reminded me to get my picture out of the 1958 Duple 56 seater coach I once part owned and get it transferred to electronic form.

I will then post it Sethsmate next week as I once promised you many moons ago! ::) ::) ;) ;)

Is HWO a Newport Registration Number?
I will have to give Sethsmate a chance, Di.


'WO' (and 'AX') were Monmouthshire. Newport was 'DW'.

Lizzie Zoom wrote on 20. Mar 2010 at 20:05:

This very nostalgic thread has reminded me to get my picture out of the 1958 Duple 56 seater coach I once part owned and get it transferred to electronic form. I will then post it Sethsmate next week as I once promised you many moons ago! ::) ::) ;) ;)

Okay Lizzie, do the biz, and I'll eagerly anticipate receipt. :y

changing the subject ever so slightly, this thread about buses has made me a senior member. Its thanks to you Bus anoraks.
I have also become a BA aswell. ;D ;D ;D :y :y :y

splott wrote on 20. Mar 2010 at 21:07:

changing the subject ever so slightly, this thread about buses has made me a senior member. Its thanks to you Bus anoraks. I have also become a BA aswell. ;D ;D ;D :y :y :y

Indeed, 'tis said that every cloud has a silver lining! :y

Here are two more for you guys to come up with some interesting information.


Where and what is the building behind, is it actually the Barry Hotel???? :-? :-? :y
What type of buses????? :-? :-? :y
[url]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img123.jpg[/url]

Same type of bus,I think, but again where?  :-? :-? :y
[url]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img124.jpg[/url]


By the way I know what buses they are but I haven't got a clue where the pictures were taken or thier history  :-/ :-/ :y

The top photo shows 1956 Leyland Tiger Cub 475 in 'as delivered' condition at Cardiff Central Bus Station.
It's from a batch of around a dozen, but with Willowbrook bodies, and finished to 'dual-purpose' spec (coach-seated buses).

Allocated to Barry, (black diamond), it's blinded-up for the then 15-minute headway 'bottom road' (via Dinas Powys) service. Not long after, it was re-numbered as 1475, and re-liveried into 'true' dual-purpose livery similar to 489 pictured below.

The building under construction in the background was to be Western Welsh's head office, until extensions to the Central Works and offices at Ely were completed a few years later.
This entire office block was demolished in 2009, in readiness for a major bus station make-over.



The bottom shot is of 489, (later re-numbered 1489), and my guess is that it's on a Day Tour duty to somewhere on Gower.

The bus is another of the chassisless Leyland Olympians, with Weymann dual-purpose body, and one of around a dozen delivered in 1958.

Take note that DPs had the company crest affixed centrally on the body sides with no WW fleetnames.
The livery being wine red and royal ivory at this time. This batch was the first to incorporate route number blinds within the destination display.

Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 12:44:

But tell me this.................. Regarding the system of coloured diamonds that are on the buses above the fleet numbers. How many colours and depots were in the Western Welsh empire! Gotchya, ;) I've done my homework on this  :y If we take the mid-1960s, (just before I started working for WW), there were some 20 depots situated across a large swathe of southern Wales. The total fleet strength was around 560 buses. If you drew an imaginary line from Aberystwyth to Hereford, then another line south to Newport, then the area bounded by it was Western Welsh territory. The only exclusion was Swansea and the Gower peninsular - this area was the preserve of the South Wales Transport and United Welsh concerns. A system of coloured diamonds was used to denote the area to which a bus was allocated thus: Green: Carmarthen, Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Newcastle Emlyn, New Quay, St David's. Blue: Bridgend, Kenfig Hill, Port Talbot. Red: Aberdare, Ammanford, Neath. Grey: Cross Keys, Cwmbran, Pontypool. Black: Barry. White: Brecon. Orange: Cardiff (Penarth Road). Interestingly, the coach fleet never carried the coloured diamonds, and was generally based at the Head Office & Central Workshops at Cardiff (Ely). Western Welsh was keen to support a thriving staff sports & social scene. Accordingly, Bridgend's rugby team was fielded in a blue strip, with Haverfordwest's similarly in green, and so on.

Research suggests that I needed to make a correction as now shown above.
Ammanford's buses carried a RED diamond, as the 'parent' depot was in fact Neath, and not Carmarthen as I originally assumed.

:-/ :-/ :-/ :-/

Seth wrote on 21. Mar 2010 at 20:56:

Seth wrote on 18. Mar 2010 at 12:44: But tell me this.................. Regarding the system of coloured diamonds that are on the buses above the fleet numbers. How many colours and depots were in the Western Welsh empire! Gotchya, ;) I've done my homework on this  :y If we take the mid-1960s, (just before I started working for WW), there were some 20 depots situated across a large swathe of southern Wales. The total fleet strength was around 560 buses. If you drew an imaginary line from Aberystwyth to Hereford, then another line south to Newport, then the area bounded by it was Western Welsh territory. The only exclusion was Swansea and the Gower peninsular - this area was the preserve of the South Wales Transport and United Welsh concerns. A system of coloured diamonds was used to denote the area to which a bus was allocated thus: Green: Carmarthen, Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Newcastle Emlyn, New Quay, St David's. Blue: Bridgend, Kenfig Hill, Port Talbot. Red: Aberdare, Ammanford, Neath. Grey: Cross Keys, Cwmbran, Pontypool. Black: Barry. White: Brecon. Orange: Cardiff (Penarth Road). Interestingly, the coach fleet never carried the coloured diamonds, and was generally based at the Head Office & Central Workshops at Cardiff (Ely). Western Welsh was keen to support a thriving staff sports & social scene. Accordingly, Bridgend's rugby team was fielded in a blue strip, with Haverfordwest's similarly in green, and so on.   Research suggests that I needed to make a correction as now shown above. Ammanford's buses carried a RED diamond, as the 'parent' depot was in fact Neath, and not Carmarthen as I originally assumed. :-/ :-/ :-/ :-/

Your slipping young Sir ;) ;) ;)

Here is another quiz for you Welsh Western fanatics. See if you BAs can get this one...........................

What is the location for each bus.
Why do they have a different body style.
Do they have a clippie or are they a one-man operation and if one-man, when did it  come into force?


Bus  1
[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img125.jpg[/img]

Bus 2

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img126.jpg[/img]

No prize, but you might have to buy me a pint at Welland :y :y :y :y

He will know :y Do you think you will stump him.... :D :D
Keep it going though, I find it interesting, but not driven any bus older than 1963..... :D :D

Vamps wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:08:

He will know :y Do you think you will stump him.... :D :D Keep it going though, I find it interesting, but not driven any bus older than 1963..... :D :D

He made a little mistake on the diamonds question. Almost had him ;) ;) ;)

splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:21:

Vamps wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:08: He will know :y Do you think you will stump him.... :D :D Keep it going though, I find it interesting, but not driven any bus older than 1963..... :D :D He made a little mistake on the diamonds question. Almost had him ;) ;) ;)

Yes, but he corrected himself, can't knock a chap for that..... :D ;) :D

Vamps wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:24:

splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:21: Vamps wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:08: He will know :y Do you think you will stump him.... :D :D Keep it going though, I find it interesting, but not driven any bus older than 1963..... :D :D He made a little mistake on the diamonds question. Almost had him ;) ;) ;) Yes, but he corrected himself, can't knock a chap for that..... :D ;) :D

I know............ the bast**d ;) ;)
He will struggle with the last one I posted ;D ;D

splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:28:

Vamps wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:24: splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:21: Vamps wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:08: He will know :y Do you think you will stump him.... :D :D Keep it going though, I find it interesting, but not driven any bus older than 1963..... :D :D He made a little mistake on the diamonds question. Almost had him ;) ;) ;) Yes, but he corrected himself, can't knock a chap for that..... :D ;) :D I know............ the bast**d ;) ;) He will struggle with the last one I posted ;D ;D

We will see ;D Mind you they look like the same body to me, the only difference being some form of sign / flap on the front and side.  :-/ :-/

The top photo is of Leyland Tiger Cub 1245 - one of a batch of 24 delivered in 1959, and wearing 'as delivered' livery.

