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Welcome to the KELLS TRANSPORT MUSEUM
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IRELANDS OPERATING BUS MUSEUM |
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August 31, 2010. PC2 arrived at the depot today from our depot in Dublin. Because she only has a top speed of 25 m.p.h. - she was an airport bus - we brought her down by low loader. She started instantly on arrival. She is a unique vehicle and a valuable addition to the museum. She is in excellent condition mechanically but needs some bodywork.
She is Cummins engined with a special low speed axle and fully automatic gearbox. The body is Van Hool. We understand she was built in the Van Hool factory. If anyone has further information on her please lety us know. < /p>
On the low loader.
Offside View.
Another View.
Drivers Area.
ULSTERBUS LEOPARD 120 ARRIVES
August 28, 2010. 120 arrived at the depot today.
This leaves 107, 108 and 111 older. This batch started life in 1978 so they have almost 32 years service with their first operator which is nothing short of amazing. At the top of this page are four of our Leopards out for a run and a photo. Left to right Omagh(118), Larne(120), Metro (1981) and Newtownabbey (117).
The following are her details:
Registration Number: ROI 120
Chassis Make: Leyland
Chassis Model: Leopard
Chassis No.: TR00
Body Make : Alexander Belfast
Body Model:
Body Number:
Engine: Leyland 680
HP: 150
Seating: B47F
Date service entry: 1978
Her history is (Thanks to Howard Cunningham for the info):
120 has current registration HCZ 5696 and is a Leyland PSU3E/4R with an Alexander ‘X’ (Belfast) body, DP49F. v She was new to LR 25.10.78 as ROI 120, with chassis number 7801537.
Transferred LR to BM 03.01.86, BM to V 01.05.90, V to R 01.09.92, R to LD 12.09.92, LD to R 30.09.92, R to MF 07.12.92, MF to R 31.10.94, R to AT 01.12.94, AT to R 31.12.94, R to LR 01.09.95, LR to R 30.04.95, R to LR 11.07.96, LR to R 01.09.98. Body and chassis shortened at rear and allocated for towing to LR 01.11.00. Renumbered 4120 01.04.03.
The other towcar Leopards in the museum are :
117
118
126
1891
1902
1981
An interesting addition for the museum indeed. The museum is extremely grateful to Ulsterbus for allowing us to have her
Front.
Rear.
Another View.
Drivers Area.
DR. GRIMES RECOVERING WELL.
August 23, 2010. Before someone adds funeral arrangements to the bulletin board - somebody was nasty enough to do so before - and to dispel any rumours, we are happy to announce that Dr. Grimes is recovering extremely well from a major eye operation performed last week. It appears the sight will be restored to the defective eye and that he will be able to drive buses for many years to come! We expect him back to work next week.
THERE IS NO KNOWING WHAT OUR STEPHEN GETS UP TO!
August 14, 2010. The weather has been so perfect that Stephen decided to give our Fahr combine a run and the first two photos were taken during preparation. The third photo was taken when he was finished the work and we think it is a super photo.
Wash it first.
Ready to go to work.
A perfect job!
ULSTERBUS 2650 ARRIVES
August 12, 2010. Tiger 2650 arrived on May 12, but we only got around to doing photos today. She was delivered by our Barney Yourell as usual. She is a Volvo Q Tiger and our third after 2648 and 2673. We are delighted to have her.
The following are her details:
Registration Number: SXI 2650
Chassis Make: Leyland
Chassis Model: Tiger
Chassis No.: TR00
Body Make : Alexander Belfast
Body Model: N
Body Number:
Engine: Volvo
HP:
Seating: B53F
Date service entry: 1992
2650 on arrival.
Left View.
Right View.
Rear View.
Inside Looking Back.
Drivers Area.
RICHARD AND KAREN SANDERSON VISIT THE MUSEUM
August 12, 2010. We were delighted today to have a visit from Richard and Karen Anderson from Aberdeen.
1981 ALL SPRUCED UP FOR MOGEELY
July 18, 2010. Stephen and Christy went to a lot of trouble to have Baby Leopard 1981 ready for Mogeely as the photo shows. Alas, it was a washout and she never got ther but she sure looked good.
Looks real super.
Unfortunately a gremlin crept in when we posted the original arrival photos of 1981 in that they did not get posted. Accordingly we repeat them corrected here in case anyone missed them
April 27, 2010. Our heap of babies is growing with the arrival of, this time, another baby Leopard. In keeping with our current tradition we no longer name babies but number them and this bouncing Leopard is called 1981. She was delivered by Pat O'Sullivan with Sean Ryan as midwife!
