Archive for the ‘Acquisitions’ Category
New Kid on the Block
Posted by Aaron Donohoe | Filed under Acquisitions
One of our latest acquisitions is this 1980 Plaxton Supreme IV bodied Ford R114, kindly donated by one our sponsor Bartons of Maynooth. And coincidentally it started its life with Wallace Arnold - like every other Supreme we have in the yard, all of this is coincidental we swear!
We were notified of the vehicles existence by Pat Barton in April 2008, whom as we mentioned is a long time sponsor of the MVPSI, since our establishment. Pat ensures us that this bus is the best which he operated, and he should know as he is one of the top coach operators and dealers in the country! It resided in a shed at the back of Pats house since 2001, and prior to it being handed over to us it was given a once over including a full service, new brakes, and underside steam clean. It was officially handed over to our chairman Stephen Payne on the morning 5th May 2008 at the premises of Bartons Coaches, Maynooth.
The restoration of this vehicle is being spearheaded by one of our youngest members David Payne, whom at the age of 13 could possibly be the youngest bus preservationalist in Ireland! It is intended to return it to one of it’s previous liveries - and as we are still tracking its history the livery is still undecided.
Interior of 80 MO 151
Cab of 80 MO 151
More Twins
Posted by Aaron Donohoe | Filed under Acquisitions
We have recently become the proud new owners of the ‘Glendalough Twins’ aptly named ‘Samson’ and ‘Goliath’, which were purchased from the Doyle family during the week for continued use. ‘Samson’ (88 CN 1251) was taken off the road in 2007 when their 1999 Premier was cascaded onto school work, whereas ‘Goliath’ (88 KE 3184) remained in service until three weeks ago when the arrival of a brand new Scania Irizar for the Glendalough saw it parked up.
It was the quick actions of Stephen Payne which saw us with the acquisition of these pair, although with other offers on the table, the Doyle family decided to part with them after seeing our job on ‘Lucy’ a former Glendalough bus acquired by us back in January 2008.
Both originated with Shearings in 1988, ‘Samson’ originally being 673 (E673 UNE), and ‘Goliath’ being 674 (E674 UNE). 88 CN 1251 was brought in by Sillan in 1992, and 88 KE 3184 being brought in by Barton around the same time.
They will go well alongside our Wallace Arnold trio!
Not Another One!
Posted by Aaron Donohoe | Filed under Acquisitions
Yes, it appears that we have a new acquisition in the form of another Supreme! We acquired 83 D 4174, from Malahide Coaches, Dublin who have operated it on schools since 1999. This bus has an unusual history, like our 79 MN 522, this 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. If anyone could help with this gap it would be greatly appreciated!
As acquired, pictured beside ‘Lucy’ on Saturday 3rd May 2008. Somewhat of a before and after photo!
Pictured after a good wash and cleanup. Note the addition of a new grill (79 MN 522’s old one) and the removal of all Dublin Bus ‘SchoolLink’ decals.
Standard Leopard cab. Including the Lucas indicator stalk (often removed by operators).
Interior after initial cleanup, all seats intact and perfect!
After a roadrun, we parked up in Wicklow harbour to go for lunch!
New Acquisition - 79 MN 522
Posted by Aaron Donohoe | Filed under Acquisitions
Although the photo doesn’t do it justice, our latest aquisition 79 MN 522 is a superb example of a Supreme IV. Formely owned by Wallace Arnold, it ended its service career with St. Kevin’s - Glendalough. It has now been acquired by the Motor Vehicle Preservation Society of Ireland for futher use. After a complete mechanical and structural inspection, it has been found it requires little more than a good clean and polish. Externally it requires one panel to be repaired, and internally requires nothing - as can been seen from the below photo.