It has a Park Royal 43-seat body of the newly-introduced BET Federation style, and were the first WW buses to enter service equipped for one-man operation. I reckon that the location is Brecon Square, and being a Brecon-allocated vehicle would've sported a grey diamond.

These were delightful buses to drive, with beautifully light steering, (no PAS in those days), and also had Eaton 2-speed rear axles. When I joined the company, four of this batch were still in all-day service at 15 years old, beings nos 1243, 1252, 1253 and 1260. They were especially popular with our drivers on the intense Bridgend town services.
Bridgend also had 1249 on shed, which wore an all-yellow livery and had been converted for towing duties at Ely Works in the early '70s.





The lower shot was definately taken on Broad Street, Barry sometime in the early '60s.

Barry-allocated 1495 was working one of the cross-town services, and the route number should've displayed '349'. It was one of around six similar buses delivered in 1959, and again of the ubiquitous Tiger Cub/Park Royal combination. This batch were sumptuously-appointed 41-seat dual-purpose vehicles, with amazingly-comfortable suede-covered seats. It should have displayed a black diamond.

Vamps wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:59:

splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:28: Vamps wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:24: splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:21: Vamps wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 00:08: He will know :y Do you think you will stump him.... :D :D Keep it going though, I find it interesting, but not driven any bus older than 1963..... :D :D He made a little mistake on the diamonds question. Almost had him ;) ;) ;) Yes, but he corrected himself, can't knock a chap for that..... :D ;) :D I know............ the bast**d ;) ;) He will struggle with the last one I posted ;D ;D We will see ;D Mind you they look like the same body to me, the only difference being some form of sign / flap on the front and side.  :-/ :-/

Yep, it was an illuminated sign which said: "Pay as you enter - please tender exact fare"
Obviously, if a conductor was on board, the flap was fastened shut to hide the sign!

:y

By the way, at this point in time, all Western Welsh vehicles fitted with route number blinds, sported yellow-coloured numerals on a black blind. Destination blinds were the customary white characters on black backgrounds.

8-)

Does the old man remember Tudor Davies from Bedlinog? He owned a few buses, and also Keith Brown. I believe that Keith Brown took over Traction Yard after the demise of Morlais Coaches.
I bet he is stumped on these.

I remember Morlais, and the 'Traction Yard' address certainly rings a bell.
Unfortunately, that's about it regarding these two ......
:-/

Now, if we were to get more WW Tiger Cubs posted-up, then I'd probably be able to quote chapter and verse - well, probably!

8-)

Seth wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 16:29:

I remember Morlais, and the 'Traction Yard' address certainly rings a bell. Unfortunately, that's about it regarding these two ...... :-/ Now, if we were to get more WW Tiger Cubs posted-up, then I'd probably be able to quote chapter and verse - well, probably! 8-)

There you go, Morlais Coaches................
[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/3084938063_e1bb0788df1.jpg[/img]
[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/2292222040_65c58251661.jpg[/img]
[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/2264918209_459413f7b9_b1.jpg[/img]
[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/2258416051_77794f15c7_b1.jpg[/img]

The second picture from the top look very aerodynamic... NOT.
Way before my time, but I remember them well, Yellow and White/Cream livery if I remember them correctly.
Keith Brown took over the yard when the went bust, Then Allen's Builders Merchants, and now there is amongst other things a Cafe and a Pine furniture store there.
Ahhh memories.

F*ckin ell. You wait ages for a reply to your bus thread and then 181 come along.

The top photo is definately a Plaxton 'Embassy'- bodied Bedford SB.
These simple vehicles were the mainstay of many independents' fleets, basically derived from the 'TK' truck chassis, and with many common parts.

Next is a Rowe 'Hillmaster'.
Rowe was a small (Cornish?) concern who made a brief foray into PSVs.

FWO 634 is, I reckon, a former Red & White Albion with Lydney Coachworks body, reminiscent of the contemporary Duple 'A-type' offering.

I'm pretty sure that the bottom shot is of a former Southdown Leyland PS Tiger half-cab rebuild.
The rebuilding involved lengthening to 30' and rebodying - all work being done by Beadle of Dartford.



Morlais Services eh? - c'mon Mr Splott, let's have a final fling of Western Welsh Tiger Cubs!
:y

Mr Splott, find us the following if you can......


Evans Of New Tredegar
Parfitts of Rhymney Bridge
60 60 Merthyr

Best I could do on short notice :'(

Evans of New Tredegar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7FuouIezOw

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/1637625170_02b080c15d1.jpg[/img]

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/3177118959_18df3210af1.jpg[/img]


Mofitts
[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/2098348160_ce6cf454001.jpg[/img]

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/3335052989_a4ba2e69b81.jpg[/img]

Couldn't get 60 60, all modern buses. They didn't start up until 1978! :y


Nice picture of some buses
[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/2836506877_6517ac5cde1.jpg[/img]

Here's another tester for the old man.
East Glam Motor's Nelson. Owned by a guy called Glyn Rees from Ystrad Mynach I believe.
And the pics of them old Evans Buses, I used to travel to school with them in my Afon Taf days. Always had a coach, can never remember them using a bus on our school run.
Thanks. :y :y

Beat you to it Splott

http://www.flickr.com/photos/34239514@N07/4206917124/
I can remember that coach well.
A good friend of mine, sadly now deceased Alfie Davies was mechanic for them.
Good Old Days. :y

wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 22:52:

Here's another tester for the old man. East Glam Motor's Nelson. Owned by a guy called Glyn Rees from Ystrad Mynach I believe. And the pics of them old Evans Buses, I used to travel to school with them in my Afon Taf days. Always had a coach, can never remember them using a bus on our school run. Thanks. :y :y

There you go Di
East Glamorgan Motors bus.................. best I could find :y
[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/4206917124_8976ed193c1.jpg[/img]

If I am correct the third still down is atop Hanbury Square Bargoed, and I was actually stood on that spot just over a year ago. Just above Bargoed Bus Station.
Used to be a Cinema there years ago called The Hanbury but I think it is a Bingo Hall nowadays.

splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:05:

wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 22:52: Here's another tester for the old man. East Glam Motor's Nelson. Owned by a guy called Glyn Rees from Ystrad Mynach I believe. And the pics of them old Evans Buses, I used to travel to school with them in my Afon Taf days. Always had a coach, can never remember them using a bus on our school run. Thanks. :y :y There you go DiEast Glamorgan Motors bus.................. best I could find :y [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/4206917124_8976ed193c1.jpg[/img]

Look at the link before, I had already posted that pic, sorry mate, you were to slow on that one, Brownie points for me off the old man.

splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 19:57:

Seth wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 16:29: I remember Morlais, and the 'Traction Yard' address certainly rings a bell. Unfortunately, that's about it regarding these two ...... :-/ Now, if we were to get more WW Tiger Cubs posted-up, then I'd probably be able to quote chapter and verse - well, probably! 8-) There you go, Morlais Coaches................ [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/3084938063_e1bb0788df1.jpg[/img] [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/2292222040_65c58251661.jpg[/img] [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/2264918209_459413f7b9_b1.jpg[/img] [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/2258416051_77794f15c7_b1.jpg[/img]

That old Plaxton bodied Coach is like the one I passed my test on........ :D :D

wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:09:

splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:05: wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 22:52: Here's another tester for the old man. East Glam Motor's Nelson. Owned by a guy called Glyn Rees from Ystrad Mynach I believe. And the pics of them old Evans Buses, I used to travel to school with them in my Afon Taf days. Always had a coach, can never remember them using a bus on our school run. Thanks. :y :y There you go DiEast Glamorgan Motors bus.................. best I could find :y [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/4206917124_8976ed193c1.jpg[/img] Look at the link before, I had already posted that pic, sorry mate, you were to slow on that one, Brownie points for me off the old man.

Good one Di :y
You see the reason for being slow is that I am collecting/saving all these pics I find for you guys. When this thread dies I will e-mail them to you and Byron and anyone else if interested. :y

splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:16:

wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:09: splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:05: wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 22:52: Here's another tester for the old man. East Glam Motor's Nelson. Owned by a guy called Glyn Rees from Ystrad Mynach I believe. And the pics of them old Evans Buses, I used to travel to school with them in my Afon Taf days. Always had a coach, can never remember them using a bus on our school run. Thanks. :y :y There you go DiEast Glamorgan Motors bus.................. best I could find :y [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/4206917124_8976ed193c1.jpg[/img] Look at the link before, I had already posted that pic, sorry mate, you were to slow on that one, Brownie points for me off the old man. Good one Di :y You see the reason for being slow is that I am collecting/saving all these pics I find for you guys. When this thread dies I will e-mail them to you and Byron and anyone else if interested. :y

This thread will NEVER die my friend, too many BA's here to let that happen.

splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:05:

wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 22:52: Here's another tester for the old man. East Glam Motor's Nelson. Owned by a guy called Glyn Rees from Ystrad Mynach I believe. And the pics of them old Evans Buses, I used to travel to school with them in my Afon Taf days. Always had a coach, can never remember them using a bus on our school run. Thanks. :y :y There you go Di East Glamorgan Motors bus.................. best I could find :y [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/4206917124_8976ed193c1.jpg[/img]

A 1972 Bedford YRQ with Plaxton 'Elite Express 2' body to Bus Grant spec.

The YRQ was Bedford's attempt at an assault on the underfloor engine layout, and featured their own '466' engine vertically-mounted amidships, and driving thro' a Turner 5-speed all-synchromesh gearbox. They also had air-assisted hydraulic brakes, and you needed to really keep on top of them maintenance-wise. These were indeed lightweights, and were very popular with the independent sector, probably due to low initial purchase costs, (compared to the likes of the contemporary heavyweights like AEC and Leyland), plus good availability of spare parts. Economical on fuel too, but no power steering.

The later YMQ model was a great improvement, with the '500' engine, power steering and full air brakes.

I've quite a soft spot for these, but would rather some more WW Tiger Cub photos - c'mon Mr Splott!
:y

wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:19:

splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:16: wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:09: splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:05: wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 22:52: Here's another tester for the old man. East Glam Motor's Nelson. Owned by a guy called Glyn Rees from Ystrad Mynach I believe. And the pics of them old Evans Buses, I used to travel to school with them in my Afon Taf days. Always had a coach, can never remember them using a bus on our school run. Thanks. :y :y There you go DiEast Glamorgan Motors bus.................. best I could find :y [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/4206917124_8976ed193c1.jpg[/img] Look at the link before, I had already posted that pic, sorry mate, you were to slow on that one, Brownie points for me off the old man. Good one Di :y You see the reason for being slow is that I am collecting/saving all these pics I find for you guys. When this thread dies I will e-mail them to you and Byron and anyone else if interested. :y This thread will NEVER die my friend, too many BA's here to let that happen.

:-? :question :question

Vamps wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:22:

wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:19: splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:16: wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:09: splott wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 23:05: wrote on 22. Mar 2010 at 22:52: Here's another tester for the old man. East Glam Motor's Nelson. Owned by a guy called Glyn Rees from Ystrad Mynach I believe. And the pics of them old Evans Buses, I used to travel to school with them in my Afon Taf days. Always had a coach, can never remember them using a bus on our school run. Thanks. :y :y There you go DiEast Glamorgan Motors bus.................. best I could find :y [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/4206917124_8976ed193c1.jpg[/img] Look at the link before, I had already posted that pic, sorry mate, you were to slow on that one, Brownie points for me off the old man. Good one Di :y You see the reason for being slow is that I am collecting/saving all these pics I find for you guys. When this thread dies I will e-mail them to you and Byron and anyone else if interested. :y This thread will NEVER die my friend, too many [highlight]BA's [/highlight]here to let that happen. :-? :question :question

BA's Bus Anoraks my friend.

The Evans/Parfitts photos:
Top is a former Cumberland Motor Services Bristol RELL6G with ECW body.

Next down is a former West Yorkshire Road Car Co RE/ECW - again Gardner powered.

Third is a former Rhymney Valley (shorter) RESL6G/ECW combination of Parfitts in Bargoed.

Last, a former Bristol Omnibus Co/Badgerline RELL6L/ECW - this time with a Leyland 0.680 motor.



C'mon Splotty, I need my 'fix' of WW Tiger Cubs mate!
:'( :'( :'(

Hope it doesn't, its very interesting, but the offer still stands for you BAs. If you want copies I will e-mail them to you or anyone else that wants them. Some are high quality and would make a good picture or a wallpaper for your PC :y
As you can imagine I have a fair few now 8-) 8-)

Q: What was different about the post1963 Tiger Cubs?
Q: What's the later body style from 1964 onwards?
Q: Which buses carried the blue/white livery?
Clues below.............................................. :y


[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img133.jpg[/img]


[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img134.jpg[/img]


[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img135.jpg[/img]


[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img136.jpg[/img]


[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img137.jpg[/img]

Right 'en you lot - listen up ......

From 1963 onwards, Leyland Motors uprated the Tiger Cub chassis by fitting the roundly 6.5 litre 0.401 'Power Plus' engine. Gone was the sturdy 0.350 unit, and Western Welsh were not surprisingly early recipients of this revamped model. By 1968, when the final Tiger Cub arrived, the Company had taken a further 115 examples, variously bodied, into stock. A new fleet-numbering series was implemented in the 13xx series for them.

