R571 YNC

Vehicle Specifications

History

571 was new in 1997 to First Greater Manchester as the first of a batch of 21, numbered 571-591, all of which were new in the GRT Advance style livery with cream base and blue flashes, minus 578, which was the first bus to carry the widely disliked ‘Barbie’ livery. This one is a little bit special, being not only the first of the Greater Manchester Renowns, but also the first production Wright Renown built, which results in a couple of unique features, such as the rear tail light mouldings, which were replaced on the later vehicles with the standard rear domes with raised plinths. Originally registered P571 PBA, it spent a brief period with First Badgerline, presumably for familiarisation prior to their own examples arriving, and it was photographed in Bath Bus Station alongside one of the Bristol VRs, which were replaced by our very own R904 BOU.

It didn’t take long before the then standard GRT Advance livery was officially replaced by the Barbie scheme, as trialled on 578, and the whole batch was repainted at only a year old into the then new colours, but retained the Gold Service branding. The interiors were all to standard First Barbie spec, with 41 seats, and space for a wheelchair user, although early Renowns didn’t tend to include ramps.

Less than fourteen years after being delivered, and now numbered 60361, it was chosen to become the prototype driver trainer conversion, with a view to switching the entire training fleet to Renowns, in order to replace the ageing fleet of Alexander PS bodied Volvo B10Ms that were widespread in the role at the time. At Rotherham, it received an all over coat of lilac, as found in the new Urban livery, had the cab bulkhead and door removed, and an additional instructor's seat, handbrake, and table fitted to suit its new role. It was a success, and more were later converted to the same design, and it eventually received the new livery with pink and purple stripes front and rear in 2015. It spent most of its time between First South Yorkshire, First York, and First West Yorkshire, ending its career at Leeds in 2021, when it was bought for preservation.

In Preservation

Since then, the vinyls have been removed, exposing the original 1997 side blind, the front power steering lines have been replaced after one developed a split, and the interior poles have been removed to be stripped and powder coated. The seat legs are due for the same treatment, and while these are removed, the floor will be taken up, the chassis stripped back, any necessary welding completed, and the underside painted. It also requires a new radiator support and surround, numerous new body panels and repaint, a retrim, cab bulkhead and door reinstating, and various finishing trims and lights. There is quite a long way to go on this one, but progress is being made.

Future Plans

Big plans to come, more to be revealed soon.