| 4/1998
- current |
Rob Sly, Farnborough (for preservation).
To Camberley, 7/1998. Moved to Tewkesbury, 11/2006. Restored in NBC
green livery, 5/2008 |
| 4/1998
- 4/1998 |
Hardwick (AJS Salvage), Carlton (dealer) |
| 7/1992
- 4/1998 |
Barsby (AA Trans Alv),
Derby. Named "The Big Bopper", by 12/1994. Moved to Alvaston and named
"Black Knight", by 1/1997 |
| 9/1991
- 7/1992 |
Yeates, Loughborough (dealer). Loaned
to Gagg, Bunny, 9/1991 to 10/1991 |
| 5/1991
- 9/1991 |
Rowland & Lane, Long Eaton (Albert
Ripon Keinline). Used on service to the American Adventure
Theme Park |
| 10/1990
- 5/1991 |
Kirby, Wythall (for preservation) |
| 4/1988
- 10/1990 |
Midland Red West
Ltd. 5031. Withdrawn 8/1990 |
| 3/1980
- 4/1988 |
Bristol Omnibus Company
Ltd. 5031. Withdrawn 5/1987. City
Rider livery and reinstated, 11/1987 Loaned to Midland Red
West, 12/1987 to 4/1988 |
| 10/1975
- 3/1980 |
Cheltenham District
Traction Company 5031 |
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Photo : Peter Cook
May 2008 was a watershed month for 5031 - it
emerged from two months at Busworks in Blackpool with a full repaint as
well as many other detail jobs completed. It is seen here the day after
its return south at the Bristol Centenary rally at the Harbourside
complex.
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Photo : Rob Sly
5031 returned to the West Country for the first
time in nearly twenty years in March 2007. The bus was taxed for the
first time since 1998 and restoration was well under way by this time.
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Photo : Rob Sly
Your author received a phone call in April
1998 from Mark Bennett to say that 5031 was at the bus
graveyard in Carlton and was in danger of being broken up later that
week. What else could he do than go up and rescue his favourite VR?
Seen here having just been pulled out of the scrap line at Alan
Hardwick's yard, it is in the final overall advertising livery carried
during its time with AA Trans Alv.
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Photo : Michael Hill
5031 was quite a survivor after its sale by
Midland Red West. Passing through several owners it ended up with AA
Trans Alv near Derby who painted it in this overall livery for a local
nightclub. It remained the only VR in this fleet for nearly six years,
apparently becoming something of a local celebrity itself with clubbers
in Derby.
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Photo : Graham Jones
5031 was repainted in City Line livery immediately
prior to transfer to Midland Red West. It is seen in Redditch in June
1988 with MRW logos at the front and rear corner.
|
Photo : Rob Sly
5031 was the last vehicle in NBC green livery
operating in the City of Bristol. It is seen here at The Centre with
Cityline fleetname in early 1987, just prior to repaint out of these
colours.
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Photo : Dave Russell & Deric Pemberton
5031 carries copious advertising for Bristol
Omnibus's Faresaver tickets in this early 1980s view.
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Photo : BVRES Collection
Seen soon after entering service, 5031 was one of
the first vehicles delivered to Cheltenham District in NBC green
livery, earlier deliveries having carried red livery.
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Photo : Martin S Curtis
This rare view shows 5031 before entering service,
parked up at Lawrence Hill in Bristol. Of particular note is the rear
route number blind which was painted over before entering service in
Cheltenham. Later the aperture was removed permanently with new panels.
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