However, the 0.401 engine, whilst certainly a reasonable performer, was not without it's problems in this application. We soon had head gasket failures and piston seizures galore, and this scribe could overhaul one with his eyes shut - literally!
The unit was though, a wonderfully-logical piece of engineering for a humble apprentice to cut his teeth on.



Now to the photos:

The top one is of 1307 laying-over at Aberdare Low Level Station Yard, that town's (then) terminus that was shared with the Red & White concern.
The body was by Marshall of Cambridge, of rather spartan appearance, and one of nine delivered in 1963 carrying fleet numbers 1300-1308. This order was the last of the curved-rear BET-style bodies for WW. It's blinded-up for one of the trunk routes down along the Neath Valley to that town - operation of it being shared between Aberdare and Neath depots.
1307 would've therefore carried a red diamond.


1964 saw the arrival of 25 Tiger Cubs with Willowbrook bodies, of the ultimate BET Federation style. The observant will notice that white-coloured window rubbers were in fashion at this time.
Fleet numbers were 1309-1333.
1316 is seen at Cardiff Central Bus Station about to set off for distant Varteg Hill, way up in the Eastern Valleys of Monmouthshire.
Being based at Cwmbran, a grey diamond would have been carried.


The third shot sees 1366, the first WW bus that I ever (legally?) drove on the open road, and one of the 1966 order for 14 Tiger Cubs with fleet numbers 1361-1374.
Bodied by Park Royal to the same style, these featured an (unsuccessful) heating/ventilation system, witnessed by the lack of sliding windows.
Seen here arriving at Newport town centre from Varteg Hill, 1366 was another grey diamond Cwmbran bus.


The fourth view is of 1407 swinging into Bridgend depot off a colliery service.
It's one of the final batch of 20 Tiger Cubs that arrived in 1968 with Marshall bodies, and fleet numbers 1395-1414.
Being a Bridgend-allocated bus, 1407 carried a blue diamond.


The last photo sees 1346 (DBO 346C) heading west through Ely in Cardiff on the 301 limited-stop service to Carmarthen.
It's one of the 27-bus 1965 intake bodied by Park Royal with fleet numbers 1334-1360. Around 10 were finished to DP spec and accordingly wore the fabulous Peacock Blue/Royal Ivory livery then in vogue.
Being a Cardiff (Penarth Road) bus, 1346 had an orange diamond.

The 0.401-powered Tiger Cubs weren't entirely successful on these lengthy services either, and a policy-change was soon to see some rather special replacements arrive for these duties. They were to leave a lasting impression on a youthful Sethsmate!


All will be revealed here in due course .........
;)

 

Where are these Diamonds, I never seen them, or cannot see them?
I wanna know where Byron is getting his info from, cannot possibly all be in the head, can it? Well, maybe it can, he is after all from Maesteg, and we all know what Maesteg boys are good for, don't we Mrs Sethsmate?
I think we should leave Tiger Cubs for now and go forward in time to say middle 60's, are you listening Splott old mate?
Some Bristols of that era would be nice.
What was the bus that 60 60 used for Towing, I know a bloody Tiger Cub >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
I am also sure 60 60 had a Scammell Lorry for towing as well, and I think that has been donated to a museum in Barry.
Gareth Handy getting generous in his old age.

wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 14:26:

Where are these Diamonds, I never seen them, or cannot see them? I wanna know where Byron is getting his info from, cannot possibly all be in the head, can it? Well, maybe it can, he is after all from Maesteg, and we all know what Maesteg boys are good for, don't we Mrs Sethsmate? I think we should leave Tiger Cubs for now and go forward in time to say middle 60's, are you listening Splott old mate? Some Bristols of that era would be nice. What was the bus that 60 60 used for Towing, I know a bloody Tiger Cub >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( I am also sure 60 60 had a Scammell Lorry for towing as well, and I think that has been donated to a museum in Barry. Gareth Handy getting generous in his old age.

They're coloured transfers that are affixed above the fleet numbers.
The shot of Tiger Cub 1316 at Cardiff clearly shows it.

Click and read: http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1268424850/165#165:

Simples :y   

wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 14:26:

Where are these Diamonds, I never seen them, or cannot see them? I wanna know where Byron is getting his info from, cannot possibly all be in the head, can it? Well, maybe it can, he is after all from Maesteg, and we all know what Maesteg boys are good for, don't we Mrs Sethsmate? I think we should leave Tiger Cubs for now and go forward in time to say middle 60's, are you listening Splott old mate? Some Bristols of that era would be nice. What was the bus that 60 60 used for Towing, I know a bloody Tiger Cub >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( I am also sure 60 60 had a Scammell Lorry for towing as well, and I think that has been donated to a museum in Barry. Gareth Handy getting generous in his old age.

There you go Di
A Fine Pair Of Bristols.......................if didn't say it someone else would ::) ::)

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/2825241957_6495628a801.jpg[/img]

Ahhhh, the biggest pair of Bristols I ever did see :o :o :o :o
I think that is Cardiff Central.
Where is the old man today, gone fishing no doubt.
Swear he just had major surgery or summat.

wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 14:26:

Where are these Diamonds, I never seen them, or cannot see them? I wanna know where Byron is getting his info from, cannot possibly all be in the head, can it? Well, maybe it can, he is after all from Maesteg, and we all know what Maesteg boys are good for, don't we Mrs Sethsmate? I think we should leave Tiger Cubs for now and go forward in time to say middle 60's, are you listening Splott old mate? Some Bristols of that era would be nice. What was the bus that 60 60 used for Towing, I know a bloody Tiger Cub >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( I am also sure 60 60 had a Scammell Lorry for towing as well, and I think that has been donated to a museum in Barry. Gareth Handy getting generous in his old age.

You'd be surprised at what's in this fair head missus!
Remember, I spent the best part of 20 happy years working for WW.
;)

The towing-bus which came from 60-60 was actually a Leyland Leopard, this time with Willowbrook 10-metre bodies, and one of 30 delivered in 1971.
I'll do the homework on these very soon, but'll have a nice word with our man on the Wirral to stick up the Tiger Cub replacements, so as to keep some continuity here. Be patient folks!
:y

Seth wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 14:52:

wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 14:26: Where are these Diamonds, I never seen them, or cannot see them? I wanna know where Byron is getting his info from, cannot possibly all be in the head, can it? Well, maybe it can, he is after all from Maesteg, and we all know what Maesteg boys are good for, don't we Mrs Sethsmate? I think we should leave Tiger Cubs for now and go forward in time to say middle 60's, are you listening Splott old mate? Some Bristols of that era would be nice. What was the bus that 60 60 used for Towing, I know a bloody Tiger Cub >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( I am also sure 60 60 had a Scammell Lorry for towing as well, and I think that has been donated to a museum in Barry. Gareth Handy getting generous in his old age. You'd be surprised at what's in this fair head missus! Remember, I spent the best part of 20 happy years working for WW. ;) The towing-bus which came from 60-60 was actually a Leyland Leopard, this time with Willowbrook 10-metre bodies, and one of 30 delivered in 1971. I'll do the homework on these very soon, but'll have a nice word with our man on the Wirral to stick up the Tiger Cub replacements, so as to keep some continuity here. Be patient folks! :y

