And now for the first (pun intended) of two Bristol VR videos from the Penzance, so to kick off we have a native Kernowian. 38873, LFJ873W.
LFJ873W was new in 1981 as one of a big batch of Series 3 Bristol VRs new to Western National, originally with fleet number 1226, the vehicle was based out of Penzance garage, and was transferred to Plymouth in 1988 before returning in 1993. 1999 saw Western National absorbed into the First empire, and it recieved its new fleet number 38873 in 2004. LFJ873W was withdrawn on December 2006, when all VRs were withdrawn from public commercial service in Cornwall, whereupon it went straight into preservation in as withdrawn condition, even retaining its Barbie livery and First sea moquette.
LFJ873W was running part of the Penzance VR Revival & Running Day on route 10B which ran from Penzance to St Just via Heamoor, Tremethick Cross, Newbridge, Pendeen, Botallack and the steep Nancherrow Hill.
LFJ873W is powered by a Gardner 6LXB coupled to 5-speed SCG semi-automatic gearbox, and in typical VR fashion, runs smoothly, with the delightful and melodic transmissional whining. Music to the ears!
Coming up tomorrow is another treat of a VR, which sounds very, very different, and is one to watch. Enjoy!
21 июл 2022
