Ulsterbus 'N' Type?
One of many buses photographed during a quick business trip to both Northern Ireland and the Republic during 2004. This Alexander (Belfast) bodied Leyland Tiger carries, I presume, N type bodywork. The slightly odd thing about that fitted to 1986 built HXI 460 is the window layout with the radiused first main bay and emergency door window. From memory, this picture was taken at Coleraine where all the buses appeared to be in first class order. Another amusing feature at the time was the number of older high floor buses which were in operation in preference to the newer 'low floors'... even the Leopards like the one on the right of the shot were out and about whilst the newer stock stayed parked around the bus station..
Comments and faves
Dunfermline Dave (24 months ago | reply)
Was the window feature not part of the spec of a batch of dual-purpose seated N-types? I seem to recall there was such a batch down-graded and reseated.
scaniaman413 (24 months ago | reply)
Yes this batch of Tigers started life As Ulsterbus Express buses with coach seats, and as stated by Dave were downgraded in spec later in life.
Jampot2 added this photo to their favorites. (24 months ago)
Jampot2 (24 months ago | reply)
Its hard to believe but only 4 'N' type bodied Leyland Tigers actually remain in front line service with Ulsterbus/Citybus although there are a number in the driving school fleet and a number of 'stubby' 'N' types which have been cut down and converted into towing vehicles!
Renown (24 months ago | reply)
One of the Gardner engined NXI batch is currently working with the Stanways fleet, On the occasions which I help out by driving a school bus for them, I find it a wonderful motor and a pleasure to be out with. They may not be much visually, but the school to which it works is served by Staffs County Council's own Vehixile (not sure about the spelling!) Iveco truck derived school buses... absolute design travesties from a styling point of view. Rarely is an N type the best looking bus on the park!
SemmyTrailer (24 months ago | reply)
had the NI vehicle registration office and the whole NI reg system itself actually been allied to the DVLA in Swansea (all part of the UK?...not!) then many more of these bomb-proof vehicles would have found homes in the England rather than being unceremoniously scrapped with many years of life left in them
belfast citybus (5 months ago | reply)
the windows in question were the last bay windows left over from bristol re,s , they were only used on the N type dual purpose express buses , the standard service buses did not have these type of feature.
billh35 (2 months ago | reply)
The windows weren't "left over" as both vehicles were being built together. It was a deliberate move to differentiate the vehicle from the service bus version.
They even carried a different livery - www.flickr.com/photos/38401430@N06/6883002640 /in/photostream
willie4541 (4 weeks ago | reply)
they were re rear glass turned upside down