There you go............................right again  :y

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/tkg518j1.jpg[/img]

Former Western Welsh short PSU4 Leyland Leopard 1518 has had its Willowbrook bodywork severely modified into a recovery tender. It is seen in Cardiff at the Centenary Rally in service with local operator Sixty Sixty.
 

splott wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 14:44:

wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 14:26: Where are these Diamonds, I never seen them, or cannot see them? I wanna know where Byron is getting his info from, cannot possibly all be in the head, can it? Well, maybe it can, he is after all from Maesteg, and we all know what Maesteg boys are good for, don't we Mrs Sethsmate? I think we should leave Tiger Cubs for now and go forward in time to say middle 60's, are you listening Splott old mate? Some Bristols of that era would be nice. What was the bus that 60 60 used for Towing, I know a bloody Tiger Cub >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( I am also sure 60 60 had a Scammell Lorry for towing as well, and I think that has been donated to a museum in Barry. Gareth Handy getting generous in his old age. There you go Di A Fine Pair Of Bristols.......................if didn't say it someone else would ::) ::) [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/2825241957_6495628a801.jpg[/img]

During the late '60's these were Red & White's flagship coaches, and passed to National Welsh with the merging of Red & White, Western Welsh, and Jones of Aberbeeg.
The first batch arrived in 1966, with Gardner 6HLX engines and manual transmissions.

The subjects of this photo were from two batches of 11 delivered in each of 1968/9, being registered OAX 1-11F and SAX 1-11G respectively.
These were a vast improvement on the 1966 batch, and featured 9.8 litre Leyland 0.600 engines horizontally-mounted on the rear overhang, and remotely-mounted semi-automatic transmission. Drive was via a fluid flywheel and cardan shafts to a drop-centre rear axle.
They were extremely lively performers, and capable of cruising at well over 70mph. (Confirmed by young Sethsmate who achieved a tad over 90mph early one sunny Sunday morning on the M4 in SAX 8G!)

The duo pictured here had been down-graded to 'dual-purpose' roles, evidenced by the half-red half-white livery. 

Tiger cub Successor Supplied by Sethsmate......... [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img138.jpg[/img]

splott wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 17:27:

Tiger cub Successor Supplied by Sethsmate......... [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img138.jpg[/img]

1967/8 saw the arrival of 15 of these fine machines, which were a vast improvement generally over the Tiger Cubs.
As previously mentioned, they left a lasting impression on the youthful Sethsmate!

Carrying fleet numbers 201-215, and registered KKG 201-5E, and KKG 206-15F, here we see 204 on it's arrival at Cardiff from distant Carmarthen, in 'as delivered' condition, featuring the fabulous Peacock Blue/Royal Ivory 'DP' livery.

They were 30' AEC Reliances with the newly-introduced 8.2 litre AH505 engine. It was the 154 BHP version set at 2400rpm max. AEC's robust 5-speed synchromesh 'box and 4.7:1 diff ratio was specified. A superb full-air braking system also featured.
The body was by Marshalls of Cambridge to the customary BET Federation design, and featured 41 coach-type seats and a rear luggage locker. They were equipped for one-man operation from new.

Popular with the staff, they were equally at home whether utilized on stop-start urban work, or longer-distance express duties. They soon became regular performers on the limited-stop 301 service, which linked the Capital with West Wales on an hourly frequency 7 days a week, and rapidly accumulated colossal mileages. The free-revving and lively '505' ensured no time-keeping problems in service, and this scribe can testify that 20 minutes could easily be clipped-off the last journey from Cardiff to Neath of an evening!
The Reliance would indeed run rings around a Tiger Cub.

Under National Bus Company re-organisation in the early '70s, the entire batch of 15 were transferred to South Wales Transport's Neath depot, where they continued as the mainstays on the 'Cardiff road' for some years.

As my former Chief Engineer once said: "A 505-engined Reliance was about as good as you got!"
I totally agree! :y

Comments please from the BA guru (honours)

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/swt345x128haverfordwest1.jpg[/img]

Ex Western Welsh Leyland Tiger Cub/Marshall no 345 & former Neath & Cardiff no 128, an AEC Reliance/Duple coach. Seen at Haverfordwest in 1975.

Here is a red AEC reliance................................ :y
Why's that, I thought they were supposed to be blue :-/ [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/wkg2841.jpg[/img]

splott wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 19:39:

Here is a red AEC reliance................................ :y Why's that, I thought they were supposed to be blue :-/ [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/wkg2841.jpg[/img]

I would never have known that was red. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D : :y

wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 19:41:

splott wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 19:39: Here is a red AEC reliance................................ :y Why's that, I thought they were supposed to be blue :-/ [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/wkg2841.jpg[/img] I would never have known that was red. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D : :y

What else do you call it :-/ :-/
Could word this better......................
Byrons is blue and mines red :-/ :-/ :-/ why's that?

Byron only had blue paint at the time.
That is a good question.
I cannot wait for the answer. :y

splott wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 19:39:

Here is a red AEC reliance................................ :y Why's that, I thought they were supposed to be blue :-/ [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/wkg2841.jpg[/img]

The Peacock Blue/Royal Ivory livery was introduced around 1964-ish.
As far as I'm aware, 284 shown here was the only one of this batch of 12 that never received that livery, and is in the second-version Wine Red/Royal Ivory livery.

Numbered 276-287, these were powered by the AH470 engine, and were dogged with head-gasket and overheating problems throughout their lives. However, they sounded sweet, and performed well when cool.

As a former preservationist, I'm saying no more about 284 (sore point mate).
Help SHOULD be reciprocal .............. eh!

:y

splott wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 19:33:

Comments please from the BA guru (honours) [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/swt345x128haverfordwest1.jpg[/img] Ex Western Welsh Leyland Tiger Cub/Marshall no 345 & former Neath & Cardiff no 128, an AEC Reliance/Duple coach. Seen at Haverfordwest in 1975.

Upon the NBC's reorganisation around 1970/1, Haverfordwest depot was transferred to South Wales Transport. Accordingly, many former WW vehicles stayed in West Wales, including 345 and the Tiger Cub to it's left. 345 later adorned an all-yellow livery, and became that depot's towing bus. It's number plate was later transferred to one of SWT's trio of Neoplan double-deck coaches in the mid-1980's.

128, the former N&C Reliance on the right, must've been a right pain to use on service work though.
I'm not really a fan of Duple coachwork, and these would have been a right handful!
:'(

Found another red one can't find a blue one.......... :'(

Where was this picture taken :y

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/reliancef_kkg214f_pt_1.jpg[/img]

splott wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 20:10:

Found another red one can't find a blue one.......... :'( Where was this picture taken :y [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/reliancef_kkg214f_pt_1.jpg[/img]

The location is Port Talbot bus station, which remains in use to this day.

The main subject is one of my favourite 30' Reliances, though by now allocated to Port Talbot. It's been demoted to 'bus' livery at this point, though would have been at home on local duties.

