Devon General return

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Weymann-bodied 1957 AEC Reliance VDV 798 meets 1961 ‘Sea Dog’ class Leyland Atlantean. RICHARD NARDI

Nick Larkin reports on a special event in the South West which brought together a pair of local open-top icons

Devon General buses returned to the Newton Abbot area in force for a much enjoyed running day recently. Everything from the legendary ‘Sea Dog’ convertible Leyland Atlanteans to AEC Regents in the delicious red and cream livery took part in the event organised by the Devon General Society on 3 September.

Local bus routes of the 1960s were recreated with free services to Highweek Way, to Bovey Tracey, Denbury and Lawes Bridge, with open-top buses on the route to Teignmouth. There were also trips to the nearby villages of Bishopsteignton, Daccombe, Hennock, Ideford and Stoneyhill.

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Devon General Society secretary Paul Jenkins said: “We were delighted with the turnout for our event, with many buses departing with full loads. There were 1,917 passenger journeys on the day, and the event was enjoyed by everyone, not just enthusiasts.”

Added Paul: “We would like to thank everyone who travelled on our buses, the bus owners, and our great team of volunteers who made it all happen. We also appreciate the support we received from Newton Abbot Town Council, Teignbridge District Council, and Stagecoach South West. We hope everyone had an enjoyable day experiencing bus travel as it used to be.”

This is third running day the Devon General Society has organised, the previous two being based at Tiverton and Exmouth.

Devon General’s nine ‘Sea Dog’ class Leyland Atlanteans with Metro-Cammell convertible bodywork, delivered in 1961 and named after mariners, are stuff of legend. Here are two examples, 932 GTA and MSJ 499, originally 925 GTA. PAUL JENKINS
MTT 640, a 1951 all-Leyland PD2 and 1965 Park Royal-bodied AEC Regent V, CTT 518C carrying full passenger loads at the event. RICHARD NARDI
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