In order to replace the trams on the routes to Dartry (14) and Terenure(15) and expand existing services, C.I.E. bought 100 buses from Leyland, complete with Leyland bodywork. The C.I.E. bodyshops in Spa Road, Inchicore, were fully stretched building buses chassis imported ckd. Thus this set of 100 buses were built to current Leyland specification. These buses looked different in a number of ways, particularly the front and rear destination, and the opening side windows. The became known as the “Bolton” class, as 100 similar buses were in-build in Leyland at the same time, indeed the chassis numbers of the 200 buses were in similar series.

The first four bodies were delivered in Dublin Port, and fitted on the dockside to chassis assembled in Broadstone. Later buses were delivered to Larne, and were presented at the Customs Office north of Dundalk.

The Boltons, R291 – R390 were only 26 foot long, shorter than the 27 foot 6 inch length of the Standard R, as built by C.I.E. They were painted with white ceilings, red interior and red seats, and appeared luxurious with their polished timber framing inside and distinctive square saloon lamps and chrome rear bumpers. The two upper deck rear windows in the emergency exit were square.

A single line destination featured on the front with a separate route number display. The front of the bus tapered from 8 foot to 7 foot 6 inch as it was standard for buses of both widths. C.I.E. opted for the 8 foot wide version.

Buses up to R336 entered service by mid 1948. The next buses delivered were stored in Donnybrook Garage awaiting sufficient numbers to replace the trams on the 14 and 15 routes on the same day, the 1st. November. R337 – R345 were allocated to Route 15, with R346 – R359 appearing on route 14. Their allocation to these routes was quite strict and one could set ones watch by their punctuality in those days of low traffic densities. The last few Boltons were delivered in early 1949, and to this end, we celebrate the 60th. anniversary of preserved R389 at the Transport Museum in Howth next Saturday, 24th. January.

These buses were resisted in one complete series, ZH 4440 – ZH 4539 and spent most of their working lives at Donnybrook. R308, R311, and R384 were filmed working in Limerick after the class were withdrawn in Dublin.

R389 was withdrawn from service, but returned briefly along with 3 other Boltons in connection with the first test bus lane in Fairview. Along with other Boltons it was stored in the Broadstone complex in what was soon to open as Phibsboro Garage.

It was restored by members and painted by Jimmy Conroy in the early days of the Transport Museum Society of Ireland and was one of the early vehicles to be stored in Castleruddery, Co. Wicklow. It was rallied in Bangor, Co Down attending the I.T.T. rally.

389 is the only member of this famous class to survive, but many similar buses are preserved in England, and a lowbridge bus of similar general appearance, using some Leyland parts is preserved in Northern Ireland.

A Special feature celebrating 1st anniversary of Wrightbus Gemini double-deckers into service with Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus showing them in production at Wrightbus in Ballymena Northern Ireland.

Dublin Bus ordered 50 Wrightbus Gemini double-deckers (VG1-50). All were built on Volvo B9TL chassis and featured the high Dublin Bus Spec. All the front windscreens were modified and recessed to counteract reflections at night. Everything from VG1-VG35 arrived in standard Dublin Bus livery with the exception of VG9 and VG10 which were delivered in the all-over-white ‘Wedding bus livery’.

VG36-VG48 were destined to replace the AV Airlinks in Summerhill on the 747 and 748 routes. They were delivered in a basic green livery. This batch also featured extra luggage racks. They were finished in the complete Airlink livery by a contractor in Dublin.

VG49 and VG50 arrived in standard Dublin Bus livery but were fitted with the luggage racks to operate Airlink and normal routes.

Dublin Bus also leased and later bought an extra Wrightbus Gemini. WH1 was delivered to Summerhill garage to run on the route 16. It features hybrid technology and is bulit on a VDL DB250 glider chassis. It has a small Ford diesel engine that charges and works with the Siemens ELFA hybrid driveline. Sadly, it is not reliable enough to be in active service all the time.

Bus Eireann ordered 10 double-deckers (VWD1-VWD10). They were also built on Volvo B9TL chassis. They were fitted with high-back seats for commuter routes. VWD1-4 were allocated to Broadstone and are mainly on Dublin-Ashbourne. VWD6-10 were allocated to Cork.

