Wednesday, 30 August 2017

Lion Roars Around Lytham

Lytham St. Annes Leyland Lion 24 starred at Monday's RVPT running day. 24 was new in 1934 as a demonstrator and joined the Lytham fleet the following year, running until 1957. An early preservation project, it ended up in Canada in the 1970s, falling derelict. Rescued in 1999 and returned to the UK, an extensive restoration followed. It is seen here approaching Lytham Hall in an idyllic country scene (Brian Turner)

The characteristic rear entrance is shown to affect as 4 heads up Park Street, as it would have done while working Lytham's route 4 many years ago (Brian Turner)

24, the first generation of Lytham to Blackpool motorbuses passes 422 - one of the latest generation. 24's later duties before withdrawal was taking school children for swimming lessons at Lytham's baths. The baths was located on the site of the apartments behind 24. (Brian Turner)

A familar location for 24. The Lion was bought for the new 11 service from Lytham to Blackpool in 1935 which approached Lytham Square via the Promenade, turning left just to the photograher's right. In later year it was common on service 4 which also passed this point on its way to Green Drive (Brian Turner)

OK - not the Lion - but 50 years its junior. 1984 Leyland Atlantean 45 splits two generations of Blackpool buses and captures the attention of 412's driver. Your blogger is piloting the Atlantean, and rather enjoyed himself. (Brian Turner)