PSJ825R
PSJ was new to A1 Service(Hunter), Ardrossan, Scotland on the 1st April 1977. It operated there, mainly on the main Ardrossan to Killmarnock route until 1990, but not before it had lost the centre exit. It carried the same blue and cream livery most of the time whilst with A1, with the only addition being a marroon band below the lower deck windows in later years.
After A1, it was sold to Marshalls Coaches, Baileston, Glasgow, who operated it on mainly contract services until August 1995, who then sold it to Black Prince Coaches of Morley, Leeds, as a source of spares.
When it was collected from Marshalls, it made part of the journey south, but failed due to engine seizure at Carlisle. However, it was coaxed back into life, and did make it to Morley under its own steam. PSJ then sat at the Black Prince yard for 6 months, and in this time was assessed by BP as to whether or not they would put into service. However, this proved uneconomic.
A timely visit was made to BP in March 1996, when PSJ was secured for preservation by the A1 Vanhool Group, who's 7 members just happened to be members of the 388 Group.
In the end PSJ was swapped for a spare Ailsa engine we had!
PSJ's body condition was fairly sound for that of a Vanhool, so the decision was made to carry out much mechanical work, including an engine rebuild, and MOT. It was also treated to a quick repaint into A1 blue and cream, and attended its first rally at Halifax in May 1997.
For the first 2 years PSJ was terribly unreliable and really did push our patience to the limits, but after much work has proved to be a very reliable bus that you can trust.
PSJ has been rallied extensivley by the 388 Group since 1997 to raise funds to further the restoration of LWB388P.
Over 10 years later PSJ is now showing signs that it is in need of attention to the bodywork, particularly around the upper deck window frames. The bus is currently in store at the SYTT's premises at Tinsley.
It was thought that the vehicle may return home to Scotland in early 2009, but for a number of reasons this was not to be, so in Sheffield it will remain, with its 3 SYPTE stable mates.
PSJ is an absolute joy to drive, so will be returned to the road in time for the 2010 season.
The photo below is taken at Buxton on the way back from Stoke on the 10th May 2008.
Click on the thumb nail to the right.
