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Road and rail classics side by side at the Quorn & Woodhouse heritage bus rally. EMILY WHITLAM
Emily Whitlam reports from a recent public transport extravaganza in Leicestershire
Held over the weekend of 17 and 18 May was a heritage bus rally and running weekend at the Great Central Railway’s Quorn & Woodhouse station. As many as 50 buses were expected to attend the event, and those visiting were treated to a line-up of classic vehicles of all ages, including some familiarly modern ones, with ages ranging from those built in the 1930s to the 2010s. They were joined by a few new vehicles from nearby operators, parked in the station yard to demonstrate how transport has changed. A number of trade stalls selling souvenirs, models and bus ephemera were also to be found at the event, which has no entry charge and offers free bus rides.
The Nottingham Area Bus Society ran a service of free heritage buses between the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre at Ruddington and Loughborough Midland main line railway station connecting with the heritage buses from there to Quorn. Services also ran to Loughborough town centre, and scenic tours were also operated. A number of journeys were provided using low-floor buses to aid accessibility.
EMILY WHITLAM
It might not seem it at first sight, but both of these vehicles are in the care of the Leicester Transport Heritage Trust. New in April 1972, BJF 999K is an AEC Reliance with Plaxton Panorama Elite II bodywork. It was the last heavyweight coach that was purchased new by Straws of Leicester and had a short life of just seven years with the company. By 1981, it was in use as a race car transporter. Alexander ALX400 Volvo B7TL W219 XBD was new to First Leicester in July 2000. It has had an original-style flip dot destination display fitted, and has been repainted into First’s colour scheme. EMILY WHITLAM
Another member of the Leicester Transport Heritage Trust fleet is Bristol RE TRY 122H. EMILY WHITLAM
Red is the colour: a trio of classic and stylish Midland Red vehicles. EMILY WHITLAM
Guide Friday was once a well-known name in the open-top tour market. EMILY WHITLAM
JMA 413L is a Bristol RE new to North Western in 1972. EMILY WHITLAM
Preserved Van Hool Alizee Volvo B10M YXI 6327 was new to Shearnings in 1988. EMILY WHITLAM
Plaxton-bodied Bedford YMT PEB 2R was new to Kenzies Tours in 1977. EMILY WHITLAM
