NATIONAL NEWS
DOC 26V - Leyland National Mk2 - WMPTE 7026/WMT 1026 (1026 Group)
1026 was one of a small batch of Mk2 Leyland Nationals delivered to WMPTE in 1980/1. The bus was originally fleet numbered 7026, however was renumbered 1026 in the mid 1980s, in order for all single deck vehicles to start in series, e.g. 1xxx.
1026 worked from several garages, originally allocated to Acocks Green, it also performed at Hockley, Birmingham Central and Perry Barr, before returning to Acocks Green prior to being withdrawn in the mid 1990s. The bus then passed into Midland Red ownership (!!!), performing in Shrewsbury area under the Stevenson operating name, which was subsequently taken over by Arriva. Under Arriva ownership the bus moved to Liverpool, where it finished life as a driver training vehicle. The bus was then purchased by well known bus dealer and enthusiast Mike Nash.
Mike, well aware of the lack of West Midlands Nationals in preservation kept hold of the bus understanding its importance. Having known Mike for several years, he contacted me asking whether I knew a good home for the bus. After a brief conversation, with Ray Ward, Martin Lowry and Kieran Wells, the 1026 Group was duly formed and the bus was acquired.
1026 still has a DAF 1160 engine, this replaced the original Leyland O680 unit, in the late 1980s/early 1990s, during a West Midlands Travel conversion program.
1026 was picked up from a yard in Cannock on a sunny a Saturday morning in September. The bus was immediately driven to the VOSA test station; where to our complete surprise a successful pass was gained!
Winter work will be centred round refitting the original style interior cab transfers, and operation of the Autofare Mk1 ticket equipment.
However, work to both the interior and exterior bodywork will be carried out prior to the bus being used on the road. It is hoped a majority of this work will be undertaken during 2009. It is planned to return the bus to the West Midlands Travel blue and cream era of the late 1980s.
James Munro
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
