Leyland Leopard 1886 (OSJ 620R)

 

1886 is a Leyland Leopard fitted with Alexander bodywork. This combination was standard for Ulsterbus during the 1970s and early 1980s and many examples are still to be seen on the streets. 1886, however, was unusual in the Ulsterbus fleet in that it carries bodywork to Alexanders 'Y' type. design and was constructed at their Falkirk factory. The standard Ulsterbus body on the Leyland Leopard was built at the Mallusk factory. New to Western Scottish in December 1976 1886 passed to Clydeside on the creation of that company. It operated in the Paisley area to the south-west of Glasgow. On withdrawal it passed, along with several other examples, to Ulsterbus although initially it was intended to be sold on to an operator in the Irish Republic. The deal was not concluded and 1886 was taken on to fleet strength. The vehicles purchased were also unusual for Ulsterbus Leopards as they had manual gearboxes, other Ulsterbus Leopards having semi-automatic boxes. All were initially allocated to Driver Training duties and all have now been withdrawn. Some have been converted to tow-cars and one, 1885, was passed for passenger-carrying use and saw service at Armagh. 1886 was acquired by the Irish Transport Trust for preservation as it is a fine representative of the second-hand vehicles purchased by Ulsterbus during its 30+ year history. The purchase was completed on 2 May 1997.