Fleet number: KE35
Registration: 35 VZJ
Year: 1980
Make: Bombardier (IRL)
Engine: Detroit Diesel 6V-71
Gearbox: Allison V730
W/d: 1997
Status: Restored


Preserved Bombardier coach KE35 undergoing mechanical work ahead of an upcoming event. KE35 was one of 52 Expressway/Touring coaches built by the Canadian company Bombardier in Shannon Co. Clare. The KE was first of four models built by Bombardier Ireland, it was followed by the KD (Double Decker), KC (City Bus) and the KR (Rural Commuter).

More to follow..........

See our YouTube channel for a full video on board KE35.

This years annual Showbus Rally was held on the 27th of September at Duxford in Cambridgeshire. The large number of buses at the show included both preserved and modern buses from around the UK and Europe. It is by far the largest bus show in the UK.

Ex-Dublin Bus Olympian, RH7 built in Belfast in 1990, attended the Show while on a 5 day tour of the UK, visiting North Wales, London and Ensignbus in Essex.

We are delighted to report that RH7, won 'Best Overseas Entry' at the show. Three years ago preserved coach, CVH4, a 1986 ex-Bus Eireann VanHool Acron won this same prize.

The Fingal Vintage Society held their annual show on September 20th 2009 near Lusk Co.Dublin. It had been postponed from earlier in the summer due to poor weather.

The main theme this year was the '250th Anniversary of Guinness'. A large number of preserved Guinness vehicles were in attendance. The National Transport Museum also brought along a number of vehicles.

TEC attended with Ex-Dublin Bus Olympian RH7 and Ex-CIE Leopards C26 and C160. All buses were delivered to the event the night before. Brian O'Leary attended with his former CIE Leyland Beaver truck and trailer.

Thanks to the Fingal Vintage Society for organising the event.

Fleet number: C26
Registration: EZH 26
Year: 1965
Chassis: Leyland Leopard PSU3
Body: CIE Spa Road
Engine: Leyland 0.600
W/d: 1995
Status: Fully Restored

C26 was delivered to Tralee garage in Co. Kerry in 1965. It maintained its original format, never having had its roof domes changed. It was one of 14 Cs which were never modified, so it was ideal for preservation. It was one of four that weren’t done in Tralee garage – two short Cs and two long Cs – C26/28, 223, 230 were four of the 14 that weren’t done nationally. The mould machine that made the domes and fronts were damaged by fire in 1979. The machine also made fronts and rears for Ds and Ms.

C26 was bought for preservation in 1995 following its transfer to schools service. It was in poor condition when it entered restoration. Restoration work began in 1998, three years after its retirement. It was returned to cream roof, red livery with cream waist line. It has yet to return to Tralee where it was stationed new. It is the second-lowest C in preservation after the TMSI’s C17.

On the rally circuit, it has been around a lot. Shortly after restoration in 1998, it travelled across to the UK to attend the Red Rose Rally. It was at nearly every large event including the 1999 ITT rally in Cultra where it was lined up with other Cs in the many different liveries that they wore. C26 was placed into storage and not used until it was requested by Bus Eireann in July 2009, almost 10 years since it was last out.

Over a number of weeks, C26 was serviced and various parts were replaced ahead of the Ballina Vintage Festival.

On the 9th of August, C26 attended the Moynalty Steam and Threshing Festival.

CVH29 was out for a run during the 15th & 16th of August 09. It departed Dublin on the Saturday morning and followed the 004 route to Waterford. It was significant as Waterford was the garage which CVH29 was delivered to when it was new in 1986.

To make the weekend interesting and limit time pressure, it was decided that the CVH would overnight during the run and return to Dublin on the Sunday. After some photographs and lunch in Waterford, the bus headed for Cork, following the 040 route via Youghal. Once again photos were taken around Cork and outside Parnell Place bus station.

The following morning the bus headed back to Dublin on the 008 route. It was a most enjoyable trip onboard CVH29. Thanks to Bus Eireann Waterford who accommodated the CVH at the Bus Station for photos and to CVH29’s owner Des Willis.

