|
Ben,Edward,Ian,Jeffery,Phillip,& Richard
Welcome you to the fotopic gallery for the Ards Bus Preservation Group.
We are based near Newtownards in Co Down with some 18 preserved buses.
All restoration work on our buses is carried out by group members at our base.
Have a browse and enjoy.
We are featured in the September 2007 and November 2008 issues of Bus & Coach Preservation. These issues can be obtained through Ian Allan Publishing. |
|
51, Mercedes Benz 609D
Repairs done to rear emergency door after corrosion was found and repainted. Even in restored form the Mercedes rust bug is never far away.
26, Mercedes Benz 609D
-------------------------------------------------------
182 Leyland Leopard
When the cab floor was removed it was found to have bad stress cracks, basically it was beyond any useable standard, a new cab floor has now been fitted along with the cab seat, gear change column and air pressure switches refitted. Also refitted are the cab partition and cab door, strengthing work was also added in this area, L section Alloy that Alexanders should have put into the design but didnt. Work also done in this area was chassis washing and general painting. All four wheelarches have been removed and new wheel arches are presently being sorted out. After these are back and fitted, the bus will be ready for a new floor.
Leyland Leopard 129
129 has been re-registered to RUI 129,
Whilst carrying out a general check to the bus it has been discovered that there is a few under lying faults which are going to have to be addressed,
A new radiator is required,
along with the front alloy crossmember which is badly corroded
274 Leyland Leopard
Painting now completed and all transfers applied, few tiny finishing touches still to be completed.
Mechanical work seen it receive a replacement gearbox in the form of the one kept from 173, a problem with reverse gear slipping was occuring. Also fitted were two new front air tanks and all associated air pipes renewed. New power steering pipes were also fitted having found the old ones to be in a bad condition. Passed its MOT in April first time.
Current work underway is a replacement fuel pump.
2635 Leyland Tiger.
With the front chassis and floor section painted new heat shields and the floor have now been fitted. New alloy was needed for the face of the front bench seats, years of mop water had corroded it to a non useable state, this has been sourced and now fitted. Work going on at present is cleaning of the inside, this including the roof, windows and side formica in preparation for fitting of lino. The back section of the bus has had lino laid so far and the interior trim is being prepared for refitting. Seat refitting wont be too far off after this is done. The lino match was the closest that could be obtained, we found that the old lino was an orange colour when being lifted out and not the dirty colour that it had become.
2446 Bristol RE
Painting in progress and very near being completed. Gearbox change is imminent after it was found to be making a rather strange noise after accelerating and coming back down the revs. The fault was put down to a bad bearing on the driveshaft. The gearbox from 2568 is to be fitted.
1878 Bedford YLQ
While on the trip to Scotland in what can only be described as horrendous weather a few problems arose, first was the passenger side air wiper motor packed up after having a good working all weekend, this has been replaced with a recon unit and been tested. Second was a blowout occured with one of the back wheels after coming off the boat, luckily we had a tyre in our stores and this has now been fitted.
Before going to Scotland the doors were taken off and the old flaky paint stripped off the inside face of them(the side you see while in the bus) and repainted and the doors refitted, while the doors themselves were off the step area was also given a good clean.
2481 Bristol RE
Passed its MOT on the 24th of September first go, jobs attended to in preparation for MOT were a chassis, engine and gearbox wash, brakes adjusted and a full check over. The cab seat needed a bolt replaced in it as it was becoming increasingly more loose as time wore on. All grease points were greased while being checked over, also while the opportunity was available all the plastic hinge was replaced with proper piano hinge on the engine and battery doors and all the smaller access flaps.
2134 Bristol RE
waiting restoration at this time, being used as a seat store.
1571 Leyland Leopard
waiting restoration at this time.
1025 Leyland Tiger
A head gasket change has now been done on 1025 and been road tested and has performed to a satisfactory standard. The engine speed was also turned down but will require further fettling to get it just right when its hot.
Being prepared for MOT.
363 Leyland Tiger
Passed Mot on the 12th of October with no problems, a air build up problem was traced down to the protection valve at the front of the bus. A replacement was sourced off an example being scrappped.
2306 Bristol RE
Restoration stopped at the minute, new bulkheads waiting to be fitted. Restoration will resume when time permits. Engine and Battery Doors fitted.