In the background is one of the large intake of Willowbrook-bodied Ford R1014s, and a Leyland National is seen climbing the flyover, probably heading for Neath or Ammanford.
:y

Yes, it was Port Talbot :y

Found a Blue one..........................bet you don't know where it is though............................ :y [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/1337.jpg[/img]

Di, I have finally fond some pictures of some 60 60 coaches.................................................. :y
[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/SixtySixty004.jpg[/img]
Two coaches now withdrawn from service are GUI 6060 (now reunited with its   
original registration C518WBF) Leyland Tiger with Duple body and DAF / Caetano   
NIW6506. The Tiger was the last new coach purchased by Midland Red North.


copyright Glyn Bowen

splott wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 21:56:

Di, I have finally fond some pictures of some 60 60 coaches.................................................. :y [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/SixtySixty004.jpg[/img] Two coaches now withdrawn from service are GUI 6060 (now reunited with its    original registration C518WBF) Leyland Tiger with Duple body and DAF / Caetano    NIW6506. The Tiger was the last new coach purchased by Midland Red North. copyright Glyn Bowen

I know Glyn Very well, he was the licensing officer for MTCBC until about 5 years ago, his retirement, but still see him driving buses today for a voluntary group.
And, thanks for the pictures.
D.

Di
Here is the link to the pictures...............................
http://groups.google.com/group/welsh-bus-photographs/browse_thread/thread/74908e156fc0c7d1/2107c3f98b25c8f2?lnk=gst&q=60+60+coaches+merthyr#
Go to 'home', the site is dedicated to Welsh Buses ;) ;)

splott wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 22:09:

Di Here is the link to the pictures............................... http://groups.google.com/group/welsh-bus-photographs/browse_thread/thread/74908e156fc0c7d1/2107c3f98b25c8f2?lnk=gst&q=60+60+coaches+merthyr# Go to 'home', the site is dedicated to Welsh Buses ;) ;)

Ammendment:- not Home, go to 'Discussions' :y

splott wrote on 23. Mar 2010 at 20:50:

Yes, it was Port Talbot :y Found a Blue one..........................bet you don't know where it is though............................ :y [IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/1337.jpg[/img]

Brecon Square's the location here.

Leyland Tiger Cub 1337, one of the 1965 deliveries with Park Royal bodies to dual-purpose spec; is in 'as delivered' condition, and blinded-up for the marathon 750 service to Haverfordwest, several hours away.

This was routed west from Brecon along the A40, via Sennybridge, Trecastle, Llandeilo, Carmarthen, Saundersfoot and Tenby. No doubt Western Welsh saw the potential for considerable holiday traffic at this time.

Incidentally, 1337 was at Bridgend depot during my early years with the Company, and ended it's days there liveried as a bus in all-over NBC Poppy Red. The sumptuous coach-like seating was retained to the end though.
:y

At last I've managed to dig out some photos of National Welsh's second-generation of towing buses.

These were converted from members of the 30-strong 1971 delivery of 10-metre Leyland Leopards.

I'm confident that 'our man on The Wirral' will do the business soon enough, and all will be revealed ......
;) ;) ;)

Seth wrote on 24. Mar 2010 at 13:02:

At last I've managed to dig out some photos of National Welsh's second-generation of towing buses. These were converted from members of the 30-strong 1971 delivery of 10-metre Leyland Leopards. I'm confident that 'our man on The Wirral' will do the business soon enough, and all will be revealed ...... ;) ;) ;)

Pictures etc. for Smethsmate thread.....................

Here's Cwmbran-based 1506 at Crosville's Aberystwyth depot on a private-hire working early on in it's life.
1501-1510 were ten finished to 'dual-purpose' spec; and the last-ever to carry this livery.


][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img139.jpg[/img]


There followed 20 buses in the same order, the final 10 being for the associated Rhondda Transport fleet.
1520 is seen here at Cardiff sometime in 1975 after being renumbered into the Red & White system.

][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img140.jpg[/img]

Here's the first conversion under way at the former Red & White Central Works at Bulwark, Chepstow.
The body was cut-down into a chariot-style body thus.
][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img141.jpg[/img]

Here's a rear end view of the same vehicle.
It's initial allocation was to be Cardiff (Gelligaer Street).
][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img142.jpg[/img]

All subsequent conversions merely involved shortening the rear overhang and body.
Here's Bridgend depot's former Rhondda example at Heathrow Airport in Summer 1991.
][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img143.jpg[/img]

splott wrote on 24. Mar 2010 at 20:17:

Seth wrote on 24. Mar 2010 at 13:02: At last I've managed to dig out some photos of National Welsh's second-generation of towing buses. These were converted from members of the 30-strong 1971 delivery of 10-metre Leyland Leopards. I'm confident that 'our man on The Wirral' will do the business soon enough, and all will be revealed ...... ;) ;) ;) Pictures etc. for Smethsmate thread..................... Here's Cwmbran-based 1506 at Crosville's Aberystwyth depot on a private-hire working early on in it's life. 1501-1510 were ten finished to 'dual-purpose' spec; and the last-ever to carry this livery. ][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img139.jpg[/img] There followed 20 buses in the same order, the final 10 being for the associated Rhondda Transport fleet. 1520 is seen here at Cardiff sometime in 1975 after being renumbered into the Red & White system. ][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img140.jpg[/img] Here's the first conversion under way at the former Red & White Central Works at Bulwark, Chepstow. The body was cut-down into a chariot-style body thus. ][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img141.jpg[/img] Here's a rear end view of the same vehicle. It's initial allocation was to be Cardiff (Gelligaer Street). ][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img142.jpg[/img] All subsequent conversions merely involved shortening the rear overhang and body. Here's Bridgend depot's former Rhondda example at Heathrow Airport in Summer 1991. ][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img143.jpg[/img]

I was listening to the scanner last night and there was a big fire in Gelligaer Street Cardiff. Dunno what building tho.
Brilliant pics though, climbing into my era now. Job well done. :y :y :y

Found this one, a nice tow bus. :y Know anything about this ???? ;) ;)

][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/2298958595_cdec14cd9a_o1.jpg[/img]

This was formerly fleet number 1, and was based at the Central Works at Ely, Cardiff.

It's a former WD AEC Matador 4x4 truck, and was one of a duo converted by the company at Ely.
Identical No.2 was based at Neath.

Got a photo here of them both at Ely after repaints.

It ended it's days at Brynmawr depot, in all-over yellow livery.

Seth wrote on 24. Mar 2010 at 21:02:

This was formerly fleet number 1, and was based at the Central Works at Ely, Cardiff. It's a former WD AEC Matador 4x4 truck, and was one of a duo converted by the company at Ely. Identical No.2 was based at Neath. Got a photo here of them both at Ely after repaints.