Bus Eireann invited the TEC to attend the Ballina Vintage Festival on Wednesday 15th July 2009, requesting a former CIE vehicle. The TEC have brought a number of vehicles to Ballina over the years including KE35.

C26 was prepared specially for this year’s event as it was in storage since 1999 due to other buses being used on the rally circuit. After some servicing and mechanical work, a large amount on the suspension, it was ready in time to travel to Ballina.

Upon arrival on the Tuesday it was well received by Bus Eireann staff at the garage. On display at the festival in Ballina, it attracted a lot attention from both enthusiasts and the general public.

A special thanks to Bus Eireann for their usual hospitality and accommodation.

Fleet number: RH7
Registration: 90-D-1007
Year: 1990
Make: Leyland Olympian
Chassis: Leyland
Body: Alexander
Engine: Cummins L10-185
Gearbox: ZF 4HP500
W/d: 10/00 , 9/08
Status: Fully Restored

RH7 was one of 175 Leyland Olympians delivered new to Dublin Bus between March 1990 and December 1993. The RH was the first of the 640 strong fleet of the Olympians delivered to Dublin Bus between 1990 and 1999 which consisted of the RH (1-175) the Volvo RA (176 to 325) and the RV (326 - 640).

Delivered in June 1990, RH7 operated from Ringsend Garage for its service life. In October 2000 it transferred to the Driving School fleet in Broadstone, replacing the later KDs. RH7 and RH19 were acquired for preservation in September 2008.

It was decided by RH7's owner that it would be restored to the highest possible standard. For this, it was sent across to the UK where it spent some months. Every panel was replaced and ad frames were re-fitted. Damage to the front dome was repaired and front and rear bumpers made and sourced from the stores. The restoration was completed with a full respray and original Dublin Bus logos were applied.

RH7 was unveiled at the ITT rally in Cultra in April 2009. A special thanks to Wilkinson’s Vehicle Solutions in Bridlington.

The RA class were first delivered in 1994 numbering from 176 - 325. August 2008 saw the last of them being withdrawn leaving the later RV class as the only Olympians left in service.

On the 3rd of August 2008, Dublin Bus organised a 'Farewell tour' using the Driving school's RA176 and Donnybrook's RA302 and RA305.

A number of RAs remain with Dublin Bus in the driving school and tours fleets.

50 RAs were bought by Wealden PSV of Kent and Southdown PSV of Sussex for sale into the UK market. Both companies have commented on the good condition of the buses. They offer the option of single door conversions, removing the centre doors upping seating from 74 to 78. Prices range from 35,000 to 41,000 euro.

The final batch of RAs and the first few RVs have been purchased by Ensign Bus of Purfleet Essex.

The batch of RVs from the cutbacks in 2009 now await sale.

**UPDATE**
Photos from Ensignbus.

The Annual Irish Transport Trust Rally was held on Saturday April 25th in the grounds of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.

The Transport Enthusiasts Club attended with Damien Hughes’ magnificently restored RH7. It was complemented with Mark Phipps’ KC48, also in Dublin Bus two tone green.

Both buses departed from Dublin’s O’Connell Street on the morning of the rally and travelled up. A great day was had as usual.

Our thanks to the ITT and all the organisers.

Fleet number: P220
Registration: ZJ 5960
Year: 1951
Chassis: Leyland OPS3
Body: CIE
Engine: Leyland .600
Gearbox: Manual (crash)
W/d: 1965 to Aer Lingus/1971
Status: Restored

P220 was delivered in March 1951 and was one of 55 delivered during 1951 and 1952. In May 1965 it was sold to Aer Lingus and was converted for use as ramp transport at Dublin airport. During its time there, it became known as 149. In 1971 it was bought for preservation. It lay idle for a number of years and fell into disrepair. When restoration began, modifications from its Aer Lingus days had to be removed such as the covered cab and rear entrance.

Once completed, P220 was back to being a ‘City P’ in two tone green livery. Since its restoration, 220 has appeared in a number of films including 'A Love Divided', 'Agnes Browne' and 'A Man of No Importance'.

220's last run was during the April 1st rally in 2001. After some work was completed it was out again in March 2009.