1882 Leyland Leopard
Passed MOT on the 26th of March first time round. Preparation for MOT included lights checked, brakes adjusted, powerwashed underneath, a general checkover underneath and two metal air pipes replaced that were leaking. While being prepared for MOT a fault arose with the alternator and shaft connecting it to the engine. Both of these were replaced.
36 Mercedes-Benz 609D
In use as a store. Puncture being repaired on front tyre.
235 Leyland Leopard
After starting to fade a bit and look a bit sorry for itself in places it was decided to give 235 a repaint and freshen it up. In doing so it was also decided to change the livery from Ulsterbus Express to the ordinary Ulsterbus fleet name. It would have carried this after the express logo in the mid 80s right through to the MK2 livery change in the early 90s. Painting is now complete and is only waiting a few transfers being applied.
280 Leyland Leopard
Passed MOT on the 18th of September on a retest after wear was found in a track rod end, a small oil leak from the compressor and a front slack adjuster was found to be broken. This was found to be quite comical as 280 had not gone very far since the last MOT, the only problem a slack adjuster can have is when there is severe wear and the brake shoes would slacken themselves off causing a brake weakness on which ever corner it would be, nothing was needing attended to here and it was passed with a different examiner! The oil leak again was a small weap, anyone who has worked on buses will know that every bus has a weap of oil somewhere and you will never stop them, nothing was done in this area either and was passed. A replacement track rod end came from 173s front axle.
|
|
| The ABPG through its members seeks to promote road passenger transport, through the acquistion and restoration of vehicles manufactured and / or have been in service in Northern Ireland. In doing so, it additionally seeks to educate the wider public to the contribution such vehicles have made to the economic and social history of Northern Ireland. |
|
| Hits (today): | 2 |
| Hits (this week): | 321 |
| Hits (this month): | 465 |
| Hits (this year): | 24132 |
| Hits (all-time): | 75261 |
| Collections: | 20 |
|
|
- 2009-10-30 22:39:38
- 24 images added to WOI 2446
- 2009-10-25 20:23:32
- 2 images added to 2635
- 2009-10-21 20:00:00
- 6 images added to 2635
- 2009-10-09 11:27:07
- 1 image added to 2635
- 2009-09-23 21:40:59
- 1 image added to 129
|
|
| We will be in attendance at the following shows/rallys -- |
|

Score: 8.2 (5 votes)

Score: 10.0 (4 votes)

Score: 9.0 (3 votes)

Score: 10.0 (2 votes)

Score: 10.0 (2 votes)
|
|

(3 hits) WOI 2446 |
|
| October |
| Mon |
Tue |
Wed |
Thu |
Fri |
Sat |
Sun |
| | | | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
|
|
To install a plugin for Firefox that lets you search this gallery, click on one of the following links: To install the search plugin for the whole of Fotopic, goto http://fotopic.net/firefox/ |
|
Optimise Now!
Change the way photos appear on your browser, to your own taste and connection speed!
|
|
|
 | 26th Aug 2005 | WOI 2446 (412 images)
2446 is well into its third year of a major restoration.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2446 is currently entering the final stages of restoration, new panels are being fitted and the advert boards rebuilt.
Keep checking for new photo updates!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2446 is an Alexander 'X' type Bristol RE with a Gardner 6HLX engine. It was purchased by Ben Simpson on the 26th August 2005 for preservation and is currently undergoing some major work.
Plans are to restore this bus to full Citybus MKII livery with all period adverts.
Reg no WOI2446
Fleet no 2446
Chassis no RELL-3-2603
Body Alexander (Belfast) X Type B52F+24
Body no 563/14
New 01/01/1981 (tax book)
Date in to service 17/12/1980 Smithfield Depot
Transferred to Citybus 01/03/1991(reserve)
Reseated to B51F 8/1991
Ardyone depot 01/09/1991 -28/03/1993
Falls depot 28/03/1993-28/02/1997
To reserve 28/02/1997
Sold to Belfast Royal Academy 11/1997
Acquired for preservation By Mr B Simpson Newtownabbey 26/08/2005.
|
 | 17th Nov 2007 | Vehicles no longer around with the ABPG (220 images)
IN THIS GALLERY WE LOOK AT BUSES THAT HAVE MOVED ON OR WERE USED FOR SPARE PARTS.
Bristol RELL ex Citybus 2568 ( BXI 2568 ). Owned by Ben Simpson was acquired from its previous owner after suffering engine failure. It was acquired for spare parts and was not in a good state. Originally we had planned to restore the chassis for show but this was not achievable due to other constraints.
