THE HOME COUNTIES BUS IMAGE GALLERY
ALDER VALLEY Bristol RE
 |
 |
||
Page 5 |
| ||
 Bristol RELH 62 (CJB588J) saw a change in body choice for Thames Valley, delivered as TV 403, the succession of Duple bodied coaches gave way to the Plaxton Panorama Elite Express, but still with Bristol chassis. Plaxton bodied RELHs also entered service with the associated South Midland fleet, which passed to the control of City of Oxford. Alder Valley 62 is seen awaiting departure with a party of students from Brunel University, Uxbridge. |
 An odd collection of vehicles in the Reading yard. On the left is Bristol LD6G 543 (OCY955) originally United Welsh 308 and sold to Thames Valley as their 620 in 1969. Centre, in Thames Valley's South Midland livery used for coaches, is 59 (BJB883J), originally TV400, another Plaxton Panorama Elite Express bodied Bristol RELH6G. The final vehicle shows we are in NBC days, 706 (TRD706M) is one of the batch of 25 Ford R1014s with ECW bodies delivered to assist Alder Valley with its vehicle shortages. |
 One of the results of many of Alder Valley's vehicle shortages in NBC days resulted in the acquisition of some of Southdown's Leyland Leopards with Duple Commander IV bodywork touring coaches. The body style was familiar to the fleet having been featured on Bristol RELH and LH coaches in South Midland colours. Two of these Leopards, 39 & 37 (RUF803/1H), are seen alongside a native Alder Valley (formerly Thames Valley) Plaxton Elite bodied Bristol RELH at Reading's Thorn Walk depot: 63 (CJB589J). |
 |
 RELH 58 (RJB427F), formerly Thames Valley C427, was bought for the Reading - Heathrow Rail Air service down the M4. It was new in South Midland colours, but with Thames Valley fleetnames. The vehicle was a rare combination of Duple Commander IV bodywork on Bristol RELH6G chassis. It is seen at Reading depot in uninspiring NBC DP livery. |
|
|
|
||
Page 5 |
| ||