Primrose, end of a 'golden era'?
Others may disagree, but this was for me the end of the golden era of British coaching. The country's commercial vehicle manufacturing industry was beginning to go into meltdown, and the invaders from the continent were to gain what was to become an un-assailable foothold. There were still several Independent coach operators who made a living out of Express service operation, one of which was Primrose of Ryton on Tyne. In 1976, when this coach was delivered, if you wished to buy a British heavy duty chassis, your choice was effectively limited to two models both from under the Leyland umbrella, their own Leopard or AEC's Reliance. Primrose by this time had opted for the latter with 12.5 litre AH 760 engines. PPT 212P seen here is loading at Blackpool's 'Seasiders Coach Park' in readiness for it's return across the country to Tyneside, It's Duple Dominant coach body had also been built at Blackpool.
Primrose, end of a 'golden era'?
Others may disagree, but this was for me the end of the golden era of British coaching. The country's commercial vehicle manufacturing industry was beginning to go into meltdown, and the invaders from the continent were to gain what was to become an un-assailable foothold. There were still several Independent coach operators who made a living out of Express service operation, one of which was Primrose of Ryton on Tyne. In 1976, when this coach was delivered, if you wished to buy a British heavy duty chassis, your choice was effectively limited to two models both from under the Leyland umbrella, their own Leopard or AEC's Reliance. Primrose by this time had opted for the latter with 12.5 litre AH 760 engines. PPT 212P seen here is loading at Blackpool's 'Seasiders Coach Park' in readiness for it's return across the country to Tyneside, It's Duple Dominant coach body had also been built at Blackpool.