PUK647R

Discussions about the Bus and Coach Preservation scene for Midland "Red" Motor Services and related companies.
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SEVERNLINK
Posts: 112
Joined: 14:44 Thursday 27th October 2016
Location: Bromsgrove

PUK647R

Post by SEVERNLINK » 20:13 Saturday 21st May 2022

Just gone on to Youtube and one of recommended videos was 'Bringing a Midland Red Leyland National Bus Back To life After Laying Idle For 19 Years' It was a fascinating watch if only to try and work out which was it was as it didn't say in the description and there were no plates on it :roll: Scrolling through the comments somebody said it was on a R plate which narrows it down until somebody says it PUK647R :D

They got it running and moving on site and from the intro to the video (which was rather long) it looks like it's in very good hands and will receive a top notch restoration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGQFB8bbw2c

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SEVERNLINK
Posts: 112
Joined: 14:44 Thursday 27th October 2016
Location: Bromsgrove

Re: PUK647R

Post by SEVERNLINK » 10:40 Sunday 22nd May 2022

Just watched the video again :D and the front plate is on but had been painted over but you can see it near the end when they're loading it onto the low loader 8-)

TimBrown
Posts: 1280
Joined: 05:59 Monday 4th July 2016
Location: Worcester

Re: PUK647R

Post by TimBrown » 09:46 Tuesday 24th May 2022

This bus had a long career with Midland Red North after an early stint with Midland Red East, my records show allocations and further use after withdrawal at 23 years of age;

647 PUK 647R Bodywork Leyland National

SA 08/77, WS 05/80, Midland Red (East) (647) 09/81, WDN 09/82. Midland Red (North) (647) SY 09/82, overall advertisement: Chris Jenkins (Proton car dealer), Shrewsbury by c. 1994, Darwin Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury by 01/95, U 05/96, WL 08/96, Arriva Midlands North (647) 04/98, SY 02/00, WDN 08/00. Ramm (d), Sudden 12/00, Roberts (Cloion Coaches), Clawddnewydd 01/01, WDN by 09/02. North Wales Police 03/03 (presumed for static training purposes).

My guess would be that restoration of this bus isn't going to be simple; Leyland Nationals were exo-skeletal with all the stress panels on the outside unlike BMMO monocoques which had them on the inside. I believe that the window pans, as well as the side panels below the window, are crucial to the integrity of these buses, as both are made from steel they suffer from 'age-related' rust and corrosion, so there will be many new sections and much double sided rivetting to make the body sound. From memory, I think Nationals also suffered corrosion of the front and rear suspension mountings and many later short-pod marks shook themselves to bits around the front windscreen and cab area prior to front anti-rollbars being legally removed. Perhaps Mr 943KHA can elaborate on the finer details, as I only drove Nationals in service, never had to maintain or restore one! Whatever, I wish the new owners all the best and look forward to seeing this bus on the road at rallies in the future.

ANDREW
Posts: 761
Joined: 00:38 Monday 4th July 2016
Location: Bromsgrove.

Re: PUK647R

Post by ANDREW » 17:14 Tuesday 24th May 2022

I too watched this You Tube video a few days and another "National" video appeared ,this time a very unique vehicle - JMY 120 N - being driven around Scunthorpe . . . . . 8-)

sparky93
Posts: 3
Joined: 17:13 Tuesday 23rd August 2016

Re: PUK647R

Post by sparky93 » 19:52 Tuesday 19th July 2022

and another vid for you of the SN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_ug5uZmRlU

ps hha101l, anyone seen the comments on another fb group? its dying rotting in green bus yard.....

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