Ireland's Operating Bus Museum

TIGERS 460 AND 1130 HISTORY WANTED

August 14, 2008. The next additions in our Tiger preservation programnme are 460 and 1130. Both are express Tigers which means we now have a pair of express Tigers which was a major omission in our fleet.Our thanks to Fred Mairs for the following information about the vehicles.

460

460 was chosen because she appears to be the only machine left as an original express Tiger and is suitable for changing her present seating for coach seating to make her original. 1130 was chosen because we have no three and two Tiger.

460 entered service with Ulsterbus on the 17th January 1986 at Londonderry / Derry Depot. As it was an Express Tiger when in Derry 460 could often be found on the Londonderry - Dublin Express Service. 460 later transferred to Coleraine Depot in exchange for Tiger 368 and 460 remained at Coleraine until withdrawal at the end of December 2007. When in Coleraine 460 was often used on the long service run 134 / 143 from Coleriane - Limavady - Londonderry but in its later life was often outstationed at Ballymoney.

When new 460 was registered HXI 460 but it was reregistered JNZ 7487 when low floor Scania 2460 arrived. 460 was the only Tiger reregistered with an NZ number and this is rather strange. We would hope on the delivery trip to get some photos of her at Bus Aras which she used to visit.

1130

1130 (LXI 1130) was new to Enniskillen on the 24th March 1988. It only remained in Enniskillen for 1 year and then it moved to Ballymena. When in Enniskillen it often worked the Enniskillen - Belfast Express. During its time in Ballymena believe it or not it spent a number of years allocated to Portglenone. It later moved back to Ballymena and was replaced at Portglenone with 1122 (Kells Transport Museum also). 1130 was reseated as a 62 seat Tiger and has been used on busy school runs in the Ballymena area.

We really are grateful to our northern friends for their help in selecting Tigers and every suggestion is very carefully considered so please keep the suggestions coming. This program has to be unique in preservation history and as far as I know no other vehicle is the subject of such an encompassing preservation program. The real test will come in a hundred years or so when it remains to be seen how many are still running!

AER ARANN LOSES 1,225,000 EURO IN 2007. OPERATIONS NOW A TOTAL SHAMBLES

August 15,2008. Internal documents of Aer Arann show that it lost 1,225,000 euro last year. Even worse confidential predictions drawn up for 2008 show the loss rising to almost 2,500,000 euro. Aer Arann do not publish accounts and have left the Department of Transport in a quandary as they refuse to provide them with figures even though the taxpayer is footing the bill and should be told what a mess he is supporting.

Their operations have denegenerated into chaos and today August 15 out of Cork airport illustrates what a mess they are in and as can be seen they have achieved the magic figure of 100% of their flights late. This takes quite come achieving and shows that Padraig O'Ceidigh and his team are totally incompetent, have their heads buried in the sand, decline to do anything and are rapidly approaching bankruptcy. Stupid, bloody, fools are currently running Aer Arann.

INBOUND

RE 409 DUBLIN DUE 1340 ACTUAL 1727
RE 422 CARDIFF DUE 1435 ACTUAL 1738
RE 454 SOUTHAMPTON DUE 1755 ACTUAL 1807
RE 432 BRISTOL DUE 1800 ACTUAL 1923
RE 627 DUBLIN DUE 1835 ACTUAL 2012

OUTBOUND

RE 421 CARDIFF DUE 1500 ACTUAL 1812
RE 624 DUBLIN DUE 1620 ACTUAL 1759
RE 303 BELFAST DUE 1830 ACTUAL 1841
RE 465 EDINBURGH DUE 1840 ACTUAL 2139
RE 632 DUBLIN DUE 1900 ACTUAL 2041

and if anyone be thinks the above record - which is repeated day after day - is the way to run an airline then they are crazy. Padraig O'Ceidigh blamed Michael O'Leary for his behavour on the Dublin route. The truth and reality is that Aer Aranns performance is so appalling that nobody can rely on them anymore and the passengers are deserting in droves. It is interesting that today Ryanair were spot on on every Dublin service.

As for load factor Aer Arann are 46.2% which is totally lossmaking by any standards whereas Ryanair achieve 80.8%. In plain English Aer Arann have such a lousy commercial department they are simply failing to sell seats and should be fired. Every Ryanair passenger is a potential Aer Arann passenger so why are they not on Aer Arann? Simply because nobody expects Arann to turn up on time.

