287 is a
Leyland Atlantean with Alexander H43/31F bodywork. It was new to Sheffield
Transport in March 1973, passing to the SYPTE in April 1974. It continued in
service in Sheffield until 1985.
287 was
converted to open top by the at the training school and was outshopped in the
‘new’ SYT livery and was used on Summer service work and a variety of
promotional duties up until 1999, when it was transferred to York for city
sightseeing work. After this it passed to Guide Friday and saw further use
on sightseeing in Bournemouth, before finally going to RABBIT waste recycling,
Worthing, for use as a promotional vehicle.
The SYTT had
been in touch with RABBIT for a few years prior to the bus being sold for
preservation, supplying various parts to keep the vehicle running. In 2014 the
vehicle became surplus to requirements and finally made its way back ’home’ to
Sheffield. The bus made the trip without incident, with all that drove it
saying that it did drive particularly well.
The bus was
rallied for the first year and then was taken off the road to receive a
comprehensive restoration. Although appearing outwardly in good condition,
under the skin the structure of the vehicle had suffered due to water ingress,
due to almost 30 years as an open top bus.
The work that
has been done on the bus has included a full re-panel, the re- placement of the
floors on the stairs, cab and from the front of the bus back to the stair on
the lower saloon. The cab has also been fully refurbished. The biggest, most
notable change is that the bus is now no longer open top! It has been restored
to ‘as new’ condition, and to facilitate this has received the roof from
Atlantean 1707 (CWG707V).
Owner - Mr S.Barker