I have been quietly watching this thread with interest and just loving all the pictures of all these old charabancs, buses and coaches, and now a beautiful recovery truck! :-* :-* :-* :-*

I love all old transport, especially of course steam driven, but all this combustion engine nostalgia is just sooooo special.  Memories of childhood trips to the seaside, around town, to see relatives in London, and transport for school all come readily to mind 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) :-* :-*

Just to add another bus to this growing collection, I will add a picture of the type of bus I travelled in Malta to school, and which as far as I know are still in daily use :-* :-* 8-) 8-):

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk247/lizziefreeman/y1pk176idNrUKMVq1AuT9b3RJucWEJgGiNV.jpg

;) ;)

][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img143.jpg[/img]

The 30-strong 1971 deliveries heralded the start of a new fleetnumber series from 1501 upwards.

TKG 501J-520J were for Western Welsh, and BTX 324J-334J were for Rhondda Transport.
They were bodied by Willowbrook on the 10-metre Leyland Leopard PSU4 chassis. RTC's 10 had Eaton 2-speed rear axles. All had the 9.8 litre Leyland 0.600 engine with 'close-coupled' semi-automatic transmissions.

Five were converted for towing duties, and variously allocated to Aberdare, Barry (ex-Gelligaer St), Bridgend, Crosskeys and Cwmbran. Despite initial reservations regarding the suitability of their transmissions for towing, they proved to be excellent performers in their new roles. They ousted ageing Bristol MW6Gs in most locations.

We were lucky enough to get a former Rhondda example (with 2-speed axle), at Bridgend, and it's seen here at Heathrow Airport in Summer 1991. Sethsmate and a colleague were on a mission to recover a Leopard coach which had suffered a failed diff; and were about to prepare for the long homeward trek west along the M4.

'Yours truly' had hand-painted the dayglo pink waistband, lined-out in blue, and also fitted a set of Duple wheeltrims to enhance it's appearance!
8-)

Got some 'in action' photos of this voyage to post later! :y

 

Very interesting thread and I am not a BA :y :y

Martin Imber wrote on 24. Mar 2010 at 21:52:

Very interesting thread and I am not a BA :y :y

Nor me Martin - and I certainly don't have an anorak!
Just grew up in the industry - literally 8-)

Historic transport photos - that does get me looking :y :y

Seth wrote on 24. Mar 2010 at 21:02:

This was formerly fleet number 1, and was based at the Central Works at Ely, Cardiff. It's a former WD AEC Matador 4x4 truck, and was one of a duo converted by the company at Ely. Identical No.2 was based at Neath. Got a photo here of them both at Ely after repaints. It ended it's days at Brynmawr depot, in all-over yellow livery.

Byron, PLEASE do not tell me that this beautiful machine has been scrapped :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
If so, the person who authorised that should have his toenails plucked out with a PLIERS one by one. >:( >:( >:(

More Sethmate pics. :y
Comments please, keep em clean :y
][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img144.jpg[/img]

][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img145.jpg[/img]

wrote on 24. Mar 2010 at 22:43:

Seth wrote on 24. Mar 2010 at 21:02: This was formerly fleet number 1, and was based at the Central Works at Ely, Cardiff. It's a former WD AEC Matador 4x4 truck, and was one of a duo converted by the company at Ely. Identical No.2 was based at Neath. Got a photo here of them both at Ely after repaints. It ended it's days at Brynmawr depot, in all-over yellow livery. Byron, PLEASE do not tell me that this beautiful machine has been scrapped :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( If so, the person who authorised that should have his toenails plucked out with a PLIERS one by one. >:( >:( >:(

Have seen it in the flesh at Welland over the years.

As well as my campsite duties, I also help marshall the commercial vehicle entries - just over 200 of 'em actually!
;)

Martin Imber wrote on 24. Mar 2010 at 22:41:

Historic transport photos - that does get me looking :y :y

C'mon then Martin, get the Imbers and caravan over to our show at Welland.

Over 200 entries in the Historic Commercial Vehicle section each year, plus Richard Reads demonstrate their recovery prowess at righting an overturned artic in the arena!


http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1268950466

You know it makes sense ..........
:y :y :y :y :y

splott wrote on 24. Mar 2010 at 23:03:

More Sethmate pics. :y Comments please, keep em clean :y ][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img144.jpg[/img] ][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img145.jpg[/img]

The top photo shows 'yours truly' en-route from Heathrow to Bridgend, and taking a well-earned break at Leigh Delamere Service Area.

892, one of our 'Tiger-powered Leopards' was being dragged home to be treated to a reconditioned differential.





The bottom photo was taken at Sutton Scotney Service Area on the A34 north of Winchester, on Sunday 2 June 1991, with Sethsmate 'coining it' again!

The coach on the back had actually been repatriated from Bayeux in Northern France after suffering a transmission failure. It's a Leyland Tiger with Duple 'Caribbean' body which was something of a 'lemon' at Bridgend. It had covered more miles than the Starship Enterprise on National Express duties before we got it, and usually returned home behind the tow-bus.
The Hydracyclic gearbox and it's associated gubbins cost us dearly!

Good ol' days though - 15 hours pay at double time!
:y :y :y :y

the Coleford festival of transport is very soon (this weekend??) and there is always some lovely old buses there, one year I actually found the bus that used to take me to school displayed.......Bristol LE, bloody lovely.

I love old buses and coaches, it's going to kill me to sell my Leyland Swift motorhome soon, but mortgage beckons.......

Sixstring wrote on 25. Mar 2010 at 11:33:

the Coleford festival of transport is very soon (this weekend??) and there is always some lovely old buses there, one year I actually found the bus that used to take me to school displayed.......Bristol LE, bloody lovely. I love old buses and coaches, it's going to kill me to sell my Leyland Swift motorhome soon, but mortgage beckons.......

What a shame, I suppose priorities prevail :'(

Took my friends' AEC Reliance to the Coleford event a few years back.

'Twas the epitome of truly British coaching - a late 70's AH760-engined job with Plaxton body that was new to Humphreys of Pontypridd.
12.5 litres of brute power under the floor!
:y

Although I have posted this picture under another thread, I thought I would drop it into this wonderful thread, and especially for you Sethsmate as promised! :D :D

My ex-part owned 1958 56 seater Duple (MUD 975 I think) pictured in about 1979 on our drive:

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk247/lizziefreeman/scan1.jpg

;) ;)

Well done Lizzie ......
Seems to be an AEC Reliance with Duple 'Britannia' centre-door 41-seat (usually) body.

Has the same 30' chassis frame as the one that I previously restored/owned, but with the earlier AH470 engine, which featured 'wet' cylinder liners. These engines often suffered badly with head gasket failures and overheating problems.
The radiator was usually the root cause of all this though.

Did yours have air or vacuum brakes?
Was it a former Chiltern Queens coach? (Judging by the livery).

Lizzie Zoom wrote on 25. Mar 2010 at 16:08:

Although I have posted this picture under another thread, I thought I would drop it into this wonderful thread, and especially for you Sethsmate as promised! :D :D My ex-part owned 1958 56 seater Duple (MUD 975 I think) pictured in about 1979 on our drive: ;) ;)

Had me worried there thought you were starting another bus thread  :o
I would love to own a bus but finances won't allow :'(

Seth wrote on 25. Mar 2010 at 16:16:

Well done Lizzie ...... Seems to be an AEC Reliance with Duple 'Britannia' centre-door 41-seat (usually) body. Has the same 30' chassis frame as the one that I previously restored/owned, but with the earlier AH470 engine, which featured 'wet' cylinder liners. These engines often suffered badly with head gasket failures and overheating problems. The radiator was usually the root cause of all this though. Did yours have air or vacuum brakes? Was it a former Chiltern Queens coach? (Judging by the livery).