See our YouTube channel for a short video of P220 filmed in April 2009.

Bombardier KD306 (ex-Ringsend) returned to the streets of Dublin recently, albeit for the last time. The bus, acquired in open top format, was towed to Dublin to allow for dismantling of all vital components for future restorations. It is one of several scrap KDs, bought many years ago, for spare parts which are currently held in storage. Items such as the General Motors 6V-71 engine and Allison V730 transmission will be put to good use in KD’s in preservation. As these buses were built in Shannon and are unique to Ireland, (with the exception of the one exported to Baghdad with a Rolls Royce engine) it was imperative that additional units were acquired after withdrawal, along with future preservation prospects. 

KD306 retains the original lower deck layout as a service bus, and can now supply bodywork components to re-fit former Driver Training KD’s which had modifications for greater visibility. 306 will donate these interior fittings for those which were modified. Drivers partition cab door and security screen, luggage pen behind the front door, rear facing seats, and detail fittings around the stairs, were all areas of specific interest.  A number of KDs were bought from the Driving School as these were the best in the fleet at the time.  Other ex-service KDs were also bought for preservation at the time.
 
As KD306 is broken up,  it will yield other items not immediately required for our current restoration projects and will be placed into our extensive store of Shannon derived parts both old and new, for the Bombardier/GAC restorations and later regular servicing of preserved buses for years to come.  Many of the bodywork parts for the KDs were made in Ireland, and our stores even include the moulds from which these fiberglass parts were formed by the manufacturers. Many of the aluminium panels, the front and rear bumpers, along with an unused standard K type front frame were acquired new and placed in storage, and are now, many years later, used as templates for new parts to be manufactured. As these parts were never used on actual buses, they retain their exact shapes for accurate restorations. 
   
KD306 was scrapped as of Feb 09.

Fleet number: KD221
Registration: 221 OZU
Year: 1982
Make: Bombardier
Engine: GM Detroit 6V-71
Gearbox: Allison V730
W/d: 2001
Status: Undergoing Restoration

KD221 is a Bombardier double-decker built in Shannon in 1982 by Bombardier (Canada). It was one of 366 built. The KD was the iconic Irish/Canadian bus and were the workhorses of Dublin Bus until they were withdrawn in 2001. With their roaring Detroit diesels, they echoed through the streets of Dublin, Limerick and Cork. Most were operated by Dublin Bus but some were operated by Bus Eireann. They were delivered in the iconic 'two tone green' which lasted until their withdrawal.

221 operated from Phibsboro Garage mainly on the Route 10 and 19. It was withdrawn from service in January 1999 but was modified and placed in the Dublin Bus driving school until January 2001. Since 221's withdrawal it has been idle until December 2007 when restoration began.

Fleet number: CVH29
Registration: SI 2029
Year: 1986
Make: VanHool
Body: VanHool Acron
Engine: Cummins L10
Gearbox: Voith
W/d: 2006
Status: Restored

CVH29 was delivered new to Waterford and worked Dublin - Dungarvan express. It was delivered in tours livery and carried branding for the express route. In 1991 it transferred to Limerick. In 1993 it transferred again to Sligo. In 1999 it became CVS29 after being cascaded onto the Schools fleet. It was purchased for preservation in April 2006.

The bus lay in cold storage before restoration began in March 2008. Over 5 weeks it was stripped inside and out. It received a repaint from Ger Grant. It attended the ITT Cultra Rally on the 26th of April 2008. It was featured along with DF839 in 'Bus & Coach Preservation' Magazine.

A special thanks to Ger Grant for his usual high standard on this project. Thanks also D Hughes, J Gately, D Laffan, G Manahan and P Losty.

In August 2009, CVH29 returned to Waterford gargage while on a run. It also visited Cork on the two day run. See site features for photos.

The Transport Enthusiasts Club travelled across to the UK to collect a very unusual vehicle, A 1985 MCW Metrobus. This bus is something very different from the usual Rs, KDs and VanHools. It has a Gardener engine and is also fitted with a Voith gearbox and Kirkstall axles the same as the KC!

