This bus
was new to the very well respected Doncaster Independent Felix Motors of
Dunscroft in 1961. It passed to the SYPTE in 1976 on the takeover of the
company, and was renumbered 1163. It was withdrawn from service in 1978 and
was purchased for preservation. The bus was stored at various locations
over the years, all being outside, which has led to the
gradual deterioration of the of the bus to the poor condition it is today.
In late 2011 the SYTT added the vehicle to its collection, which would see it moved to under cover storage at the old tram sheds at Tinsley. A team went to Hatfield Woodhouse where the vehicle was stored and prepared it for towing which took several visits, many of which was very hard work. It was made ready and was finally moved to undercover storage for the first time since 1978. The vehicle moved with the rest of the fleet to the new Eastwood premises in Rotherham.
The vehicle
has suffered very badly due to its prolonged period of outside storage, which
had included an attempt to set it on fire. The engine is seized and the starter
motor and alternator are missing.
However, the
underside frames are in surprisingly good condition, as is the upper deck. The
timber frames on the lower deck will need a lot of work as will the front end
around the engine bay.
Now
undercover, the condition of the bus is not getting any worse, but the work
needed will be costly and time consuming. Work has started on attempting to
unseize the engine.
Owner - Private