Leyland Leopard ex Ulsterbus 1526 ( DOI 1526 ). Owned by J Thompson.
Found to have major rot in the body and chassis, 1526 was thus deemed unsuitable for restoration and was sold on for scrap to Trainor's of Castlewellan.
Leyland Leopard ex Ulsterbus 173 ( VOI 173 ). Owned by J Thompson
It was found that this vehicle had a bad chassis and was not worth restoring. Having a good body a decision was taken to break it up and in doing so has provided the group with many spares for years to come. Its engine has already been put too good use in 182, one of the groups many leopards.
( PIB 3673 ) a Plaxton Elite Leyland leopard. Owned by J Thompson
This vehicle is now with the Kells Transport Museum, Cork.
|
 | 24th Aug 2008 | The ABPG @Lathalmond 2008 and 2009 (56 images)
The weekend of August 16th+17th 2008, saw the ABPG visit the open weekend event at Lathalmond the home of the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum
|
 | 1st Jun 2008 | Rallies, Road Runs and Show's attended by the ABPG. (154 images)
Friday 26th June 2009 - Warringston Vintage Cavalcade. Leyland Leopard 129 attended making its 1st show with its new registion. Jim Poots also attended with his Leyland Leopard 211, WOI 2211. A great evening out and a show that no doubt, will be attended next year.
Saturday 27th June 2009 - AOVC Classic Show, Ballymena Showgrounds. Originally held in Warrenpoint and well known as the Kilbroney 2000 Show to enthusiasts this year it was held in Ballymena Showgrounds. Due to weather in recent years this event was cancelled as there was no hard standing ground. Moving to Ballymena and good hard standing this popular show was back in force. The group had 129 and 1878 entered and were among the over 950 official entries. Other buses in attendance were the ITT's ex Ulsterbus Leyland Leopard 339, J & I Millars ex UTA Leyland PD2, D927, J. Gowdys ex London Transport Routemaster and Ulsterbus ex UTA Leyland Tiger PS1, A515. A good selection of Commercials also attended along with the usual selection of vintage an classic cars, for a first year at this new site it was an excellant show indeed.
Sunday 07/06/09 - North East Vintage & Classic Car Show 2009. Attending this show for the second time in a row, the group had 1878 and 129 attend. Also in attendance was Paul Haughey and Pat Malones Bristol RE 2589 and Leyland Leopard 334. With even more entries this year and excellant weather a thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all.
SAT 31/05/08. Organised by Ciaran Connelly, using his own Bristol RE ex Ulsterbus 2444 (WOI 2444), Jim Poot's ex Ulsterbus Leyland Leopard 211 (WOI 2211) and the group's Leyland Tiger 363, an excellant tour was had of the Antrim coast stopping off in Carnlough and Ballycastle along the way. With the sun splitting the tree's and the vehicles in top form a memorable day was had by all.
SUN 8/6/08. North East Vintage & Classic Car Show, Mosney, Co. Meath. The group's Bedford 1878 was entered in this event and took part in her first classic show appearance, also attending was Paul Haughey and Pat Malone's ex Ulsterbus Bristol RE 2589 (BXI 2589) and Leyland Leopard 334 (BXI 334) also being ex Newry buses as is 1878. Meeting up in Newry with Pat and Dundalk with Paul, 1878 was back on her original home turf briefly and all travelled down in convoy to the event. The day was well enjoyed by everyone and is well recommended to anyone into their classic cars or commercials. A selection of the show's 500+ entries is also included for your viewing.
SAT 14/6/08 Veteran's Day, Donaghadee, Co. Down. Leyland Leopard 235 and Bedford 1878 were in attendance for this event.
SUN 6/7/08 17TH Irish Classic & Vintage Motor Show, Terenure College, Dublin. Starting off with a wet forecast, the group's Leyland Leopard 129 and Bedford 1878 travelled to Dublin for this show, as usual the irish weather turned out to be unpredictable and quite the opposite upon reaching Dublin with the sun out in all it's glory. Although a few entries staying away due to the forecast an excellant day was had by everybody and some 1000 entries were still in attendance at the event. Turning 30 year's of age this year 129 made it's first classic show debut here and looked every bit the part amoungst the motoring heritage on display and took the 250 mile round trip in it's stride.