The cure is to fire the Operations Manager and fire the Commercial Manager and keep replacing them until things go right and if that does not work then fire Padraig O'Ceidigh.

It is simply not good enough for Padraig O'Ceidigh to take taxpayers money and have no accounting for it. A lot of small suppliers are going to come badly unstuck when Aer Arann go bankrupt and that is neither right nor fair. Minister Dempsey also has a duty to ensure they are financially sound and is failing in that duty.

E 106 PROGRESS REPORT

August 12, 2008. The restoration of E 106 continues apace. Headlamps - and they work - have been fitted and the front now looks tolerably respectable.

Next somes the restoration of the back end and which is very badly corroded. This will be followed by a heavy clean of the interior. Once the new maintenance shed comes, she will be the first for a paint job.

All the E class had cast iron fleet plates originally. Does anyone know where these were made or where we could get duplicates made? Another question is who still manufactures blinds as we need to make up a new set for her.

Stephen Lynch has informed us that she was a Sligo based bus in service with the snail on the side but that she was subsequently painted with the CIE roundel. She then went to Athlone as a schools bus and finally to Cork as a driver trainer. She was delivered in cherry and cream and was the only E ever to be painted in CIE green but only for a film. No E ever wore green in service. They were a remarkably standardised fleet in that they all remained as delivered through their entire life other than possibly having the rear ladders removed. It is our intention to repaint her in cherry and cream with snails on the sides.

SLEZSKE ZEMSKE DRAHY

Slezske Zemske Drahy is one of the few surviving narrow gauge Railways in the Czech republic. The public service is operated by Ceske Drahy year round and the steam service on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August by Olpas Moravia s.r.o.

I was fortunate enough to visit it last Saturday and have inserted a whole article with many interesting photographs on the railway section. The following photographs give a flavour of the line and to access the full article:

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE ON SLEZSKE ZEMSKE DRAHY

At the terminus at Osablaha.

Approaching Bohusov.

Coming into Slezska Rudoltice

Typical Engine View.

Passing the regular diesel service train at Slezska Rudoltice.

CZECH RAIL DISASTER

August 10, 2008. A dreadful rail, crash took place at Studenka (between Olomouc and Ostrava) in the Czech Republic on August 7, 2008 when a road bridge fell on top of the Warsaw to Praha express which was travelling at 87 m.p.h. 10 people were reported dead and over 100 injured. Webmaster was in the area at the time and took the following photos.

The bridge became a giant cantilever and smashed down on top of the passing train. Look at the right end high in the air.

It is amazing that not more were killed as it crushed all beneath it.

Quite a wreck.

Cleaning up the mess.

Taking it away.

CORK AIRPORT DISASTER
FOREIGN BOTTOMS IN IMMINENT DANGER
EXECUTIVE BOTTOMS SAFE.
August 9, 2008. The cutbacks by the government have begun to bite and in the wrong places. Dublin Airport Authority have decided that foreigners at Cork Airport will have to sit on their bottoms on the toilets as toilet seats are being systematically removed and not replaced to save money. However, the Irish can use the bushes around the airport and Pat Keohane in his executive seat - if that is the correct expression - has no problem, as he still has a seat!

A shiny toilet for a shiny bottom!

HOLIDAY CLOSURE AT THE MUSEUM
The Museum is totally closed for annual holidays from 2 p.m. today Thursday August 7th. until Tuesday August 19th. at 10 a.m. A skeleton staff will be on duty everyday if someone really wants to visit us but you must call 087-240-555-0 first to arrange an appointment.

AND THEY KEEP ARRIVING - LEYLAND LEOPARD 79 MN 522 ARRIVES
The latest arrival at the depot, courtesy Stephen Payne, has been Leyland Leopard 79 MN 522 in absolutely mint condition. Thanks to Stephen, there is, arguably, no better Leopard in the country.

Alongside our Tigers.

Front View.

Rear View.

Inside.

Drivers Area.

Traditional Clock.

Builders Plate.

STEPHEN PAYNE GOES MAD
I had been at Stephen Payne, in the light of all the nasty comments on the board, to do something about combining the two organisations. Anyhow, Stephen went to Roberts Cove rally and decided to do some combining with rather amazing results. I got a call to say he was now ready to combine but I had to come and get it. So off we set to Roberts Cove and lo and behold there was our combiner.

