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Currently a regular performer on the Go North East 74 service, NK54 PHV is seen here on 7th November 2011 at Kingston Park, Newcastle. (click to enlarge picture) © David Gambles |
The two vehicles were dumped at the rear of the Plaxton factory and eventually bought by Graham Greaves of Henry Cooper Coaches who
thought that it would be worth carrying on with all the type approvals required including tilt testing etc.
For some reason the second vehicle has a smaller rear window. Here the bus is seen at Eldon Square Bus Station in Newcastle (click to enlarge picture) © David Gambles |
The most complete of the two vehicles was used for this purpose and eventually registered after much work, for use by Henry Cooper Coaches. The second vehicle, the one now owned by Go North East, required lots of work to bring it to completion, but was eventually finished in 2004 and used briefly on a Council contract. It was sold to Northumbria Coaches, who, in turn were purchased by Go North East and it has remained in the fleet ever since, now operating from the Hexham depot.
The other Bus 2000 vehicle is still alive and well within the Henry Cooper fleet and continues to operate on regular school contracts.
I recently travelled on the Go North East vehicle and can report that it is still pleasant to ride on, there being no squeaks or rattles from the bodywork and the engine and gearbox seem to be working well, so it appears to be surviving the tough life being experienced within a major fleet.
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(click to enlarge picture) © David Gambles |
More pictures below
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The second vehicle required lots of work to bring it to completion. Here is a view of the interior, which was being used a seat store. The exterior of the bus was blue. © David Gambles |
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The other vehicle shown when new and still owned by Henry Cooper and registered HC04 BBB © David Gambles |
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No wheelchair or baby buggy facilities on the Henry Cooper vehicle and all seats have seat belts as it is sometimes used for private hire work on school excursions etc. © David Gambles |
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The Henry Cooper bus has a larger rear window © David Gambles |
vehicle, who said that they were having problems obtaining parts, due to the non standard nature of the bus, so it will be interesting to see how much longer it stays in service.
David Gambles