Fleet Addition - 1950 Leyland PS1

Cumbria Classic Coaches have added a new vehicle to their fleet. 

LFM 302 is a 1950 Leyland PS1/1 originally new to Crosville and numbered  KA 226 in their fleet. The Weymann bodywork is configured to seat 31 passengers in a body that is classed as a coach, but is more bus-like in appearance. The seats are low backed bus type seats with a deep chrome hand rail above the the back rests.

When new, LFM 302 was one of a batch of 35 vehicles originally destined for Midland General but directed to Crosville and used initially as buses, painted in dark green and black with a cream band. They were re-designated as coaches in 1952 and re-painted cream and green.

Subsequently they carried cream above the waist-line and green below waist-line express livery during 1958-61, and the all over green with black wings bus livery (i.e. no cream band) during 1962-64. They were all withdrawn from service by October 1964.

Latterly LFM 302 has been a long term member of the Quantock Motors fleet owned by Steve Morris. It was in fact the first vehicle that Steve preserved so it must have been a difficult decision for him to let the vehicle go.

In the meantime check Facebook for more information

A report from Will Hamer.

On 20th June 2012 we were engaged by Langwathby CofE School to take about 154 pupils, staff and parents from the school to the coach park at the new Sainsbury's in Penrith where space was reserved for us. The school chose CCC because they wanted the children to experience some of the atmosphere of the last time the Games were held in the UK, i.e. London 1948.

Photo 1 shows some of the children and torch with their teacher, Mrs Labbett, who carried the torch through Penrith centre, posing in front of the buses. All the passengers were given a special souvenir ticket showing the buses, an Olympic Torch, date, school name and "Mrs Labbatt, Torch Bearer"

Photo 2 shows how to park 4 classic buses and coaches in a school lay-by just big enough for 3.

Photo 3 shows our Anthony trying to separate a torch bearer from his torch. Note the disconcerted look on the poor fellows face whilst he hangs on with 2 hands. The background just shows the state of a lot of Penrith. If the Queen was visiting, the buildings would have been spruced up!

Will Hamer

AEC on the move

Cumbria Classic Coaches have acquired a 1953 AEC Plaxton coach for use as spares for other members of the fleet. On Friday 11th May the vehicle was collected from its home near Carlisle and it made the 40 mile journey to Bowber Head.
Here's a selection of pictures showing the coach being retrieved from the barn where it had spent the last 18 years and also on the road during the journey.

Will Hamer moves out of the way to allow Anthony to
steer the AEC to the door

 We stand back as the coach eases into the sunshine

 The team pause for a photograph

 Ian looks happy and relaxed- no fears about the heavy steering

 Tight squeeze through Penrith

 We stop for a chat with Gordon and Ann

 Passing through Orton - nearly home now

 Arrival at Bowber Head

 Tucked away safe and sound between two other AEC's

More information and pictures can be found on the Focus Transport Blog
 http://focustransport2011.blogspot.co.uk/

David G

Spring Around the Corner

Spring is just around the corner and Cumbria Classic Coaches are busy preparing for another hectic year. 2012 sees the start of a new Wednesday contract to meet a steam special at Appleby station with one double deck vehicle and two single deckers to take passengers to Ullswater for a cruise on the lake. After the cruise passengers will be returned to Appleby to rejoin their train. This service commences on Wednesday 6th June and runs on certain Wednesdays during the summer. Wednesday is also the day that Cumbria Classic Coaches run their market day service to Barnard Castle via the picturesque route via Middleton in Teesdale, so on the Wednesdays that the steam special runs they will be using their other double deck vehicle on this service, maybe even boosted by a duplicate vehicle if numbers dictate this. Wedding and other private hire bookings are flooding in so another busy year for the buses - and the crews! David G