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Leyland Leopard 259 Purchased by the Trust in January
2001, this is another Leyland Leopard, fleetnumber 259
(AXI 2259), with a unique Wright Royale body. This is one
of 2 Leopards bodied by Wright, the other being
fleetnumber 258, which was kitted out to service bus
specification. 259 on the other hand had a coach style
body with 53 very upright seats. Interestingly the first
revenue earning job it did was an evening tour for the
ITT to Lurgan, before which the above picture was taken.
In service it operated from Stranraer, Larne, Derry and
Downpatrick depots, as well as the Ulsterbus Driving
School. During it's time it the Driving School it was
fitted with 49 much more comfortable seats which has been
removed from the 'Express' specification Tigers purchased
by Ulsterbus during the 1980s. It is known that 259
has carried at least 4 liveries, or variations, during
its service and it is our intention to restore it to the
1982 Ulsterbus Tours version at some time in the future. |