The Bus was collected from Ensign Bus in Purfleet Essex on Sunday 28th of September. After some minor mechanical attention, 1332 headed for Duxford to attend Showbus 2008. After the rally, it headed for Holyhead, catching the HSS the following morning. Both the bus and it’s crew of four arrived safely in Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin.

The 50th Anniversary run to commemorate the end of the GNR (Great Northern Railway Ireland) took place on the 7th of September 2008. Skerries in north Co. Dublin was chosen for this event as the GNR was the main operator in the area until 1958.

The GNR(I) began its bus service in Drogheda in 1929. As it expanded, it bought out many other small operators and by 1935, the GNR(I) had 180 buses. Most of the buses were built at DRW (Dundalk Railway Works) but in 1948 due to demand, 39 AEC Regent Double Deckers were imported from the UK, most had complete 'Park Royal' bodies bar the last four which were finished in Dundalk. The Dundalk buses had a special board in the lower saloon. 438 features the board from 442 which has the number 438 for this bus. 438 was registered in the Republic of Ireland while it's sister, 439 was registered in Northern Ireland. Together, 438 and 439 worked the cross border Dundalk - Newry route.

On October 1st 1958, the GNR(I) was taken over by CIE and the AEC Regents were re-classified as AR however retaining the GNR(I) numbers. 31 of the 39 continued with CIE under the AR guise. The remaining were withdrawn before CIE took over.

A number of preserved buses attended this run 50 years after GNR(I) ended, accompanied by enthusiasts. The convoy of three buses started near swords, calling at Lusk, Rush, Loughshinny and ultimately Skerries Co. Dublin.

The Transport Museum at Howth attended with their beautifully restored GNR 438 which was most definitely the star of the day. 438 was accompanied by Ian Molloy’s RA30 and Darren Hall’s D464. Regretfully, R788 and DF839 were unable to attend due to separate mechanical difficulties.

It was a most enjoyable day with a special thanks going to Mr. Robert Laird who co-ordinated the event.

August 31st - MA7 and C160 attending SALUTE 2008.

Later that day, MA7 did a road run around Dublin on some the old IMP routes such as 120, 123, 130 and 59. The run started at the 123 terminus on Griffith Avenue going into town, around the city centre and out to Dun Laoghaire and Killiney.

For more information on MA7 see the Restoration section.

For a video of the run, have a look at our YouTube channel.

The project started in 1977 when CIE entered talks with FFG Hamburg about new bus design. CIE's previous coalition with another building company was with VanHool Mc Ardle. After the securing of the former Rippon Piano factory in Shannon, CIE then signed a deal with partners Bombardier (Canada) and GAC (General Automotive Company).

Bombardier (Ireland) was established in 1980. The first bus built there was a single deck long distance coach and it was 'pushed' off the production line in November 1980. A total of 52 KEs were built entering service in expressway and tour.

Production of the KD (Decker) began in April 1981 and 366 were built. (FFG prototype became KD1) Both the KEs and KDs shared the same Detroit 6V-71 engines, Allison V730 gearboxes and Rockwell axles. Bombardier withdrew from the project in 1983 as the last KDs were built. GAC then took over (hence the GAC badges on KC/Rs)

Production began on the KCs but they were changed to Cummins L10 engines, Voith gearboxes and Kirkstall axles. They numbered up to 202 (FFG prototype became KC1). During that time GAC also built 22 coaches for the US market. They were based on MAN chassis and were left hand drive.

The final model of the family was the KR/S. They were built from June 1985 to December 1986. GAC pulled out of Shannon in January 1986 leaving CIE to complete the final numbers themselves.

A Selection of photos of CIE's M-class. These workhorses saw a long and hard life from 1971 until withdrawal from schools in 2001, some ending their lives with over 1 million miles on the clock. There were a total of 213 built.

Built on Leyland Leopard PSU5 chassis with Leyland 680 engines, many were re-engined to DAF or Detroit diesels. Although sounding similar to the Bombardier KD, the MG had a straight 6 version of the KDs V6. The Ms received huge chassis modification to accommodate the new engines.

Engines:

MD- DAF1160.
MG- Detriot Diesel 6-71 Auto gearbox.
MC- