Royal Blue fleet number 1250, this was one of the last intake of half cab coaches before the advent of the underfloor engine. Its stylish Duple body incorporated traditional Royal Blue features including full width canopy with two part destination display, side intermediate destination blinds and roof luggage rack with fold out access steps between the rear windows. 1250 was initially based in Plymouth and served on Royal Blue and Associated Motorways routes throughout the South of England, Midlands and occasionally as far North as Liverpool. After withdrawal in 1963, 1250 worked for two Somerset independents before being sold for scrap. Fortunately 1250 was rescued for preservation by Colin Shears of the West Country Transport Collection and bought by its present owner in 1972 since when an extensive restoration has been carried out being completed in time for the Royal Blue 125th anniversary celebrations in 2005.

This vehicle is fitted with an AH505 engine and, even though she was manufactured as late as 1972, has a 6-speed constant-mesh (or "crash") gearbox and no power steering. Despite this, (and once you master the techniques of dealing with the crash gearbox!) she is a pleasant vehicle to drive, delivering a surprising amount of smooth torque and power from her 8.2 litre engine.

The bodywork is a 10 metre Plaxton Elite ll which was fitted from new with 45 seats. The seats installed in her now are not the original ones, being 16 Plaxton Recliners. However, they are in keeping with the general age of the vehicle and are comfortable, even on long journeys. They are complimented by 4 Plaxton tables.

In 1980 she passed to Burtons of Alfreton Derbyshire via Yeats, the coach dealers. This coach was John Burton's first PSV, and I understand she was very well thought of. She subsequently went to Marshalls of Newark and then J.C. Coaches (Roselyn), where the vehicle was apparently known as 'Henry'.

Her next owner, for quite a few years, was Steve Morris (Rexquote Motor Services), who eventually used her in the Taunton area, mainly on school transport duties. She was purchased by myself in January 2004 for on-going preservation, and is painted in the original Cotterell's livery. I also use her for taking friends & acquaintances for "Days Out With A Difference To Interesting Places".
                                                                                                 Russ Smith

Batch of 16 leased from Kirby Bus & Coach Sheffield on a five year lease package to National Travel (South West) Ltd St Margaret’s Coach Station, St Margaret’s Road, Cheltenham , Gloucestershire. Allocated to National Travel South West Cheltenham Unit. Operated on National Express network and National Holidays. Used on the Premier Service 777 Cheltenham-Paris. Returned in October 1985 to Kirkby Bus & coach at end of lease. In 1980 company reverted to being Black and White Motorways and was controlled by National Travel West. The livery changed to the National Express Red Stripe at this time. Coach operated the last Cheltenham Interchange in January 1981 and operated on 741 to Helston service.

Built 1969 to operate Mersyside - London express services. Used on express coach and excursion services by  Crosville until 1981. Was then used by schools in Hampshire and Buckinghamshire and a scout group in Luton. Passed into preservation in 1994 following which it has been extensively rebuilt. Passed to its current owner in 2006, this is its first year on the road. Is temporary in Bristol Greyhound livery.

Visit website for more details of this vehicle - [ www.bristol-re.co.uk/afm103g.asp ]

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