The bottom of the two pictures shows Dudleys first-ever brand-new full-sized coach.
UWP 96R is a Ford R1114 with Plaxton 'Supreme' 53-seat body to bus grant spec.
It was first registered on 01/09/76, and is currently undergoing extensive restoration with an enthusiast in Gloucestershire.
It's seen here at the 2004 Welland Steam Rally, shortly before withdrawal.
I always declined to drive it, preferring the heavyweight Leopard for the intensive shuttle service that we operated.
The top photo shows our regular steed at Welland.
Acquired with the Royal Motorways operation, STO 244X is a very late-model Leyland Leopard with Plaxton 'Supreme 4' 53-seat body. A PSU3F/5R model, it has the rationalised Leyland 0.680 engine (with Austrian-made Friedmann & Mayer injection pump), and ZF S6-80 'Synchroma' 6-speed gearbox. This model was a stop-gap option, which was basically available between the cessation of AEC Reliance production, and the introduction of Leyland's B43 Tiger chassis.
Totally reliable, this coach always performed brilliantly, and is also presently under restoration with enthusiasts in the Evesham area.
Watch out for it at an event near you soon!