|
 | 3rd Mar 2007 | 51 & 36 (31 images)
51+36 are owned By Ian Houston (Newtownards)
Fleet No 51
Reg No H904XGA (new)
New to McAneaneys of Crossmaglen Co. Armagh 08/1990
Re-registered IBZ3051 by 05/19928/1990
Type Mercedes 609D
Chassis no 668063-20-008513
Body Made to Measure C24F
Acquired By Ian Houston T/A Houston Coach Hire Newtownards 04/ 1992
Sold to Flexibus Ltd Belfast 11/1993 Fleet no 51
Withdrawn 08/2000
Reacquired By Ian Houston (Newtownards) for preservation 01/2002
On Reacquiring 51 Ian has set about a major restoration of the vehicle, it has had the floor and boot replaced and the body has received attention to prepare it for its repaint into the original Flexibus pale green livery, each year has seen the vehicle prepared for its annual LPPV (Mot) test and as with all preserved buses + coaches the restoration of 51 is a on going job.
|
 | 19th Feb 2007 | 363 (34 images)
Fleet No 363
Reg No DXI 3363
Company Ulsterbus Ltd
Chassis No 8300697
Body No 981/3
Type Leyland Tiger TRBTL11/2RP
Body Alexander (Belfast) N Type C53F+8
New 22/06/1984
Reseated 1988 to B53F+22
Enniskillen 22/06/1984 - 13/01/2006
Craigavon 13/01/2006 - 20/09/2006
Armagh 20/09/2006 - 30/09/2006
Reserve 30/09/2006
( used By Newtownabbey Depot for about 10 days 10/2006)
Acquired for preservation by Richard Shannon (Newtownards) 13/ 02 /2007
When New this Bus was fitted with 53 dual purpose coach type seats and was used on the Ulsterbus Express Services network ,363 was based in Ulster’s Lakeland at Enniskillen Depot and would have worked the Belfast - Enniskillen service 261,for most of its time there.
Work carried out so far has included a tidying up of the bus inside and out and vinyls applied to the bring the bus back to mid 90's condition, this also including a set of metal bumpers being fitted, these having been removed and replaced with fibreglass flat bumpers during mid life. Mechanically a new fuel pump has been fitted and new rubber boots on the suspension levelling valve rod's at the back fitted, these having cracked with age.
It is intended eventually to return 363 to express spec inside an out.
|
 | 3rd Mar 2007 | 280 (45 images)
Fleet No 280
Reg no AXI 280(new)
Re-registered FEZ7746 05/12/2005
Re-registered AIG 280 by 09/2006
Chassis no 8030336
Type Leyland Leopard PSU3E/4R
Body Alexander (Belfast) X type B53F
Body No752/??
New 01/07/1982
Antrim 18/06/1982 - 02/12/2003
Bangor 02/12/2003 - 30/10/2005
Reserve 30/10/2005(detaxed)
Acquired for preservation by Mr J Thompson (Newtownards) 01/2006
Also part of the batch of specials 280 represents one of 20 bus seated examples and when in Antrim was regularly to be found on express workings on the M2.
Since being acquired 280 has had a 90% repanel and full repaint back into the livery she would have carried when new in Antrim. Mechanically sound 280 has been well looked after through her life and will not need any major work. Internally she stills sports the softs seats she carried in her last years in service.
|
 | 3rd Mar 2007 | 274 (45 images)
Fleet no 274
Reg no YOI2274
Chassis no 8030145
Body no 750/15
Type Leyland Leopard PSU3E/4R
Body Alexander (Belfast) X type
New 01/05/1982
Oxford Street 01/05/1982- 29/02/2000
Armagh 29/02/2000- 20/10/2003
Bangor 20/10/2003- 28/02/2006
Reserve 28/02/2006 -
Withdrawn
Acquired for preservation 11/2006 by Mr J Thompson (Newtownards)
One of a batch of 40 vehicles built on a batch of chassis acquired at the end of Leyland Leopard production originally destined for the National Bus Company . They were fitted with non standard parts and became known in Ulsterbus as the Specials, 274 is one of the 20 forty nine dual purpose seated examples and when new carried Ulsterbus Express fleet names.
This bus spent most of its time when allocated to Oxford street depot at Comber sub-depot. On transfer spent time at Armagh and finished it working life at Bangor Depot.