After one look at her she was christened "The Pink Panther" and we intend using her for rallies this summer. She is our first pink bus! We hope to get some nice photos of her in the sun shortly.
Front View
Side View
Rear View.
A real classic Leyland dash.
BABY LEOPARD 120 ARRIVES
August 3, 2010.
Leopard 120 was collected today from Larne. This is our seventh Leopard towtruck. Photos will follow.
She is only 32 years in service so is probably about one third of the way through her life!
Her history is (Thanks to Howard Cunningham for the info):
120 has current registration HCZ 5696 and is a Leyland PSU3E/4R with an Alexander ‘X’ (Belfast) body, DP49F.
She was new to LR 25.10.78 as ROI 120, with chassis number 7801537.
Transferred LR to BM 03.01.86, BM to V 01.05.90, V to R 01.09.92, R to LD 12.09.92, LD to R 30.09.92, R to MF 07.12.92, MF to R 31.10.94, R to AT 01.12.94, AT to R 31.12.94, R to LR 01.09.95, LR to R 30.04.95, R to LR 11.07.96, LR to R 01.09.98. Body and chassis shortened at rear and allocated for towing to LR 01.11.00. Renumbered 4120 01.04.03.
The other towcar Leopards in the museum are :
117
118
126
1891
1902
1981
An interesting addition for the museum indeed. The museum is extremely grateful to Ulsterbus for allowing us to have her
Michael Grimes
July 18, 2010. Alas, Mogeely Rally was a washout and we were unable to attend. This was a huge disappointment as we have been always there and well represented over the years but it was a vile weekend. We were taking Tiger 1320, Leopard 1981 and a Cork fire engine 2755 ZF.
We would not stand a chance of getting the machines - especially the baby leopard - onto the grass and if we did and they got bogged down even worse they would have to be lifted out which would risk damage so the decision was made not to take a chance. Nobody regretted it more than we did but we could do nothing. If they got bogged down you simply could not get them out and they would have to be lifted but the lift truck would have the same or worse traction and disaster could ensue.
ULSTERBUS 1320 ARRIVES
April 18, 2010. This is our seventh 13xx machine and was delivered by our Barney Yourell. She is fairly unique for an N Volvo Tiger in having sky boards.
The following are her details:
Registration Number: PXI 1320
Chassis Make: Leyland
Chassis Model: Tiger TR2R56V16Z4
Chassis No.: TR00
Body Make : Alexander Belfast
Body Model: N
Body Number:
Engine: Volvo DH10
HP:
Seating: DP53F
Date service entry: February 1992
Front View passenger side.
Front View Drivers Side.
Rear View Drivers Side.
Rear View Passenger Side.
Inside Looking Back.
Inside Looking Forward.
Drivers Area.
ULSTERBUS LEOPARD 118 ARRIVAL
July 15, 2010. As promised here are photos of 118. She is in superb condition. She arrived at the depot on July 7, 2010.
118 started life in 1978 so they have almost 32 years service with their first operator which is nothing short of amazing. She joins sisters 117 and 126.
The following are her details:
Registration Number: ROI 118
Chassis Make: Leyland
Chassis Model: Leopard
Chassis No.: TR00
Body Make : Alexander Belfast
Body Model:
Body Number:
Engine: Leyland 680
HP: 150
Seating: B47F
Date service entry: 1978
On lane to depot.
At depot entrance going for a run for photos.
Passenger Side.
Drivers Side.
Rear View.
Drivers Area. Real classic Leopard.
July 7, 2010. Do not forget the Mogeely Rally next Sunday July 18. We will,as always, be there and plan at the moment a fire engine, a Tiger and a Leopard or a RE. It is always a wonderful day out at one of the best rural rallies in Ireland.
July 7, 2010. Leopard 118 arrived today from Ulsterbus. Full details and photos will follow.
July 7, 2010. Tiger 1320 arrived today from Ulsterbus driven, as usual, by Barney Yourell. Full details and photos will follow. She is an N Volvo Tiger.
July 6, 2010. Volvo B10 87 LK 3557 arrived today from Mannings of Croom. She is a Plaxton Paramount 3500 Volvo B10. She is intended for parts as her engine is seized but she can provide a valuable source of parts including a very valuable, almost perfect, set of seats. Full details will follow.
July 5, 2010. 1271 was out for a run to keep her in good order. Following photos taken.
Two views on the run.
1312 OUT FOR A RUN.
July 4, 2010. 1312 was out for a run to keep her in good order.
Four views on the run.
Lukasz, has now qualified to drive buses and was trying out his new found skills.
