History of the Group
The 388 Group was formed in 1992 by a Group of like minded enthrusiasts with the common aim of finding and purchasing at least one of the remaining Vanhool McArdle bodied Volvo Ailsas that were new to the South Yorkshire PTE in 1976-1977.
At that time, it was common knowledge that Black Prince Coaches of Morley, Leeds had two examples of the type in service, namely 380 and 388. 380 was relatively short lived with Black Prince, and was scrapped in 1992, which left 388 still running, which was to be the choice of the Group, hence the name!
BP would also later purchase 377 - more on the other pages!
A number of the founder members of the Group were at university in the nearby town of Huddersfield at this time, so this meant regular trips to Leeds to run on 388, and the rest of the Volvo Ailsas in the Black Prince fleet. Contact was made with Brian and David Crowther at Black Prince, who were very helpful to the Group's cause, and agreed to sell 388 to us at such time when it was withdrawn from service.
The funds were raised by Group members to purchase 388 by donations, and by regularly attending transport rallies and events selling transport memorabilia. To do this, a variety of vehicles were used, (see photos), some borrowed and some hired, but the ultimate goal of actually aquiring Ailsa 388 was finally realised in October 1994.
