RTV442X Leyland Atlantean AN68C/1R with Northern Counties H47/33D Bodywork
In Service
Chassis No. 100280 Body No. 2087
442 was new to Nottingham on the 5th of November 1981, registered on the 9th and entering service on the 11th. It was to operate from Sherwood and Bulwell depots for its service life, being repainted in September 1987 and April 1990.
Advertising liveries !
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.
Sold for further use.
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.
Purchased by our group
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.
As the nearside roof had sustained heavy damage 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.
442 now awaits the removal of the rear section of roof, as we intend to leave the section from the stairs forward covered.