I’m quite sure this rather odd double decker was in the video link parade that Froggy55 posted earlier.
Oily
oiltreader:
I’m quite sure this rather odd double decker was in the video link parade that Froggy55 posted earlier.
Oily
Hello oily ,looks like a Willeme to me Trevor
oiltreader:
I’m quite sure this rather odd double decker was in the video link parade that Froggy55 posted earlier.
Oily
If it had been in the German video, it would certainly have struck me! Willème never produced any passenger vehicles, at least as far as I know. I’d rather say it’s German or Dutch, but will try to know more about it.
oiltreader:
I’m quite sure this rather odd double decker was in the video link parade that Froggy55 posted earlier.
Oily
Pretty sure its German and design wise not that unusual on the German scene of yesterday.
I did a few coach driving jobs in the mid 1970s, usually a load of serious drinkers to Thirsk or York Races.
I drove this Bedford on several occasions, soon after Finch Coaches of Wigan had acquired it from somewhere
in Nottinghamshire. It is seen here in its later days, looking in need of a wash and brush up.
Its owner, Raymond Finch is seen here at the wheel, with his usual pipeful of Condor tobacco.
Ray Smyth.
Any information about this crashed double-decker in or close to Leicester?
Not a lot visible to identify it other than as a BMMO new look front double decker. The lack of an o/s lower deck emergency exit would hint at it being less than 30ft long and an open rear platform bus.
A bad smash occurred in Griff Hollows, Nuneaton on the Coventry Road when a Midland Red bus was hit by a motorcyclist at about 8am on Monday 18th November 1957. The motocyclist died. The remains of his bike can be seen in the foreground but the double decker bus overturned. The bus Type AD2 JHA77 fleet nr. 3176 was based at Hinckley garage from new in July 1950 until November 1960 with AEC Regent II chassis and body by Metro-Cammell Type H30/26R. The bus had to be pulled 120 yards to upright it and the bodywork by Metro Cammell withstood the accident well. The bus was hauled to BMMO’s Carlyle Road works for reconstruction the bus survived and was returned to service being transferred in November 1960 to an “engineering float” before being withdrawn in 1962. Investigations carried out at the time suggested the motorcyclist was at fault.
Morning Froggy and CAV,
Information on the above and a view from the other side and after the bus had been righted, Cheer’s Pete
oiltreader:
I’m quite sure this rather odd double decker was in the video link parade that Froggy55 posted earlier.
Oily
It wasn’t just the Germans…
MCN 30K was actually a Leyland PD3 with a Routemaster snout, but the other was a genuine Routemaster
Tynesider by Wood’s Library, on Flickr
3069. RCN 685: Northern General (The Wearsider) by chucklebuster, on Flickr
3000. MCN 30K + 3069. RCN 685: Northern General by chucklebuster, on Flickr
Ray Smyth:
240 Gardner:
This was the earlier, “tin front” concealed radiator Titan, before the St. Helens front
RIB LRN62 by Brian Bennett, on Flickr
Chris, What a great picture. If my memory serves me well, this Scout PD3 looks like it has just reversed
from the old Ribble bus station in Preston, and is setting off to Lytham. This site was still in operation
when I joined Ribble early 1968. Regards, Ray.
Ray, Preston’s old bus station was demolished to make way for the new Guild Hall. Whoever took the original photo was standing where the Guild Hall now is. The Building which was the Empire Theatre Is still there. The ground floor is still a pub - the upper floors are now student Flats.
This photo, taken last Tuesday, shows the area as it now is. I was stood in one of the Guild Hall’s emergency exits whilst taking the photo.
I believe that there are plans to celebrate/commemorate the New bus station’s 50th birthday next year. It will be 50 in October.
Coincidentally, 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Ribble Motor Services Ltd and the Ribble Vehicle Preservation Trust are planning a series of events to celebrate the occasion. Details about ‘Ribble 100’ will appear the the RVPT website.
This is the same location that Trooper posted above, Ribble bus station in Tithebarn Street, Preston in 1969.
Ray Smyth.
I’m probably in the minority (again!) but I think that there’s something attractive about the old VAL, no matter whose bodywork they were clothed in. Now, if only they had a proper engine………… 
Retired Old ■■■■:
I’m probably in the minority (again!) but I think that there’s something attractive about the old VAL, no matter whose bodywork they were clothed in. Now, if only they had a proper engine…………
Yes ROF, anything but an efn gardner!!! 
regards Kev
Retired Old ■■■■:
I’m probably in the minority (again!) but I think that there’s something attractive about the old VAL, no matter whose bodywork they were clothed in. Now, if only they had a proper engine…………
I’ll second that! An AEC or Leyland VAL would have been a real winner IMHO. I speak from experience because I had the finger-tip steering Corgi model of one when I was twelve 
Robert
But they were …fitted with a Leyland 400 engine.
cav551:
But they were …fitted with a Leyland 400 engine.
Does that count as a Leyland engine? Woops, 
better get my coat…
oiltreader:
Bedford Val livery variety.
Oily
Thanks for this lovely selection of VALs, in which I regularly travelled as a schoolboy (1965-73). At that time, I wasn’t concerned with engines, but their twin-steer fascinated me.
Froggy55:
0Just found this one. For which make does the “M” stand for? Maudslay?
Tappins of Didcot, long established, still going and yes a Maudslay and the marque I would suggest a Marathon.
Oily