Since 274 joined the ranks of preserved buses it has been prepared and presented for LPPV (mot) test and at this present time is undergoing an external restroration. Work carried out so far has seen a full repanel, the battery box rebuilt, the sealed up boot opened up and rebuilt with new wood and a set of boot doors reinstated. New front panals have been sourced and fitted. As of yet a livery has not been decided on but the coming months should see her repainted.
|
 | 14th Jun 2007 | 2635 (132 images)
Fleet No 2635
Reg No NXI 4635
Company Citybus Ltd
Chassis No TR00580
Body No B10/24
Type Leyland Tiger TRBLXB/2RP
Body Alexander (Belfast) N type B43F+37
New 8/05/1989
Short Strand 8/05/1989
Painted into NIR rail link livery 3/1990
Reseated to B42F ?/1990
Transfered to Ulsterbus Londonderry City (LY) on loan 10/01/92
Transfered back to Citybus Short Strand 2/06/92
Last operated on the rail link in August 1991, blank white vinyl's were applied over the NIR logo's and operated like this until 1993 when detaxed with accident damage 6/1993.
Into Citybus fleet livery and retaxed at Short strand 11/1993.
Reserve 1/09/2004
Acquired for preservation by Richard Shannon (Newtownards) 7/2007
In mid restoration at the moment 2635 was one of a batch of 35 delivered to Citybus in 1988/89. Numbered 2601 - 35 they were very different to their Ulsterbus cousins in having taperlite springs and Gardner engines and also being of a standee layout. 2635 has the distinction of being the last Gardner engined vehicle ever delivered to Citybus/Ulsterbus and was chosen as an experiment to become the first vehicle to have the "spotted dick" pattern soft seats, only the last three rows stayed fibreglass.
The rest of the batch had fibreglass seats throughout as did the whole citybus fleet, very soon the whole fleet was to follow suit and a new era for the fleet began. Early in her life 2635 was put on the Railink service linking Central station, York Road station and the city centre of Belfast, she was painted in a special all over livery for the service. The service was bein operated by Leyland Lynxes and 2635 was to act as a spare bus to cover for any breakdowns etc. Later on in life after bein replaced on the railink by new Q type Tigers and going back to ordinary service 2635 was chosen for an all over advert for Heinz Tomato Ketchup, this advert was carried for quite a number of years before finally being painted back into service livery.
2635's restoration so far has included a complete repanel all round, a new front dome and an ordinary windscreen fitted as to orig spec replacing the armoured toughened glass fitted mid life. The interior has been completely stripped out and is awaiting sections of the floor bein replaced. New lino has been sourced and awaiting fitment. It is planned this coming year will see 2635 completed.
|
 | 3rd May 2009 | 26 (16 images)
The latest addition to the ABPG fleet is in the form of ex Flexibus 26 (JXI 226).
Acquired by Ian Houston from J. Miller of Ballyclare and the 3rd of his minibuses, 26 required a tow home with the groups towbus having not been MOT tested in quite a few years. The 3 1/2 tonne of 26 made it a feather compared to the vehicles 1882 would have towed during her towing career and all went extemely well.
Plans as to 26's future will be revealed shortly.
|
 | 2nd Jun 2007 | 2481 (34 images)
Fleet No 2481
Reg No XOI 2481
Company Citybus Ltd
Chassis No RELL-3 2638
Body No 715/25
Type Bristol RELL6G
Body Alexander (Belfast) X type B39F+40 (39 seats and 40 standing)
Engine Gardner 6HLXB
Gearbox 4 speed Semi Auto
New 26/08/81
Held in storage and entered service 1/02/82
Short Strand 1/02/82 - 17/05/89
Ardoyne 17/05/89 - 28/03/93 upon closure of Ardyone depot
Reseated to B45F+34 07/89
Gt Victoria St 28/03/93 - 30/04/97
Reserve 30/04/97 - 18/10/97
Gt Victoria St 18/10/97 - 31/10/99
Reserve 31/10/99
Sold to St. Malacy's Primary School, Eliza Street, Belfast 6/2000
Acquired for preservation by Richard Shannon 2/06/2007.
New to Citybus in August 1981, 2481 was of a batch of fifty vehicles new to that company(2481-2530) and all were delivered to a standee layout seating only 39. After being held in storage 2481 entered service at Short Strand depot on 1st February 1982 remaining there till May 1989 when it was transfered to Ardoyne depot. Upon closure of Ardoyne on 28th March 1993 it moved to Gt. Victoria Street and operated there until the end of October 1999 when it was finally taken out of service, although it did spend a short time in storage in 1997. June of 2000 seen it sold to St. Malachys Primary School, Belfast and painted in an allover green livery and was to go on to spend 7 years with the school until being replaced with a Leyland Tiger purchased from Ulsterbus in 2007. Immediately after ending the school year at the school it passed into preservation with its current owners.
