Rightgoodmotor
Almost an Expressliner
Rapsons L592RST, was, if I recall rightly, the first Premiere 350 bought new by the company, for their extending National Express commitments following SBG privatisation, (when those fleets were consolidating their position and withdrawing or reducing their express coach contributions).
Plaxton and Nat. Ex had launched the Expressliner concept a few years previously on Paramount 3500 bodied B10Ms. the concept was a standard interior layout and appearance across their contractor's fleets. With the cessation of the Paramount and launch of the Premiere the Expressliner II was launched. There was a relaxing of specifications in that Van Hools (on Volvo, DAF or Scania chassis) and Bovas could also be specified, but the interior layout and appearance was consistent. 49 seats, rear floor mounted toilet (ie not sunken), 46 seats if it was Rapide coach with a galley.
L592RST, although badged as an Expressliner, wasn't really one. You can just see it has the beige poles and a brown interior that many Premieres of this age had (rather than the standard Expressliner NE moquette featuring the double N logo), and the destination screen is smaller than Expressliner standard. it was to the right interior config. however. Several that followed this into the Rapsons fleet however, were to the full spec.
It is seen here in Hamilton bus station in 1994 on an Inverness-London working.
PLEASE DO NOT COPY, SHARE OR POST MY PICTURES ON ANY OTHER WEBSITE WITHOUT MY PERMISSION.
Almost an Expressliner
Rapsons L592RST, was, if I recall rightly, the first Premiere 350 bought new by the company, for their extending National Express commitments following SBG privatisation, (when those fleets were consolidating their position and withdrawing or reducing their express coach contributions).
Plaxton and Nat. Ex had launched the Expressliner concept a few years previously on Paramount 3500 bodied B10Ms. the concept was a standard interior layout and appearance across their contractor's fleets. With the cessation of the Paramount and launch of the Premiere the Expressliner II was launched. There was a relaxing of specifications in that Van Hools (on Volvo, DAF or Scania chassis) and Bovas could also be specified, but the interior layout and appearance was consistent. 49 seats, rear floor mounted toilet (ie not sunken), 46 seats if it was Rapide coach with a galley.
L592RST, although badged as an Expressliner, wasn't really one. You can just see it has the beige poles and a brown interior that many Premieres of this age had (rather than the standard Expressliner NE moquette featuring the double N logo), and the destination screen is smaller than Expressliner standard. it was to the right interior config. however. Several that followed this into the Rapsons fleet however, were to the full spec.
It is seen here in Hamilton bus station in 1994 on an Inverness-London working.
PLEASE DO NOT COPY, SHARE OR POST MY PICTURES ON ANY OTHER WEBSITE WITHOUT MY PERMISSION.