This has to be one of the most amazing photos of all. Last week it was nine Tigers in a row. This week it is nine Tigers plus one combine. As you might say, we are all combined now with a 1965 Clayson M103. This is a very unique machine with a Ford engine and drives, well, it drives!

This is the start of widening the museum into other forms of equipment. We have a tractor, trucks, cars and now are starting on farm machinery. But this 1965 Clarkson is unique. Does anyone kmow the history of these machines? What a picture!

Here is the corresponding picture at Roberts Cove Rally. We took 1122. She really looked handsome.

Next some pictures of our latest acquisition. She was driven all the way from Roberts Cove to the depot by Stephen Payne. We have many of them as she is a unique acquisition.

He did not half cause chaos coming through Carrigaline.

Front View

Rear View

He proved absolutely expert at having a queue of cars behind all wanting a look.

There were queues everywhere! Here is Carrs Hill.

He was on his way to Dublin but as top speed was 6 m.p.h. he changed his mind and opted for Knockraha instead. He said he would take her to next years Cultra Rally so he will have to leave next monday to be there for April!

It seems like everyone else was smoking in Cork Tunnel as, of course, our machine did not smoke at all! They had to close the tunnel for four hours just after we got through so we were lucky to be ahead of all those other smokers.

The dash is rudimentary to say the least!

Crude Engineering.

The supplier in 1965. She is one of our oldest pieces of equipment now.

Aircraft style rear steering. It's fun!

Coming down the drive. He ran the combine and it doubled as an effective weedcutter. It also was a a little wider than the drive.

Coming in the gate of the depot.

Alongside 1122 again.

TIGER 400 GOES TO CORK
July 31, 2008. We took Tiger 400 for a run to Cork today to get some photos and we think it was the first visit of an Ulsterbus liveried Tiger to Parnell Place. She is an absolutely beautiful machine and one of the nicest I have driven.

Coming up Penrose Quay.

Across the bridge.

At Parnell Place Bus Station.

With Inspector Richard Lee.

With the webmaster driving.

In the Bus Station.

At the Park and Ride.

TIGER 400 ARRIVES
July 24, 2008. Tiger 400 arrived today. She is another superb machine. But the first picture has to be fantastic and is something I would never have dreamed of a few years ago. It has more Tigers than some Ulsterbus outstations but then it is the new Kells outstation for Ballymena! It has to be one of the most unique photos in preservation.

Barney Yourell delivered her as usual.

Immaculate Inside.

Drivers Area.

MOGEELY RALLY - 20 JULY 2008.
Mogeely Rally was held under superb weather conditions with over 300 exhibitors and with three buses from the museum, Ulsterbus Tiger 1122, Ulsterbus Gardner Tiger 2624, and Plaxton Leopard 355 SZB.

355 SZB is Suzie (http://rivercourtcoaches904.mediaobject.co.uk/p51996137.html). It is the first time the Butler family has seen Suzie since she was handed over last year (apart from the Vodafone ad!)

The following gives a flavour of the Rally and to see the full 200 photographs: CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE

Two Tigers en route to Mogeely.

Suzie arrives.

Brian Ainsworth came from the UK to drive 1122.

All three parked.

The rear ends.

Steam.

An Austin Chummy.

The only sane vehicle preserver - the donkey, that is!

Tractors of every kind.

An impressive Freightliner.

MG and Stephen.

TIGER 1000 ARRIVES
Tiger 1000 has arrived safely at the depot driven by our own Barney Yourell. We are as always grateful to Pat Moss and Frank Clegg who have made this possible. As usual she is absolutely immaculate and drives like new. Our grateful thanks also to Michelin for providing the tyres.

On arrival at the depot

Barney Yourell on arrival with 1000.

Inside

Drivers Area

SOME DETAILS OF TIGERS 400 AND 1000.
Thanks to Fergus O'Neill and others the following are the relevant details for our latest two Tigers 400 and 1000.

400 was new to Magherafelt on 1st April 1985. It was part of the FXI batch of Tigers from 380 - 419. When new 400 was registered FXI 400. On arrival of new Scania low floor 2430, Tiger 400 was re-registered KEZ 3555. 400 remained in service at Magherafelt all its working days until withdrawal on the 31st January 2008.

Tiger 1000 was new to Craigavon on the 26th September 1986. It remained at Craigavon until the 21st January 2008 when it transferred to Newtownards where it stayed until withdrawal on the 29th February 2008. When new 1000 carried registration IXI 1000 but it was recently re-registered SEZ 9973 so its old number could be used for 124.