June 7, 2010. Thornes did us the honour of bringing us 27 visitors in their 1959 AEC coach pictured above. We were delighted to have them but unfortunately it poured cats and dogs during their visit, but they enjoyed it. It was the largest single group to visit the museum to date. The tour was led by Philip Thorne, son of the founder of the coach company bearing their name. Their website shows the many vintage coaches they operate, one of which, VHO 200, visited us, and is well worth a visit.
A beautiful machine.
Leaving the Carrigaline Court Hotel.
En route.
Up the approach road.
Entering the depot.
The inside - immaculate.
The dash.
Parked at the depot. We thought of keeping her!.
Phil1ip Thorne.
Philip and his Tour Conductor Tom.
A wet but happy group.
With webmaster.
Shows off its elegant rear lines when leaving.
A very watery departure for Stradbally.
June 6, 2010. Under glorious weather conditions, one of the best rallies ever was organised by the Innishannon rally Group. The steam turnout was arguably, the best in these islands. A complete set of photos are being prepared. The rally continues tomorrow Monday.
Part of the 58 steam engines that attended.
Sean Ryan and Pat O'Sullivan with their 1949 Leyland Beaver
1889 Marshall, believed to be the second oldest working engine in Ireland.
1916 Rumley
1964 Humber Hawk.
May 22, 2010. Thanks to a most generous gift from Mr. Ed O'Neill, managing Director of Ideas in Motion Limited in the Howth Road we have received a present of a unique vehicles, Aer Lingus Van Hool PC2.
The story of this vehicle is most interesting. Some six to eight years ago somebody bought four of them from Aer Lingus for over €10,000. They then disappeared. We wanted them at the time, obviously, as we also had the Aer Lingus Nationals in our collection but there was no way we could afford them.
PC2 and PC6 were bought for a client of Ideas in Motion who specialise in converting vehicles, in this case, for conversion into mobile classrooms. The project was been shelved. Rather than have them scrapped, Ed O'Neill was willing to donate PC2 to the museum which offer was gratefully accepted. These are unique Irish vehicles and a real part of Irish history. They have Cummins BT11 engines on a Van Hool body and are unique in that the doors open outwards. The buses are governed to 25 m.p.h. by the way.
The museum is most grateful to Mr. O'Neill and his company Ideas in Motion Limited for their most generous gift to the museum.
Does anyone know what happened the others from Aer Lingus? We think they were six in total.
PC2 prior to delivery.
Drivers side.
Rear.
Near side.
Insidelooking back.
Inside looking forward.
May 14, 2010. Don't forget that Mogeely Rally is on Sunday July 18th. As we will have Tigers out that weekend we are going to have a "Tiger" day on the Saturday July 17th. and we invite visitors to come and drive our Tigers. We will have a Gardner "N", TL11 "N", Volvo "N", Volvo "Q" available.
In order to be allowed drive, you need to be able to drive in the first place, of course, and MUST let us know in advance so we can slot you in. So here is your opportunity to come and drive Tigers the first day and then go to the rally the second day. We will probably have a Leopard towtruck, a Tiger Q and a Tiger N at the Rally. We might instead just take our six Tigers shown here.
May 14, 2010. Real life is often better than preserved life. Whilst travelling in Poland this week I came across a dealer who had his wares out for display and they were literally a museum in themselves. I thought it might be interesting to share them. The town was Gorzow and I have no idea what he was doing with them, but what an amazing variety! I did get his phone and I am sure anything could be bought cheap. I wish I had the money to take the whole lot!
At the door. What is it?
The rear end.
The dash
Need a fire engine? What is it?
I hate to admit it but I have not a clue what they are other than the Ford Popular. Any ideas
Need a helicopter?
Or a Tank?
Or a God Knows What?
Or another one?
Fancy another helicopter?
Or how about an amphibian?
ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF Q TYPE VOLVO 2650
May 12, 2010. Q Volvo Tiger 2650 was delivered to the museum today. She was delivered by Barney Yourell. This is our third Q Tiger. She is a fully automatic Volvo machine. Photos will follow.
Anyone know her history?
Michael Grimes
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH THE LEOPARD TOWTRUCKS?
May 9, 2010. We now have five Leopard towtrucks, 117, 126, 1891, 1902 and 1981. Four are in Ulsterbus livery and 1981 in metro pink. We would welcome discussion on the discussion board as to how best to preserve them. The real questions are:
1. What livery should each be in? We do not know what liveries they wore during their careers so any help will be welcome?
