![]() |
|||||
| Blackpool 362 | |
|
Our
second Blackpool Atlantean, 362, was new in 1983 and is numerically the last bus
seated example. Having purchased five batches of ten, Its first repaint was completed in February 1987 and emerged as the last to be painted in the original style – the next repaints were 316 and 366 into the new post deregulation livery of rich cream with green roof, skirt and window surrounds. Not surprisingly it also ended up as one of the last to carry the old livery when in April 1989 it became one of an unprecedented five Leyland Atlanteans to receive identical black and grey advertising liveries for Mackesons Stout. The new livery was applied to the front and just over a year later a new advertising livery for Bonanza Family Restaurant was painted which lasted until April 1991 when 362 finally received the standard fleet livery. It
was regularly used on conductor operated services for many years –
generally buses used on the 14 ( The 'Metro' network introduced in April 2001 saw 362 as an unallocated spare bus regularly appearing on the 11 and 14 – though many of its batch was dedicated to the latter. The arrival of new Dennis Tridents saw its service use diminish, though during the summer regular appearances were made on the 1 and 20. By 2004, the focus was very much on schools work and the cessation of several school contracts at the end of the summer term in 2006 saw it withdrawn in mid July leaving just the two 1984 coach seated Atlanteans 363/4 in use. October 28/29 saw a special farewell event organised by Blackpool Transport, coinciding with an LTT depot open day, witnessed nos. 358, 360-2 reinstated for the weekend and used with 363/4 on service 20 on the Saturday and services 6 and 20 on the Sunday. 362 ran on service 20 (Marton Mere - Blackpool Zoo) on both days, concluding its service life with the 1800 Marton Mere to Tower working on Sunday 29 October 2006, from where it ran back to Rigby Road for the last time. Thanks to a generous donation by one of our members 362 has been purchased by LTT to complement 334 in our collection and will be restored to post deregulation livery as a contrast to the original style on 334. |
|
| Photo of 362 taken when new in 1983 provided by Brian Turner | ||
| © Lancastrian Transport Trust - Registered Charity No. 1080404 | ||