CRICH TRAMWAY MUSEUM LEYLAND RALLY 13th. JULY 2008
Without doubt one of the best rallies anywhere was held this past Sunday at the Crich Tramway Museum in Crich, Derbyshire. It featured Leyland vehicles only and these together with operating trams and superb weather made for a glorious day.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE

The following gives a flavour of the rally:

1908 X2. 35hp Reg. LN 7270 Chassis No. X2/64
Engine: Leyland X.35hp 4 cyl Petrol Gearbox: Leyland 4 speed manual
Body: 1906 Tilling 34-seat Open top DID bus (Ash frame/Mahogany panels)
Now 100 years old, in 2008, this is the oldest surviving British-built motorbus! It originally operated for The London Central Motor Omnibus Co, being fitted with a second hand body ex-Thomas Tilling, the body having originally been fitted to a Milnes-Daimler which had been converted into a mail van. It is the only remaining “First Generation” bus in this Country and is the oldest restored Leyland (other than the lawn-mower). Found in a totally derelict state it was restored to its original condition by Mike Sutcliffe and his small team of helpers, over a period Of four years and was completed in 1996 since when it has won many prizes. The bus is kept in tip-top working condition and is a pleasure to drive, except in bad weather!

1923 SG7 Reg. DM 2583 Chassis No. 12535
Engine: Leyland E36tip/2c, 36/SOhp 4 cyl Petrol Gearbox: Leyland 4 speed manual
Body: 1923 Leyland 40-seat Saloon S/fl bus (Ash frame, aluminium panels)
Brookes Bros (t/a White Rose Motor Buses), Rhyl, North Wales, first started running charabancs in 1912 and the fleet grew to just under 100 buses and coaches. This was one of a number of the large-capacity Leyland SG7s operated by the firm and they were massive vehicles at the time — nearly 3011 long and with 40 seats and dual entrance. The saloon accommodates 39 people in two compartments (smoking and non-smoking) and the 40th person sits next to the driver — no doubt popular with young boys. It became a static caravan in Lancashire and when rescued by Mike Sutcliffe it had been set on fire by the farmer the day before and its remains were still smouldering! However, enough survived to be restored and the bus took to the road again in 1996. Note the Police Watch Committee licence plates on the back and full length luggage rack. When compared to modern buses, this is a real “dinosaur”.

1913 53.30.T Reg. HE 12 Chassis No. S253/1020
Engine: Leyland 53.3Ohp 4 cyl Petrol Gearbox: Leyland 4 speed manual
Body: 1913 Brush 27-seat S/D “Combination Car” (Ash frame/Timber panelling)
This is the oldest surviving full-sized British single decker bus. It was new to British Electric Traction Co. subsidiary Barnsley & District Electric Traction Co, as an experiment with a fleet of 20 buses, which lead to the replacement of the entire BET tramway network with buses. The body has many tramway features in terms of its design and was finished to a very high standard as will be seen from the interior woodwork and paintwork, complete with the BET “Magnet & Wheel”. After withdrawal from service it became a static caravan and over the years became built into a house. After the purchase of the vehicle had been secured for preservation, the house had to be demolished to allow the bus to be removed. It was then subject to a comprehensive restoration over a four year period and was completed by Mike Sutcliffe at his home near Dunstable in 2006.

1914 S4.36.T3 Reg. CC 1087 Chassis No. 5568/1627
Engine: Leyland S4.3óhp 4 cyl Petrol Gearbox: Leyland 4 speed (Helical gears)
Body: 1914 Leyland 32-seater “Torpedo” Charabanc (Ash frame, aluminium panels) Delivered to the London & North Wegtem Railway three weeks before War was declared, it was used to open a service in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, to take wealthy mill owners from their mansions to catch the “Club” trains to Manchester. It was then requisitioned by the War Office and used for troop transport. Found in a derelict garage in south London it had to be completely dismantled and each part taken out through a window to rescue the Leyland. The only part that was too big was the chassis frame, so this was cut in half and welded together again afterwards. The word “Char-a-bancs” comes from the French “carriage with benches” and the “Torpedo” design was the ‘in thing” just before WW1, when torpedoes were the latest weapon. It is one of only two surviving railway-owned buses, the railway companies having played a major part in the development of bus services. Restored by MikeSutcliffe 1996 to 2000.

