Thunder and Lightweights.
As many a holiday in North Wales is inclined to be, the day I took this picture was one of severely contrasting weather conditions. One minute we had blue sky, the next it would be black and turbulent punctuated by bolts of lightening, rolling thunder and all followed by torrential downpours. Seemingly one of the best places to be in those circumstances was underground, so the family 'R' adjourned to Llechwedd Slate Caverns at Blaenau Ffestiniog. On arrival we were greeted by these two late generation 'lightweight' coaches and a coach park over which the tide appeared to be encroaching. On the right is a Plaxton Supreme IV bodied Bedford YMT ... a contemporary inependent's favourite, owned by Minsterley Motors and on the left a practically new Ford R series with Plaxton Paramount 'Express' bodywork belonging to well respected Derbyshire independent Andrews of Tideswell. This era of Ford coach, an R1115, represented Ford UK's final foray into full size coaches before leaving the market. Soon afterwards rival volume producer GM owned Bedford would follow suit.
Thunder and Lightweights.
As many a holiday in North Wales is inclined to be, the day I took this picture was one of severely contrasting weather conditions. One minute we had blue sky, the next it would be black and turbulent punctuated by bolts of lightening, rolling thunder and all followed by torrential downpours. Seemingly one of the best places to be in those circumstances was underground, so the family 'R' adjourned to Llechwedd Slate Caverns at Blaenau Ffestiniog. On arrival we were greeted by these two late generation 'lightweight' coaches and a coach park over which the tide appeared to be encroaching. On the right is a Plaxton Supreme IV bodied Bedford YMT ... a contemporary inependent's favourite, owned by Minsterley Motors and on the left a practically new Ford R series with Plaxton Paramount 'Express' bodywork belonging to well respected Derbyshire independent Andrews of Tideswell. This era of Ford coach, an R1115, represented Ford UK's final foray into full size coaches before leaving the market. Soon afterwards rival volume producer GM owned Bedford would follow suit.