Bristol Lodekka FS/ECW (1960): TDL998-999 [565-566]

Technical & History Briefing
Chassis: Bristol Lodekka FS6G				Body: ECW Series 2
Registration Mark	Fleet No.	Type	Chassis Number	Body Number	Date New	Date Withdrawn
	Other Owners
TDL998 previously ABK832A	[565] previously [TB2]	H33/27RD	155036	11655	06/1960	09/1996
	10/2001: D. Priddle, Farnham (for preservation)
TDL999 Scrapped	[566]	H33/27RD	155037	11656	06/1960	08/1980
	09/1980: North, Sherburn in Elmet (dealer) 07/1982: Knottingley Emblems Jazz Band, Knottingley 02/1984: North, Sherburn in Elmet (dealer) and scrapped

Detailed History

Two Bristol Lodekka FS6G's, with ECW bodywork and six-cylinder Gardner diesel engines, were bought new by Southern Vectis during 1960 which entered service in Tilling Green & Cream livery. They were the Company's first FS type Lodekkas, which featured wider window bays, hand-operated rear platform doors and flat lower saloon floor compared with the LD type supplied to the Company in the past. They also featured sliding window vents.

During the summer season of 1968 TDL999 [566] carried the Ryde Borough Crest, to commemorate the town's centenary, on a white background over the fleetnames.

During the 1970's TDL998 [565] & TDL999 [566] were repainted into NBC Leaf Green & White livery.

From 1978 TDL998 [565] was used on Driver Training duties being re-numbered [TB2], and in November 1980 it was repainted into NBC Leaf Green but with a yellow band between the decks instead of a white one.

In August 1980 TDL999 [566] was withdrawn from service.

During 1986 TDL998 [565] was re-registered to ABK832A.

In June 1987 TDL998 [565] was repainted into Tilling Green & Cream livery, re-registered back to TDL998 and was operated as part of the vintage fleet.

In 1988 TDL998 [565] went on loan to Solent Blue Line between March and June and again from June 1990 - also occasionally appearing on passenger service.

In September 1996 TDL998 [565] was withdrawn, when Vintage Fleet operations also ceased, and went on loan to the Isle of Wight Bus Museum at Newport.

Subsequent History

TDL998 [565]:

In October 2001 it was sold to D. Priddle of Farnham for preservation.

TDL999 [566]:

In September 1980 it was sold to North of Sherburn (dealer).
By July 1982 it had been sold to Knottingley Emblems Jazz Band of Knottingley.
In February 1984 it was returned back to North of Sherburn (dealer) and was scrapped.

Photo Selection

In 1986, TDL998 (as [TB2]) was re-registered ABK832A for a short time. It is seen here in the bus park at the old Ventnor Bus Station during June 1986.
[photo copyright of Mike Ginger]

Repainted Tilling Green & Cream, and operated as part of the Vintage Fleet from 1987 through to 1995, TDL998 (as [565]) at Ryde Bus Station on 15 May 1993.
[photo copyright of Ken Lansdowne]

A nearside view of TDL998 [565], again on 15 May 1993 on Private Charter duties, at Sandown Zoo.
[photo copyright of Ken Lansdowne]

A nearside-rear view of TDL998 [565] at the Isle of Wight Bus Museum Running Day, Newport Harbour on 15 October 2000.
[photo copyright of Mike Ginger]

A nearside-front view of TDL999 [566] in Tilling Green & Cream livery at Quay Road, Ryde, on 28 June 1972.
[photo copyright of Ken Fry]

After withdrawal and disposal, TDL999 found a new home for a short time with Knottingley Emblems Jazz Band of Knottingley. It is seen, here, in Hazel Road, Knottingley, West Yorkshire on 21 June 1983.
[photo copyright of Peter J. Relf]

Colour prints may be available to buy - please e-mail Peter J. Relf for details

A view of TDL998 in preservation during 2003 at SCT'61

Information on all surviving Bristol Lodekka's is available from The Bristol VR Enthusiasts' Society

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