1932 Bull TSQ3 Reg. WG 1567 Chassis No. 226
Engine: Leyland E28 162N0 8 Litre Diesel
Gearbox: Leyland 4 speed manual
In 1933, T. Bernon of Falkirk were supplied with this Leyland Bull through the Glasgow depot of Millburn Motors as sales order 19181 dated 22nd November 1932. In 1934/5 the Bull was operated by the large Linlithgow haulage company of William Aitken. During the Second World War it was engaged in costal defence work on the Isle of Skye delivering concrete anti-tank blocks. After the War, it returned to William Aitken where it was rebuilt with a box body. In 1946 the Bull was sold to showman Robert Lovett for £1880 for whom it worked until 1947 when it went to a scrapyard in Bellshill. In 1975, it was purchased by T. N. Thompson for preservation and then by the present owner in 2002. John Kerr and Cohn Hepworth have completely rebuilt this rare early Leyland with some advice from the Pyatt brothers

1932 Badger TA4 Reg. RF 9571 Engine: Leyland E9/C 4 Cylinder Petrol
Chassis No. 1162
Gearbox: Leyland 4 speed manual
This lorry was new to Mr. William Proudman of Tamworth, Staffordshire in 1932 and he operated it for 30 years and claimed to have cvered one million miles during that period. The lorry was used for the transportation of animal feed, fertilisers and other agricultural requirements which included collecting and delivering goods to ports in Northern England. Later in the 1950s and early 1960s, the lorry worked delivering asbestos sheets from a Tamworth manufacturer. In 1962, the lorry was traded in for a Leyland Comet 90 to Brownhills Motor Sales, Staffordshire who were the main Leyland dealer in that area. They used the lorry for promotions and as a show vehicle. On the demise of Brownhills Motor Sales, the lorry was purchased by the present owner who has completely restored it and takes part in rallies all over the country.

1953 ECO2I1R Comet 90 Reg. RWE 101 Chassis No. 534113
Engine: Leyland 0.350 5.8 Ltr 90 hp Diesel
Gearbox: Leyland 4 speed manual
# RWE 101 was first registered by Sheffield Corporation Transport and used as a recovery vehicle but also to carry temporary bus and tram stops for the large football matches held at the Bramall Lane and Hillsborough grounds in the city. It also used to visit Leyland on many occasions to collect and return engines for reconditioning. The Comet passed to South Yorkshire Transport , who replaced original body with one built by their apprentices in 1985. The vehicle then passed to the First Group who put it on permanent display at Sheffield Bus Museum.

1965 13C/3R Comet Reg. DOW 504 C Chassis No. L51638
Engine: Leyland 0.370 6.0 Ltr 110 hp Diesel
Gearbox: Leyland 6 speed manual.
Little is known of the history of this lorry. It was bought from a scrap yard by the current owner in 2000 and has been restored by him and his two nephews. During their ownership, they have researched into the history of the vehicle and discovered that it was supplied new to Wellworthy pistons, a company that supplied Leyland for many years.

Paisley 68.

Blackpool 166.

88 C 16323 AN UNUSUAL GRIMSBY AND CLEETHORPES TIGER ARRIVES
July 9, 2008. A very rare Tiger with a very unusual Alexander body arrived at the depot today. It is in unusually good condition and was donated by John Hallahan of Hallahans coaches in Cappoquin to whom we are very grateful. The following are the photos of the machine.

Front View.

Rear View.

Inside like new.

Drivers Area.

One version of the Fleet Number 422.

Another version of the Fleet Number 25822.

NEXT SCHEDULED TIGERS
July 10, 2008. The next two Tigers from Ulsterbus are 400 and 1000 two unusual sounding numbers but which are believed to be fine machines. Details of their delivery trip and photos will follow when I get a chance. This brings our Gardner fleet to 3, 2604, 2620 and 2629 and our TL 11 fleet to 340, 385, 400, 598, 1000, 1122, 1143. Still to come are 12XX, 13XX, 14XX and 2635+ and possibly 2609. We will try and get two of the 12XX, 13XX and 14XX. We internd stopping at 18 which we think will be a remarkable record for any preserved class of Irish bus and unlikely to happen again. Any suggestions?

MANY BUSES OUT AND RUNNING AND AN UNUSUAL NEW ARRIVAL
July 8, 2008. Stephen has been down and done trojan work. The following buses have been out for a run and photos will follow: Leyland Titan 82 D 2970; Nottingham 582; Nottingham 662; Bristol RE 2538; Leyland Leopard MD 42; Leyland Leopard E 106; Bedford SB5 schoolbus SS 788.

