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1970 LEYLAND LEOPARD PSU 3A/4R

STRATFORD BLUE 36 - XNX136H

OWNED BY ASTON MANOR ROAD TRANSPORT MUSEUM

 

BODY: ALEXANDER Y TYPE, 49 SEATS
 
ENGINE: LEYLAND
TRANSMISSION: SEMI-AUTOMATIC 5 SPEED

 

    36 entered service in May 1970 with Stratford Blue, and was the last new coach purchased before the company was absorbed into the Midland Red fleet when it was renumbered 2036. It was painted in National Bus Company coach livery of mainly white, and was used on express services. Later on in its life it was downgraded and painted in bus livery, of mainly red.

    In September 1981 it was transferred to Midland Red North, based at Wellington and Ludlow, and ran local bus services. In late 1982 engine trouble saw its withdrawal, but after six months and an engine overhaul, it was back in service. December 1983 saw its final withdrawal, when it was sold to a Scout group who used it as transport, sometimes to Europe.

    It was sold for preservation in 1985, and attended rallies in 1986 in the NBC red bus livery. It was sold on again in September 1987, after which it was painted into its original Stratford Blue livery which it carries today. Its condition today is a tribute to these owners, as Aston Manor has not had to do much to it since acquiring it a couple of years ago. More recent work has included new rear wheel bearings and brake shoes, and a front brake cam and bushes. The vehicle is now MOT'd and back on the road as part of our running fleet, to be used on free bus services on our open days.

 

All photos copyright AMRTM

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