442 RTV 442X
Chassis: - Leyland Atlantean AN68/1R 8100280
Body: - Northern Counties 2087 H47/31D
History
Delivered in November 1981 to Nottingham City Transport as part of a batch of 20 similar vehicles, which were the penultimate batch of Atlanteans supplied to NCT, 442 is fitted with an Northern Counties Double Deck body, seating a total of 78 passengers, 47 upstairs and 31 in the lower deck.
It is built to what is known as the “Nottingham Standard” design, which gave Nottingham’s buses a distinctive look for many years. Features included an angled destination making it easier to see, higher internal ceilings, curved upper deck front windows and windscreens, a large front bumper to reduce accident damage, and a standardisation of parts between different vehicles for ease of maintenance.
The bus operated from Sherwood and Bulwell depots for its service life, being repainted in September 1987 and April 1990.
The vehicle had its staircase window panelled over in August 1993 prior to the application of a between deck advert for Palmers Kitchens & Conservatories of Trent Bridge. This was replaced in March 1994 with one for Loot, a local classified paper. By June 1995 an advert for Nottingham’s Merry Markets on behalf of the City Council was applied followed by one for the City of Nottingham Council Centenary in June 1997.
After withdrawal in March 1999 442 passed to Franks of Markfield, trading as Fleetline on the 12th of April 1999. Here it was to operate for six years on Leicestershire school contracts.
On the 9th of November 2005 442 joined ourselves. As we were heavily occupied on other projects the vehicle was dispatched in June 2006 to Winsons at Loughborough for a complete mechanical overhaul. Unfortunately this proved to include the need for new springs, brake actuators and a replacement gearbox. The nearside roof had sustained heavy damage so we took the decision to convert it to partial open top.
442 over time has received plenty of attention. The entire lower deck floor has been removed to allow full refurbishment of the chassis and floor bearers. Whilst undertaking this work we have taken the opportunity to replace the power steering pipes from front to back. Road wheels have been overhauled and repainted. New tyres have been fitted. The bus has also been completely re-panelled.
The bus will eventually be painted into NCT livery once again.
Relevance to Collection
This is another example of the Nottingham Standard bus, and will be a valuable addition to our operating fleet at open days.
Ex Nottingham City Transport Leyland Atlantean AN68C/1R No.442
In service
Chassis No. 100280 Body No. 2087
442 is a Leyland Atlantean AN68C/1R with a Northern Counties body to H47/33D format. It was new to Nottingham on the 5th of November 1981, registered on the 9th and entering service on the 11th. The bus operated from Sherwood and Bulwell depots for its service life, being repainted in September 1987 and April 1990.
Advertising liveries applied
The vehicle had its staircase window panelled over in August 1993 prior to the application of a between deck advert for Palmers Kitchens & Conservatories of Trent Bridge. This was replaced in March 1994 with one for Loot, a local classified paper. By June 1995 an advert for Nottinghams Merry Markets on behalf of the City Council was applied followed by one for the City of Nottingham Council Centenary in June 1997.
Life after NCT
Purchased by ourselves
On the 9th of November 2005 442 joined ourselves. As we were heavily occupied on other projects the vehicle was despatched in June 2006 to Winsons at Loughborough for a complete mechanical overhaul. Unfortunately this proved to include the need for new springs, brake actuators and a replacement gearbox. To say it came to us with a current psv ticket in place left us a little suprised as to its poor mechanical condition.
The nearside roof had sustained heavy damage so we took the decision to convert it to partial open top. Hence the interior roof and all the interior fittings were removed from the vehicle.
As one of our current working projects we have now begun to reframe the vehicle. Once the early stages of this were completed we moved her inside for the removal of the rear portion of the roof. The front will be retained to keep the staircase area covered. Work is progressing well, with new panels starting to be fitted. The exhaust system has also been replaced.
2014 onwards
Late in the year the majority of new panel work has been fitted. There is plenty more to do but at last the vehicle is once again resembling a bus.
Please enjoy the gallery below showing some of the work undertaken to date.