This one definately had 56 seats as I had to count them at the time! :D :D :D :D

Yes SM, it had air brakes, with a cute little metal flag that had to go down before it could be driven 8-) 8-)

Yes again, it was bought direct from Chiltern Queens for £500 with a full tank of fuel, good tyres, and some spares ;) ;).

I drove it for about 3,000 miles in all, but my then husband went to drive it one bitterly cold morning and found the clutch had frozen away from the flywheel!  Tried to start it again after first turning the ignition off, and it wouldn't start!

A member of the coaches owning railway society, that we were members of and had contributed to a share of the £500 purchase price, who was an ex-army tank mechanic tried to fix it.

That failed, and in the end I had to use my retail contacts with a coach company we did business with, and organise for them to tow it back to the railway using one of their HGV recovery vehicles! ::) ::) ;) ;) ;)

Ahhhhhhhhhh!  What lovely memories!!  :-* :-* :-*8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)

Judging by the instrument binnacle below the steering wheel, air brakes and that Westinghouse flag, I'd reckon that it's actually a 1959-model Reliance.

Lovely vehicles to drive though, and with superb brakes. The '470' had to be the sweetest-sounding AEC engine ever!
I've still got a huge box-spanner here to undo the rear hub nut from the axle casing.

Great stuff this:y

Seth wrote on 25. Mar 2010 at 17:17:

Judging by the instrument binnacle below the steering wheel, air brakes and that Westinghouse flag, I'd reckon that it's actually a 1959-model Reliance. Lovely vehicles to drive though, and with superb brakes. The '470' had to be the sweetest-sounding AEC engine ever! I've still got a huge box-spanner here to undo the rear hub nut from the axle casing. Great stuff this:y

Oh yes she purrrrrrrrrrred when travelling, and was a real pleasure to drive! 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)

Just wonder if she is still around somewhere! :-/ :-/ :-/  I hope she is still with us, but I moved away from the area and lost touch with the owning society :'( :'(

At this time, you were the envy of many drivers if you had an AEC or Leyland.

The lion's share of this market was dominated by the likes of the lightweight Bedford and Ford chassis at that time.

IIRC; the front-entrance equivalent Duple body for underfloor-engined chassis was called the 'Elizabethan'
Named in your honour madam 8-)

Seth wrote on 25. Mar 2010 at 17:30:

At this time, you were the envy of many drivers if you had an AEC or Leyland. The lion's share of this market was dominated by the likes of the lightweight Bedford and Ford chassis at that time. IIRC; the front-entrance equivalent Duple body for underfloor-engined chassis was called the 'Elizabethan' Named in your honour madam 8-)

Fantastic knowlege Sethsmate!! 8-) 8-) 8-)  Thanks :y :y :y :y

Just found this:

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Chiltern-Queens-AEC-Reliance-MUD-975-B-W-Photo_W0QQitemZ270535803404QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_Bus_CoachCollectables_SM?hash=item3efd30c20c

Seth wrote on 25. Mar 2010 at 17:35:

Just found this: http://cgi.ebay.ie/Chiltern-Queens-AEC-Reliance-MUD-975-B-W-Photo_W0QQitemZ270535803404QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_Bus_CoachCollectables_SM?hash=item3efd30c20c

Fantastic SM!! :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)

It is so good seeing her again at, I assume, a far recent date compared to my time with MUD 975!  I notice she has apparently lost one of those lovely chrome wheel covers from her fns, but she looks very complete 8-) 8-).

I just still wonder where she is?? :-/ :-/

Thanks :-* :-* :-*

And more buses courtesy of Sethsmate................

][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img149.jpg[/img]


][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img150.jpg[/img]

This charabanc picture was taken on the Wirral........ :y
][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/WICharabanc1-1.jpg[/img]

splott wrote on 25. Mar 2010 at 19:10:

And more buses courtesy of Sethsmate................ ][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img149.jpg[/img] Recently-introduced legislation allowed the maximum length for buses to be increased to 36', and Western Welsh were quick to take advantage of this opportunity. In 1962, 18 of these PSU3-model Leyland Leopards arrived with 54-seat Willowbrook bodies, 0.600 engines and semi-automatic transmissions, as shown above by 614 outside Barry depot in 'as delivered' condition. They were numbered 601-618, and registered 601-618 BBO, with the majority being allocated to Bridgend for the three main valleys routes which were heavily-patronised. ][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img150.jpg[/img]

Here's 607 at my local bus station at Maesteg, ready for it's back-working to Bridgend. It's been repainted into the later all-over red livery, and being Bridgend-based, carries a blue diamond above the offside fleet number.

These Leopards ran virtually non-stop for their 18-hour working days on the Bridgend Valleys routes, and were used seven days a week. Most put in a 15-year working life before withdrawal.
Although they could achieve a fair gallop, they suffered from heavy steering for their entire life-span.
On reflection, 'yours truly' must've spent a colossal part of his apprenticeship oiling king pins, and changing thrust pads on these leviathons!

I vividly remember an embossed notice on the drivers' cab demister panel.
It read: "Caution - This vehicle is 36' long x 8'21/2" wide"

8-)

There is enough of these for a book

Martin Imber wrote on 25. Mar 2010 at 21:16:

There is enough of these for a book

Yes indeed Martin! :y :y

Brilliant isn't it, and I reckon Sethsmate should be it's chief editor :D :D 8-) 8-) 8-)

Sethsmate's pics. Come on mate, what are they? :y
[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img151.jpg[/img]

[IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/img152.jpg[/img]

I found a photo of the actual bus I went to school on OUS 13Y
It's a Leyland Tiger with Alexander TS Bodywork.

This is the actual bus I went to school on, but in a diffrent livery
http://www.centralsmt.co.uk/Photos/Leyland%20Tigers/LT13%20with%20First%20Borders%2012-10-01.jpg

This is the same livery that the bus above had before moving to another fleet.
http://www.centralsmt.co.uk/Photos/Leyland%20Tigers/LT17.jpg

splott wrote on 25. Mar 2010 at 19:56:

This charabanc picture was taken on the Wirral........ :y ][IMG]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p242/splott_album/WICharabanc1-1.jpg[/img]

Didn't you guys notice that written on this picture it says that my wifes Great Aunt May was sat on this charabanc :'( :'( :y

Jim wrote on 25. Mar 2010 at 22:48:

I found a photo of the actual bus I went to school on OUS 13Y It's a Leyland Tiger with Alexander TS Bodywork. This is the actual bus I went to school on, but in a diffrent livery http://www.centralsmt.co.uk/Photos/Leyland%20Tigers/LT13%20with%20First%20Borders%2012-10-01.jpg This is the same livery that the bus above had before moving to another fleet. http://www.centralsmt.co.uk/Photos/Leyland%20Tigers/LT17.jpg

Oh no! You mentioned Tigers.  ::) ::)
Sethsmate will be on again about them :y