SHOWBUS international 2008 imagesBristols |
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 The lightweight Bristol/ECW SC4LK was represented by Gordon Burkinshaw's Crosville SC13 (783EFM) dating from 1957. Alongside is Eastern National's DP MW5G, 480 (217MHK), a Showbus regular. |
 Three Bristol RELLs lined up at Showbus are far from typical examples. Nearest the camera is former North Western 382 (SJA382K). Formr BET operator, North Western Road Car had been a keen Bristol fan before the Bristol company was nationalised which resulted in their supply of Bristol machines being cut off. In 1967 Bristol was liberated and in due course, North Western was buying Bristols again, so this RE is in NWRC red, not Tilling Red. Next up is former Hants & Dorset RELL 3048 (UEL564J) in NBC DP livery which is destined to be restored to H&D's green and cream for next year. Finally in blue and cream livery is Woottens SWC24K, former Colchester Corporation 24. |
 On the British mainland, this is a rare sight, whereas in Northern Ireland it was common place. Ulsterbus, and its state owned Belfast city counterpart, Citybus had a huge fleet of Bristol RELLs. They even took delivery of the model after it had been discontinued for mainland customers. Its distinctive apearance was due to bodies being built, not by the more familiar ECW, but by Alexander (Belfast). This was Ulsterbus 2316 (TOI2316). |
 The coach version of the RE chassis was the RELH, which took to the road before the RELL. This model is quite unique. It was new to Tillings Transport in 1972 as 9441 (VHK177L). Its body style was the later version on the RELH chassis, but, having passed to Eastern National in 1978 it was rebuilt with the prototype B51 body which it now bears in 1981. It subsequently saw service with Badgerline and Northern Bus before being acquired for preservation by Steve Graham ten years ago. He has restored it as Eastern National 1404. |
 Lincolnshire 1056 (XFW951S) arrives at Showbus followed by London RF and RM models, vehicles it probably never expected to be seen with when built in 1977 and sent to serve in the wilds of Lincolnshire. |
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SHOWBUS international 2008 imagesBristols |
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