I managed to miss catching GBB516K twice during that run, the first time due to it being taken out of the running for gearbox repairs at Wallsend, the second just missing it on Shields Road, Byker on its way to Newburn. Managed to track down younger Atlantean AVK176V on her travels, however.
I noticed, in surprise, that typically early 70s NBC leaf-effect melamine was prevalent in the interior decor of this beautiful beast. Was this an original feature or otherwise sourced following preservation? Any sartorial discrepancies in no way detract from its splendour.
Strange that I was not fussed by the chance to ride JFT413X, even though it was one of the duo of putative Metropolitan replacements introduced in 1982. Too four-square and boring, I thought at the time, and still do now. They sounded like a more subdued and sensible version of the rusty, thirsty, bouncy Scanias, and without the charisma and general elan
What was the design decision that lead to the near side staircase ? I note the panoramic windows are similar to those on Edinburgh Corporation Atlanteans, but the lighting is not quite so neat.
It was supposed to aid with getting people on and off the bus quickly. Enter via the front, and alight via the centre doors, good idea in theory, but not in practice as the driver's view of the centre exit was obscured, leading to a number of near misses and one fatal accident where a passenger got dragged after getting trapped in the doors which led to the remaining dual door buses having the centre doors removed in the 80's.
