Manchester Metrobus.
Back in 2010 a familiar face came our way. MCW Metrobus SND 120X had been an active member of a small local independent's fleet and as such, I'd become familiar with driving it on school contracts. Bowker Coaches replaced a very faithful 1979 built ex West Midlands Fleetline with this bus and I had convinced myself that I wouldn't like the new kid on the block. I have to say however, that barring the unneccesarily fierce retarder (dangerous even on icy roads) and the awful reversing 'qualities' of the Voith gearbox, the Metrobus was actually quite pleasant to drive.
Anyway, following withdrawal by Bowkers the bus passed into preservation with a well know Manchester based enthusiast (who I believe still owns it). Much of the work on this was cosmetic as it was in reasonably good mechanical condition.
The photo was taken on the outskirts of Rode Heath following re-painting, about half a mile from our storage compound.
Manchester Metrobus.
Back in 2010 a familiar face came our way. MCW Metrobus SND 120X had been an active member of a small local independent's fleet and as such, I'd become familiar with driving it on school contracts. Bowker Coaches replaced a very faithful 1979 built ex West Midlands Fleetline with this bus and I had convinced myself that I wouldn't like the new kid on the block. I have to say however, that barring the unneccesarily fierce retarder (dangerous even on icy roads) and the awful reversing 'qualities' of the Voith gearbox, the Metrobus was actually quite pleasant to drive.
Anyway, following withdrawal by Bowkers the bus passed into preservation with a well know Manchester based enthusiast (who I believe still owns it). Much of the work on this was cosmetic as it was in reasonably good mechanical condition.
The photo was taken on the outskirts of Rode Heath following re-painting, about half a mile from our storage compound.