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ALDER VALLEY Miscellany

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Unique in Thames Valley's fleet was this ECW bodied Bristol MW6G. It was the only one to carry the style of body which was later adopted for the RELH coach. Indeed the coach that followed it into the fleet was 867 (521ABL), the prototype RELH coach which uniquely had a five bay body. Whereas 867 was allocated to the South Midland division and passed with South Midland to City of Oxford, the MW, 866 (520ABL), bore Thames Valley fleetnames on its South Midland livery. On becoming part of Alder Valley it was renumbered 31 and initially received the Ribble red livery before the more garish NBC dual purpose scheme. Despite its coach door it was relegated to bus work, particularly during the acute vehicle shortage. It is seen here leaving Reading Bus Station in the seventies, followed by a hired Lowlander from Southend Corporation.

Alder Valley Bristol MW6G ECW recruitment unit 30

Former South Midland coach, ECW bodied Bristol MW6G was converted into a Mobile Employment Office to recruit fitters, drivers and conductors in the eighties. It became the top numbered support vehicle, just below the first coach: 31 above. Thus former 801 became 30 (ORX632) and is seen in Maidenhead Bus Station in the eighties.

ALDER VALLEY National Bus Company

Alder Valley Bristol LS6G and MW6G ECW bus conversions

The more common fate that awaited former coaches was conversion to bus work with destination blinds, doors and ticketing equipment. This befell former Mansfield District Bristol LS6G 200 (PNN769) and South Midland 806 (PRX932) which was numbered 164 on conversion by Thames Valley. Their Alder Valley fleet numbers were 209 and 247, respectively.

ALDER VALLEY National Bus Company