United Counties YRT RBD 111M (1)
Like many an NBC subsidiary, United Counties tried their hands at operating 'lightweight' PSV chassis in the 1970s. Not unreasonably, the locally built Bedford product featured in their orders for such and they took both 11m YRTs and 10m YRQs.
Unsurprisingly, these short life types, often shunned by enthusiasts too, are not now well represented in preservation. One happy survivor though is Willowbrook 001 bodied YRT, RBD 111M.
The bus is owned by a small consortium of United Counties enthusiasts who rescued it after its second life with Cornish independent Willis of Bodmin. Nearly six years or so ago it was moved to North Staffordshire for resoration, but after five years with the initial contractor who worked on it occasionally due to pressure of work, it was moved to Reliance Bus Works where the remaining two thirds of the job was completed.
It had always been the owners plans to debut it at a local event, so it was provisionally booked into today's Wellingborough rally. Unfortunately a major defect was identified with its engine and it had to be replaced using a reconditioned Bedford 500. The week was barely underway when a serious issue with it too made itself known. Mid week the latter engine was stripped and re-built in order to try to keep the hoped-for appointment and thankfully, today it drove the 110 miles from North Staffordshire to Northamptonshire without a problem.
United Counties YRT RBD 111M (1)
Like many an NBC subsidiary, United Counties tried their hands at operating 'lightweight' PSV chassis in the 1970s. Not unreasonably, the locally built Bedford product featured in their orders for such and they took both 11m YRTs and 10m YRQs.
Unsurprisingly, these short life types, often shunned by enthusiasts too, are not now well represented in preservation. One happy survivor though is Willowbrook 001 bodied YRT, RBD 111M.
The bus is owned by a small consortium of United Counties enthusiasts who rescued it after its second life with Cornish independent Willis of Bodmin. Nearly six years or so ago it was moved to North Staffordshire for resoration, but after five years with the initial contractor who worked on it occasionally due to pressure of work, it was moved to Reliance Bus Works where the remaining two thirds of the job was completed.
It had always been the owners plans to debut it at a local event, so it was provisionally booked into today's Wellingborough rally. Unfortunately a major defect was identified with its engine and it had to be replaced using a reconditioned Bedford 500. The week was barely underway when a serious issue with it too made itself known. Mid week the latter engine was stripped and re-built in order to try to keep the hoped-for appointment and thankfully, today it drove the 110 miles from North Staffordshire to Northamptonshire without a problem.