Since acquired for preservation 2481 has had a general tidy up inside and out remaining in the green livery it was purchased in. Passing her MOT test first time with the group she has proved to be an excellant runner and will need very little mechancial work to see her in tip top condition. Mechanically it has had a new exhaust silencer and tail pipe, new cotter pins on the handbrake linkage front to rear, new rear brake linings and a small air leak fixed. Internally she has been returned to 39 seats with standee layout, long term plans will see her return to citybus guise complete with fibreglass seats throughout and return to her original red and ivory livery, in the mean time she will be kept on the road until other projects are finished.
|
 | 2nd Mar 2007 | 235 (36 images)
Reg No WOI 2235
Fleet No 235
Type Leyland Leopard PSU3E/4R
Chassis No 8030103
Body no 700/09
Body Alexander (Belfast) X Type DP49F
New 26/03/1981
Magherafelt depot 26/03/1981 removed from service 31/07/1990
Hired to Express Aid Ireland 08/1990
Sold to Express Aid 05/1991
Sold to G Johnston Belfast (for use as a mobile caravan )( Semi Preserved ) 05/2000
Acquired for full preservation 09/2003 by Mr S Gilmore (Bangor) + Mr J Thompson (Newtownards)
Ownership passed to J Thompson Newtownards 01/2006.
Leyland Leopard 235 was withdrawn from Ulsterbus service in 1990 and hired to Express Aid Ireland. 235 was then used with the support of Ulsterbus drivers to bring aid to Romania. From what we have been told 235 made some 23 trips to Romania.. 235 carried over £30,000 worth of aid to Romania. 2 thirds of the seating was removed to make space for the aid and the crew sleeping area. The trip took 8 days and had covered 4,800 miles.
235 made this trip some 23 times covering in excess of 110400 miles with teams of volunteer driver’s drawn from various Ulsterbus + Citybus depots though out Northern Ireland.
235 has been restored to the livery it carried when new with the large Ulsterbus Express fleet names.
|
 | 21st May 2006 | 2306 (90 images)
Fleet No 2306
Reg No TOI 2306
Company Citybus Ltd
Chassis No RELL-3 2413
Body No 340/22
Type Bristol RELL6G
Body Alexander (Belfast) X type B50F+24
New 29/05/79
Short Strand 29/05/79 - 1/06/85
Ardoyne 1/06/85 -
Converted to B52F+22 in 1982
Acquired for preservation by Richard Shannon 2004
New in 1979 "2306" was part of a batch of 15 Bristol RE's delivered to Citybus in that year. Previous deliveries of RELL's had seen them all to double door configuration along with fibreglass seat's throughout. 2306 - 2320 were the first single door RE's to be delivered to Citybus, seating 50 they were intended for private hire work and were the first to be trimmed with soft seats. When new 2306 would have had a 4 speed gearbox, this proved a bad choice for a private hire bus and was soon swapped as was the rest of the batch with five speed units from second hand Crosville and United RELL's round 1980.
Eventually bein downgraded to service work in the mid 80's 2306 was reseated to 52 and the acquired the familiar fibreglass seat throughout. After bein further reseated down to 51 in 1991 led an uneventful life until the late 90's when transfered to Ulsterbus, 2306 took up residence in Londonderry's Pennyburn depot and was to remain there until withdrawn in 2004.
Restoration work so far has seen the interior stripped out and the floor lifted owing to being rotten. A full repanel has been carried out with only the front panel's awaiting replacement and engine an battery doors being refitted. The back end has seen substantial rebuilding elimnating accident damage and much chassis descaling and painting. Mechanically a new exhaust system has been fitted and a service carried out, waiting attention is a broken back spring and the front brakes needing new drums and linings, a full check over also needing done. Also waiting being fitted are new front bulkheads, the old ones having cracked with stress. This year should see the floor reinstated and her restoration moved on closer to being finished.
It is planned to restore her to as when new in Citybus Livery.
|
 | 10th Mar 2008 | 2134 (36 images)
Fleet No 2134
Reg No MOI 2134
Company Ulsterbus Ltd
Chassis No RELL-3 2164
Body No 183/14
Type Bristol RELL6G
Body Alexander (Belfast) X type B44D+30
Engine Gardner 6HLXB
Gearbox 4 speed semi auto
New 17/02/77
Smithfield 17/02/77 - 31/12/80
Detaxed with accident damage 30/11/77 and returned to service 9/1/78 at Smithfield.
