Continuing the trend.
Even into relatively recent times and control of the former Western National fleet falling to First, the trend of using buses well beyond their prime continued (continues?). maybe it was something regarding the remoteness of the operation from the Company's Aberdeen HQ, or more cynically that the operator was never likely to contribute much to the bank balance of the shareholders. However, from an enthusiasts point of view, it provided a stay of execution for large numbers of elderly Bristol VR double deckers ... a once (too?) common sight across England and Wales. I have to confess here again, that the VR left me cold many years ago as being the NBC standard 'decker, they wiped out many a more interesting and often more competent type IMHO. However, with the passage of time, diminishing numbers, 'the hunter becoming the hunted' scenario and the plastic-ness of what's succeeded them, they've now acquired a greater degree of interest to me. Little did I ever think back in the '70s I'd drive from Stoke on Trent to Cornwall for the day to ride and photograph them! Here a battle-scarred AFJ 697T, built in 1978 and still wearing post privatization colours rather than First's 'Barbie', is seen leaving WN's Long Rock garage, Penzance to take up service when approaching thirty years of age.
Continuing the trend.
Even into relatively recent times and control of the former Western National fleet falling to First, the trend of using buses well beyond their prime continued (continues?). maybe it was something regarding the remoteness of the operation from the Company's Aberdeen HQ, or more cynically that the operator was never likely to contribute much to the bank balance of the shareholders. However, from an enthusiasts point of view, it provided a stay of execution for large numbers of elderly Bristol VR double deckers ... a once (too?) common sight across England and Wales. I have to confess here again, that the VR left me cold many years ago as being the NBC standard 'decker, they wiped out many a more interesting and often more competent type IMHO. However, with the passage of time, diminishing numbers, 'the hunter becoming the hunted' scenario and the plastic-ness of what's succeeded them, they've now acquired a greater degree of interest to me. Little did I ever think back in the '70s I'd drive from Stoke on Trent to Cornwall for the day to ride and photograph them! Here a battle-scarred AFJ 697T, built in 1978 and still wearing post privatization colours rather than First's 'Barbie', is seen leaving WN's Long Rock garage, Penzance to take up service when approaching thirty years of age.