2. Should any be full Ulsterbus i.e. without the stripes?
3. Should we ever plan to extend one back to full length or are there enough preserved full length?
4. How many should be kept as towtrucks?
5. Should any be fully seated as "Baby Leopards" and if so, how many seats?
LEOPARDS AND TIGERS FOR A RUN
May 8, 2010. It being a nice day today we had Tigers 2624, 1312 and 2673 out for run. Surprisingly 2673 is proving to be a good starter although this is relative when compared to a 680 or a Gardner.
We also took Leopard 117 and 1981 for a run and then moved them to the cleanup bay where they will receive a complete cleanup inside. It is intended to rally these two during the summer so we want them spick and span. Unlike their modern Vovo counterparts, one touch of the starter and they spring to life. They don't even need any batteries to run all day. Try that with any modern machine and see how far you get! The photo at the top of this page was taken with them both side by side.
April 28, 2010. Barney Yourell delivered today our second Leyland Q Tiger No. 2673 which is in absolutely superb condition.
2673 is an Alexander Q type Volvo engined, fully automatic Leyland Tiger.
The following are her details:
Registration Number: VXI 2673
Chassis Make: Leyland
Chassis Model: Tiger TR2R56V16Z4
Chassis No.: TR00
Body Make : Alexander Belfast
Body Model: Q
Body Number:
Engine: Volvo DH10
HP: 220
Seating: DP53F
Date service entry: 1992
Under the bridge at Glanmire.
Closeup.
Slipping through between the Bus Eireann service bus to Hazelbrook (Route 221) and Kearneys school bus driven by Eddie Green.
Eddie Green with his BMC.
Coming up the Knockraha Road.
Approaching the depot entrance.
Coming in the Lane.
Approaching the depot entrance.
Barney Yourell with 2673 on arrival.
April 27, 2010. Our heap of babies is growing with the arrival of, this time, another baby Leopard. In keeping with our current tradition we no longer name babies but number them and this bouncing Leopard is called 1981. She was delivered by Pat O'Sullivan with Sean Ryan as midwife!
After one look at her she was christened "The Pink Panther" and we intend using her for rallies this summer. She is our first pink bus! We hope to get some nice photos of her in the sun shortly.
Front View
Side View
A real classic Leyland dash.
April 20, 2010. The following photos were taken today. Who would have ever thought it possible? The first is the last N Leyland TL11 Tiger 1299 alongside the first Volvo N Tiger 1300. Note the different colour lower grill slats on 1300.
The first is the six 13xx Tigers which we have, from left to right:
1311 1313 1310 1309 1312 1300
Here we have the last N TL11 Tiger 1299 with the first N Volvo Tiger 1300.
ULSTERBUS 1300 ARRIVES AND ALSO GOES TO KNOCKRAHA
April 18, 2010. This is our second 13xx machine and was delivered by our Barney Yourell.
The following are her details:
Registration Number: PXI 1300
Chassis Make: Leyland
Chassis Model: Tiger TR2R56V16Z4
Chassis No.: TR00
Body Make : Alexander Belfast
Body Model: N
Body Number:
Engine: Volvo DH10
HP:
Seating: DP53F
Date service entry: February 1990
Note that she has different colour lower grille slats and and the interior which is 12xx not 13xx.
Being collected at Milewater Road. Left to right: Barney Yourell, Mark Phipps, Nicky, Mark Byrne and Michael Grimes.
Barney with 1300 on arrival.
Rear View.
Other Side.
Inside Looking Back.
Inside Looking Forward.
Drivers Area.
Leaving Cultra Rally.
Barney coming down the lane arriving at the depot.
Entering the depot.
On April 20, we went for a run to Knockraha. Here going down the lane. Note the new tarmacadam.
Michael and Lukasz. Lukasz is starting to drive the machines.
Coming towards the terminus at Knockraha.
At Knockraha Church.
At the terminus.
Passing Knockraha School.
The following were taken on the road back to the depot:
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.
.
Lukasz has an evil glint in his eye as he tries to run the webmaster down! Thats what happens when you teach them to drive!
April 17, 2010. Under perfect weather conditions the 2010 Cultra rally was a huge success. As always Ulsterbus played a prominent part and it was wonderful to have Frank Clegg present the trophies. Frank and his colleagues Pat Moss and John Montgomery have done much for preservation and only for them most of the vehicles preserved would now be scrap.
The full set of photos can be seen by clicking on the main menu on the left "Cultra 2010" but here is a small flavour.
DO NOT USE FIREFOX BROWSER.
March 12 2010. We have discovered that this site does not open properly with Firexfox Browser. We are working on the problem but apart from knowing that it has to do with the table arrangement, we have not a clue. IN THE MEANTIME ONLY USE INTERNET EXPLORER.
UPDATED ON 31 AUG 2010 at 162,165