MD 182 RUNS AGAIN
After probably 8 years Stephen got to work on MD 182 and got her started and she is purring like a kitten. She needs a driveshaft which will be donated by MD 117 and a windscreen but is otherwise complete and perfect. We hope to have her on the road in a few weeks in order to send her to the paint shop. Anyone know what colour she wore in service?

This means we now have the following M's running : M8 MD42 MG56 MG76 MD 182.

Next expected to run are : M 80 and M 82 which have no known faults.

Finally MD 35 is perfect other than a missing engine which will come from MD 117.

Needs a coat of paint after 8 years

Rear End

Inside

Drivers Area

SOME THOUGHTS ON THE KD 184 RESTORATION PROGRAMME AND OUR OTHER PROBLEMS

Just to set everyones mind at ease KD 184 will be restored without doubt. The only question is when, and this depends on when we can allocate covered storage to her for working on her. We estimate up to nine months.

We will have our first double decker maintenance bay ready in the next two weeks but immediate priority is anything that needs minimal work first and then we work our way down to the bigger jobs.

My best guess is that she just might be a winter project as our immedate priority is to maintain our 20+ strong Ulsterbus fleet in 100% condition.These were handed over in super condition and that is the way we will keep them but it does take hard work and the lack of activity requires a more intense maintenance schedule than if they were working every day. That is the reason we like visitors to come and take vehicles for a run. It keeps them active. The driving school also is a means of keeping them active.

To give an example of the problems we run into, 1143 two days ago would not start for God or man. Yet we knew she was perfect. All it took was a tap of the hammer on the solenoid which simply had stuck in the no start position because she had sat there for a month. Tigers are particularly prone to sitting problems.

The easiest of all are the 680's which seem to start at the drop of a hat even if they have sat for years. The Gardner is not far behind and the only problem on that is the stop unit which sometimes can be very slow to release if she has been sitting.

Our IT Manager, Lukasz, is working on a programme whereby we can make sure that every vehicle gets started on a regular interval and gets a regular run. Quite honestly with so many vehicles one simply loses track of each one and when they last started and when they last ran.

Another peculiar problem is that while if you have only one of a type, it is easier to remember the individual characteristics of each, but where you have identical multiples then it literally becomes impossible to tell one from the other. Ulsterbus Leopards 319, 326, 337 and 338 are absolutely identical as are Tigers 2620, 2624, 2629 not to mention Tigers 340, 385, 1122 and 1143 to name a few. It is equally difficult to differentiate between Gardner Tigers and TL 11 Tigers and it is only when you drive one you notice the difference and how slow the Gardner is. A Gardner does about 45 max and a TL11 65. But that goes out the door when you come to 2609 which is a high speed Gardner and goes like a TL11.... and so it goes. But then to show that the exception proves the rule 598 is a totally different Tiger and there is no way you could confuse her in anyway with any of the others.

Our top priority is to keep our recovery equipment operating perfectly and right now we have major work on both our tow trucks which includes full overhaul and a repaint of our motorway lift vehicle.

We are most grateful for readers support but simply do not understand the comments of people who have never been near us and simply have no idea of how much work goes into running a 300 vehicle museum, yet pass derogatory comments. Ireland is the land of begrudgers.

If it was not for people like Stephen Payne, Stephen Lynch, John Quirke, James O'Donovan and the myriad of other people and particularly Francis Dempsey who did miracles in sourcing vehicles and helped build the collection to what it is, all of whom devote their time and energy in to making vehicles work, we would have nothing.

Of course we are all mad but it is a wonderful form of madness just like my other madness of trying to restore steam in Ecuador but one gets a great sense of pride in having any vehicle, be it bus or steam engine back and running. That was why after restoring KC 129 it broke our hearts to have her stolen and crashed and it had to be someone very close who knew exactly what they were doing. It will take about €5,000 minimum to rebuild her but it will be done and this is a priority.

I hope this gives some insight into our work and when you criticise consider the size of the project we have undertaken. No other bus garage in Ireland has a fleet the size we do but we are proud of it and if we do not get things done this week, there is always next week. The alternative is everything scrapped. In my view our solution is better. I hope people in one hundred years time appreciate our efforts!

Michael Grimes

NO SEX PLEASE - WE'RE FROM CARLOW
WE NOMINATE GARDA SGT.NOEL MC SWEENEY, CARLOW
AS OUTSTANDING GARDA OF THE YEAR FOR HIS ANTI-SEX ACTIVITIES.

LATE NEWS: The boys in blue did not take kindly to my article - it was sent to every Garda station in Carlow and Kilkenny - and are currently plotting even more raids to protect the morals of the Carlowpudlians. One would think they had something else to be doing instead of wasting the states time and money trying to stamp out sex in Carlow. Stupid fools!

If Gardai want public cooperation to stop crime, this is not the way to do it. Just like Lisbon where the public really voted against it because they are fed up with the liars running the government and corrupt ex Taoisigh like Bertie Aherne, the Gardai no more get the message than Fianna Fail got it over Lisbon.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE

WHY AER ARANN IS RUN LIKE A LUNATIC ASYLUM AND IS GOING BROKE

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE

NEW ARRIVAL - LEYLAND LEOPARD 83 D 4174
jUNE 2, 2008. Thanks to Barney Yourell and Stephen Payne and James Kavanagh of Malahide Coaches and their kind generosity we have received another valuable addition to our collection. She was delievred by Stephen Payne accompanied by Aaron Donohoe.

She is a 1983 Leyland Leopard 680 engined Plaxton Supreme in perfect condition. It was delivered new to Wallace Arnold in C49F layout (Plaxton recliners), delivered 4/1981, as PNW 310W. (Chassis No: 8031151 PSU3F/4R). Following delivery, it appears this vehicle was involved in an accident, rendering the body a write-off (Body No: 8111LC3010. It was returned to Plaxton, Scarborough, where it was rebuilt, and delivered in 1983 to Wallace Arnold as GWY 165Y. Hence the unsual reg for a Leopard! We are unsure of when it was withdrawn from Wallace Arnold, and what it did between then and it's acquisition by Malahide Coaches. The body is believed to be the last Supreme body built.

Malahide coaches purchased it in 1998. It was still in school service in January 2007 and was withdrawen in june 2007.

We are delighted with this addition and thanks to everyone. Can anyone fill in the gaps?
A good looking Plaxton.

Rear view.

Passing the most recent arrival Tiger 1143.

Drivers area.

Inside with extra seats.

Rear view.

Stephen Payne and James Kavanagh on collecting the vehicle.

STUPID COMPANIES - STUPID MANAGEMENT - TOPAZ
May 29, 2008. Topaz have taken over the Statoil franchise. The new emblem is total and utter rubbish and a product of an ad agency who firmly believe in the emperors new clothes. Whoever in Topaz selected it needs to be fired for wasting the companys money and likewise at the ad agency who thought it up. To have paid a fortune for this emblem proves that those at the top of Topaz are totally and utterly stupid and should not be in charge of such an important company.

They cannot spell either as this sign at Frankfield service station in Cork shows. I asked them to change it but was informed this could not be done as it is directed from head office in Dublin presided over by one Danny Murray. Danny apparently believes in central control and gives nobody any authority to do anything. A funny way to run a business. We will see how how much longer the stupid sign stays up. I will keep readers advised.

Somebody cannot spell Castlemaine!

THE DEMENTED RAVINGS OF A FOUR YEAR OLD AT ARTS CLASS!!

LEYLAND TIGER TL11 ALEXANDER 1143 ARRIVES
May 28, 2008. A most fantastic machine has arrived at the museum in the form of 1143 which is even better than 1122 and looks and drives like a new bus. They really are nice machines to drive.

As usual it was delivered by our own Barney Yourell and following are the delivery photos.

Coming down the road. Notice the Kells destination blind.

Barney with his steed.

Coming in the entrance to the depot.

An immaculate drivers area.

We should call it Ballymena sub-depot! Some of the latest arrivals!

MORE SCREWY SIGNS - THIS ONE FROM CORK AIRPORT
The following sign was in a lift at Cork Airport!

Hope you have a mobile with you or it may be a long wait in the lift!

VISIT FROM GRAHAM THOROGOOD AND COLLEAGUE
May 23, 2008. We were delighted to have a visit from Graham Thorogood and his colleague Michael Long. We welcome visitors during normal business hours and weekends by appointment.

Graham and Michael with 1122 and 2629.

URUGUAYAN RAILWAY ARTICLES IN
May 22, 2008. Three articles on Uruguayan Railways have now been completed on AFE, the Indare Steam Railway and Uruguayan steam railway. Some 500 photos have gone in. Just click on the menu on the left. Apart from 100 year old steam engines they also run 1937 Brill railcars.