Londonderry City (LY) 31/12/80 - 29/02/92
Reserve 29/02/92 - 5/03/92
Londonderry City (LY) 5/03/92 - 30/04/92
Reserve 30/04/92 -
Sold to Bus Eireann, Dublin 11/92 and numbered BG39 and reregistered 77 D 816.
Reseated to B49F before sale to Bus Eireann.
Acquired by Richard Shannon.
Purchased on the 9/03/08 for continued preservation from M.Phipps, Dublin.
This vehicle is in very poor condition both mechanically and bodily and will require a major restoration from top to bottom. It will require a new floor and repanel and a mechanical check over and the biggest job of all, the centre door reinstated. More info on its history will follow soon.
|
 | 28th Sep 2007 | 1882 aka 4882 (25 images)
New to Central S.M.T, Scotland 3/76 as their Fleet No T243
Wishaw 1/03/76 -
Sold to Ulsterbus Ltd 3/89
Fleet No 1882
Reg No MHS 21P
Company Ulsterbus Ltd
Chassis No 7600177
Body No 4174/18
Type Leyland Leopard PSU3C/3R
Body Alexander (Falkirk) AYS type B53F+22 (53 seated and 22 standing)
Engine Leyland 0680
Gearbox 4 speed manual, 1st to 2nd crash
To Driving School, Belfast 1/07/89
To Driving School, Londonderry 29/06/92
Reserve 30/04/97 upon closure of Londonderry driving school.
Ballymena for conversion to Towcar 27/11/97 (not taxed)
Into service as Towcar at Ballymena 11/02/99
Renumbered 4882 20/07/05
Withdrawn for disposal 31/07/07
Acquired for preservation by Richard Shannon (Newtownards) 9/2007.
Being acquired for preservation 1882 represents the cut down engineering vehicles that most Ulsterbus depots went to great lengths to convert especially for the purpose, this particular one being converted by Ballymena depot. Being a 4 speed manual Leopard, this vehicle has proved to be very lively and has already demonstrated to be a useful addition to the group.
It has had a general tidy up inside and vinyls applied externally to represent the mid ninties Ulsterbus livery, 1882 would have carried these vinyls as a Driving School vehicle but not as a towbus as she was converted in the Translink era. Mechanically she is an excellant bus, with only a speedo drive unit having to be sourced an replaced so far. Eventually it is planned to give her a full repanel and repaint.
|
 | 6th Oct 2006 | 1878 (99 images)
Fleet No 1878
Reg No LOI 1878
Company Ulsterbus Ltd
Chassis No 455852
Body No ??
Type Bedford YLQ
Body Alexander (Belfast) X type B45F+20
Engine Bedford 500 blue seris
Gearbox 5 speed manual
New 20/01/1977
Newry 20/01/1977 - Reserve 31/01/90
Converted to Towbus For use at Newry 7/02/90
Withdrawn for disposal 24/02/95
Reinstated as Towbus at Armagh 7/06/95
Renumbered 4878 20/07/05
Withdrawn for disposal 25/08/06
Acquired for preservation by Richard Shannon 09/06
One of the longest surviours of the type with Ulsterbus when withdrawn from service in January 1990, 1878 has recently been completely restored from a tow-car back to original bus condition by Richard Shannon.
A substantial restoration has seen it recieving a partial repanel and full repaint externally, internally it has had a new floor fitted at the back and new lino throughout, the boot rebuilt and seats acquired and fitted as to orig bus standard spec. Mechanically the front brakes have been completely overhauled and an exhaust manifold sourced and fitted along with a few other minor jobs. As the only restored example of a few survivors 1878 makes a unique and valued addtion to the ABPG.
|
 | 3rd Mar 2007 | 182 (69 images)
Reg No VOI 182 (new)
UCZ 1781 (current)
Fleet No 182
Type Leyland Leopard PSU3E/4R
Chassis no 7902314
Body Alexander (Belfast) X type DP49F+22
Body no 582/28
New 15/05/1980
Newtownards 15/05/1980 - 31/08/03
Reserve 31/08/03 - 21/10/03
Purchased for spare parts by Jeff Thompson 21/10/03
After Mr Thompson had acquired Leyland Leopard 235, it was found to be in a bad way inside, and bits and pieces had been removed from it over the years. Leyland Leopard 182, VOI 182 was purchased for spare parts to restore Leopard 235. The decision was then made to restore Leyland Leopard 182 after it was found to be very good chassis wise , it has already received 173's engine as the original was very worn and needed a complete overhaul.
