I'm a lifelong transport enthusiast, with a particular passion for unusual and rare buses. I enjoy driving vehicles of all types, so join me on my quest to film some of the highlights of my driving career.
I am also the owner of JMY120N, a 1974 Leyland National, which is more commonly known as the Super National. I bought this bus almost 5 years ago, and I am attempting to restore it to as new condition. I will try and record some of my progress along the way, and hope that this inspires others to attempt their own restoration projects.
People say the Leyland 510 is clattery, but I remember as a child in the 80's going to school, always being pleased when a National turned up at the bus stop. The engines were smooth with no vibration, and the bus rode well, and they were fast. We always got there early with a National. They were so much better than the predecessor busses. Outside they were a bit vocal, but they sounded like they meant business, like a capable mechanical machine.
I remember always trying to get an RE or an Atlantean on school days, allowing the boring Olympians and Nationals to pass by, even though it would make me 10 minutes late at least. Something about the intrinsic music of these beasts soothed me and allowed me to complete my maths homework in stale smoky harmonious bouncy peace. When I was 17, I fell in love with a redhead at my bus stop who worked at Waterstones, so this regime soon fell into abeyance. Thereafter, neither Atlantean or Olympian; nor National or RE plying the Great North Road, were here or there.
Haven’t driven a mk 1 or 2 since I were at Yorkshire Traction (Barnsley & Sheffield) back in the 90’s 2000’s. Would love to get a chance of a drive once again if anyone knows any owners. Still have my clean psv
I love the sound of a Leyland National use to ride them everyday in the West Midlands with Chase Buses I think Chase Buses were the last company to use Nationals in 2007 😊
Has it got a glass screen behind the cab❓ So much less rattly than perspex on BOC. Totally forgot the signature Bristol brake squeak copied by my Grandma's mynah bird❤❤❤
Reminiscient of the 2-stroke Detroit Diesel "Screaming Jimmys" but a bit more guttural and staccato, partly due to the multi-speed transmission vs. the GMC buses' hydraulic drive (basically a torque converter used by itself).
I could tell that was Stroud before even reading the description. Grew up in the 70s and 80s with these, Leyland Nationals and Bristol VRs, first with Bristol Omnibus then City of Gloucester/Stroud Valleys/Cheltenham and District before Stagecoach took over in 1993.
Drove these in service, 729 from Brighton to Tunbridge Wells.. Passenger Fares = £1.99 single, £2.00 return.. Always Full.. Great Days of National Transport.. New Stagecoach Autovomit Buses rattle like never before..
Am I the only one who thinks these magnificent Bristol RELL single deckers should always be painted in red? Obviously it’s because I grew up with red Ribble liveried ones but that green one in front just looks weird. Great video though and the best bus ever, the only one I’d put on par with it is the Leyland National but hey! Everyone’s mileage varies 🙂
I used to drive JEMIMA all around South Wales whilst in preservation there, particularly at the Barry, Swsnsea and Bleanafon shows. Timeline 2007 to 2010. Loved the growl and the power!
Takes me back to school days when Northern got lots of high and low roof ECW and Willowbrook bodied Leyland engined VRs. A better thrash than the United Gardner engined VRs.
Wow that brings it back. Love the soundtrack. I drove a few of these in the early 80s on Eastern Counties Omnibus Company. One I remember was just like this (I think) although that one had no power steering which made the job of turning it around in the rather tight yard at Saxmundham quite hard work!
I know I've commented before, but this film is in my favourites list for when I'm feeling like this. I like listening to things that are familiar, and this engine is so so recognisable. Most vehicles when I was younger I could recognise, but these days most are the same. Sheesh, the smoke though! WTH! Never mind Greta thungberg, even I watch and think, no way!
That is one of the best sounds on a bus I love to hear. The whine and the roar combined together and being driven like a king. I love this video and thanks for posting. I rode many Alexander Y-Type buses on the Bristol RELL chassis in my childhood and East Lancs LAeyland Atlanteans from 1974/1975 which are just as fun hearing those babies growl like a beast on the Motorway.
This is a Leicester registration bus.... Im pretty sure me and my twin brother used to ride this bus, as we used to enjoy the Bristol RE .. 90 and 91 outer circle route . Leicester.
I privately owned a national and my intention was to turn it into a mobile cafe, but the guy i was in partnership with spent all the cash we had on himself and in the end we sold the bus to a refurb company for buses.
Rare to find recordings of any buses. I'm on the lookout for recordings of the Leyland Lynx that have yet to come to light, would you happen to know of any tapes sitting about? Cheers
When I was a lad growing up in Sydney Australia, our local bus company purchased two of the Nationals, so much publicity. Great to ride in, unfortunately they didn't last long, Australian dry weather conditions etc didn't agree with them 😳
