Leyland PD2/1, chassis no. 483605

Bodywork by Leyland (L27/26R)
Date new: 1948

This bus was delivered to the then independent West Riding Automobile Company Limited of Barnsley Road, Wakefield, towards the end of 1948. It was in a batch of 28 Leyland PD2/1s to arrive that year. numbered 619 to 646 (BHL 661-688). It remained in revenue-earning service until 1967 when it was converted to a driver-trainer along with similar 634, 636 and 642. At this point it was given the new fleet number of A13. It remained in the training fleet until 1975 when it was bought for preservation by the West Riding Wulfrunian Preservation Society, which became the West Riding Omnibus Preservation Society in 1981. They still own the vehicle to this day.

There have been attempts at restoring the bus, each time progressing a little nearer completion.
Severe corrosion in the lower stress panels saw lots of metalwork being repaired or replaced, and the body smoothed and primed. The re-conditioned engine is in situ, but not connected up.

At the moment work is steaming ahead. The linoleum has been laid in the top deck, the lights and bells fitted, painting and varnishing completed and windows re-installed. The seats are due back from the upholsterer any day now, and one thin strip of wooden trim needs putting back on the ceiling. Downstairs the ceiling panels have been removed for priming, and work is starting on the lights and bell pushes. The stairway has been undercoated. The final shade of green can be seen on the test area below the steps.The rear emergency exit door was found to be riddled with woodworm, and a replacement will need to be replicated, and the fuel pump put back, but we are hoping to "launch" this bus at Heath Common in May 2012, when it will carry its first passengers in 45 years!

Top left: As A13 in the West Riding training fleet in 1975.

Middle left: External re-panelling nears completion

Bottom left: BHL 682 as she is today

Bottom middle and right: The upper saloon ceiling is now back in place, and you can see the highly-polished wooden window frames.

STOP PRESS!  on 12th October 2011 this bus was started and moved under her own power for the first time since 1995!