Sample photos:

1122 DUPLICATES BUS EIREANN SERVICE 221 TO KNOCKRAHA
May 13, 2008. Leyland Tiger 1122 went to Knockraha today and one could never have imagined ten years ago that the following photographs would be possible. We think they are fantastic.

Webmaster with 1122 at Knockraha terminus.

VR 39 and 1122 both showing service 221.

On the road back to Cork.

Closeup.

Returning to the depot.

LOOKS LIKE CORK ULSTERBUS DEPOT
May 10, 2008. Here are a few photos taken after the arrival of 2538 and 1122 today showing the Ulsterbus look to the museum! As regular readers will note we are really building our Ulsterbus section and we really thank Frank Clegg, Pat Moss and Michelin. Without their help and cooperation none of it would have been possible and we are really grateful to them and just hope that future generations appreciate what they have done.

Our immediate plans are two more Tigers in the next week or so as well as another RE, this time 2569. We will then draw our breath and our current thinking is one last Gardner Tiger and perhaps three or five TL11 Tigers. Ideally we want about 14 Tigers. It is interesting to note the number of acquisitions we have lately and we have quite a few surprises during the summer when we plan to collect another fifty vehicles or so. By museum standards this is enormous and I do not know of any other museum which operates on this scale. Our eventual targets are 400 by the end of 2008, 600 at the end of 2009, 800 by the end of 2010 and we plan to probably stabilise out at around 1,000 vehicles by 2011.

Left to right 2629, 2624 and 2538.

2538 left and sister 2531 right.

It really looks like an Ulsterbus depot.

CITYBUS 2538 ARRIVES
May 10th. 2008. Citybus 2538 arrived safely today and is a fine machine. Today was marked by the arrival of two Northern buses, Citybus 2538 and Tiger 1122 arriving within a half hour of each other, both making a very long journey safely.

Webmaster and Ross Aitken brought 2538 and the following are pictures of the delivery run.

Before collection.

Inside.

Drivers Area.

Near Durrow.

Leaving the toll at Fermoy.

ULSTERBUS 1122 ARRIVES
May 10, 2008. This is another beautiful machine and was delivered by Barney Yourell. It was outstationed at Portglenone and apparently it and 1143 each had one driver for many years. We would like to contact them to send them photos. Anyone know who the drivers were?

She was absolutely like new.

Rear and side view.

Barney Yourell on delivery.

Inside like new.

Drivers Area.

CITYBUS TIGER 2624 VISITS CORK BUS STATION
May 8, 2008. Citybus Tiger stretched her legs today visiting Cork Bus Station. The following historic photos were taken, arguably the first time a Citybus Tiger ever visited Cork Bus Station.

Coming down the road from the depot.

At the turnoff.

Coming across the bridge to the bus station. A classic location. She looks absolutely at home.

The following photos were taken at Parnell Place Bus Station in Cork.

At the Park and Ride with DD 33 meeting her.

At Grianan House, one of the last of our fleet to go there as we have moved.

ULSTERBUS TL 11 TIGER 1122 REPLACES 1140
May 7, 2008. To keep the record straight 1140 was changed at the last moment due to suspected engine problems and her place taken by 1122. We understand 1140 is now being scrapped.

Anyone know anything about 1122 or its history as we know nothing?

We plan to collect sister 1143 in two weeks time.

NEW VISITING HOURS FOR THE MUSEUM
May 7, 2008. We have moved our entire operation to the depot so we can now offer visiting facilities to anyone who wants to come and see the fleet during the following hours:

Monday to Thursday : 10 - 3.
Friday : 10 - 1
Saturday : By appointment.

This means people can now turn up and there will be someone there and we hope this is assistance to those who want to visit us. Needless to mention ALL visitors are welcome. However, if you want to drive a bus you must let us know in advance so somebody qualified can be there to look after you.

100,000 VISITORS TO THIS WEBSITE
May 5, 2008. An interesting milestone is approaching. Tomorrow or the day after we will have had 100,000 visitors to this website which gives us great pride. We would like if the person who is number 100,000 can identify himself as we might have a pleasant surprise for him/her.

CULTRA RALLY 2008 PHOTOGRAPHS
May 4, 2008. The photographs for the Cultra Rally 2008 have now been posted.

CLICK HERE FOR CULTRA 2008 RALLY PHOTOGRAPHS