It is to be returned to MK1 Ulsterbus livery eventually. This is a long term project.
|
 | 2nd Mar 2007 | 1571 (29 images)
Fleet No 1571
Reg No DOI 1571
Company Ulsterbus Ltd
Chassis No 7201586
Body No
Type Leyland Leopard PSU3B/4R
Body Alexander (Belfast) X type B53F
Engine Leyland 0680
Gearbox 4 speed semi auto
New 1/06/1972
Omagh 1/06/72 - 1/1/87
Armagh - 1/1/87 - 30/11/88
Reserve 30/11/1988
Withdrawn 8/11/89 for use as a store.
Acquired for preservation by Richard Shannon (Newtownards) for continued preservation from the Kells Transport Museum, Cork 9/04/2006.
One of 2 survivors of the early steel framed leopards that ulsterbus owned, 1571 is the only bus seated example still in existence. Waiting restoration at this time, 1571 will be a long term project needing a full strip down. New floor bearers are needed throughout the bus and a new floor required. Side framework and stress panels will need attention or replacement particularly in the boot area, the chassis itself is in very good condition for its age and will only require a clean down an painting. Mechanically 1571 was well looked after to the usual Ulsterbus standard but lyin up for so long will mean a full check over. Any missing parts have been salvaged off scrap vehicles since being acquired and placed back on 1571 so as not too loose any of them.
|
 | 3rd Mar 2007 | 129 (58 images)
Reg No ROI 129
Re-Registered FEZ 8627 23/11/05
- - - - RUI 129 25/06/09
Fleet No 129
Type Leyland Leopard PSU3E/4R
Chassis no 7801952
Body Alexander Belfast X Type DP49F+22
Body No360/23
New 16/10/1978
Into service date 19/10/1978
Newtownards 19/10/1978 - 01/04/1992
Bangor 01/04 1992 - 13/09/1996
Dungannon 13/09/1996 - 31/05/2006
Reserve 02/05/2006
Acquired for preservation by Mr J Thompson Newtownards 17/07/2006
Acquired for on going preservation by P McAlinney Newtownards 22/03/07
Leyland Leopard 129 has had small alternator problem fixed, a one peice bumper sourced and fitted to the front and a new one peice rear bumper is currently being made.
129 is the only Leopard within the group to have all 4 springs changed, with the front springs being weak on one side and a broken leaf on the other.After finnishing this job it was then noticed the bus was still sitting funny so 2 back springs have been fitted.
129 has been painted into the livery it would have arrived new in, Mk1 Ulsterbus with depot codes for the first depot it was based at, Newtownards.
Leyland Leopard 129 is the only surving full size ROI registered Leyland Leopard, this batch being new with 2 emergancy doors and black ribbed seat material.
129 has also recently been re-registered RUI 129 due to the ROI plates being on a new coach within Ulsterbus.
|
 | 16th Jul 2008 | 1025 (49 images)
Fleet No 1025
Reg No JXI 1025
Company Ulsterbus Ltd
Chassis No 8600087
Body No 782/6
Type Leyland Tiger TRBTL11/2RP
Body Alexander (Belfast) N type DP53F+22
Engine Leyland TL11
Gearbox 5 speed semi auto
New 01/1987
Newtownards 01/1987 - 29/02/08
Reserve 29/02/08 -
Acquired for preservation by R Shannon (Newtownards) 16/07/2008
New to Newtownards depot on the 7th of January 1987 and now the only surviving example of a batch of 30 Tigers delivered to Ulsterbus in the JXI registered seris, 1025 spent all its working life there and generally worked out of Millisle and Donaghadee sub depots. Clocking up 21 years of service 1025 was withdrawn and sold to its current owners in July 2008.
Not so much restored but tidied up to a PSV standard, 1025 has been returned to the livery it wore as new, the opportunity of a repaint seen it have any dented or damaged panels replaced and the reinstatement of the original Spec steel bumpers front and back, and of course all its badges namely the Tigers head!.
Mechancial work has seen it recieve new anti roll bar bushes and exhaust silencer and pipes so far. Future plans are a full top to bottom restoration.
|
|
|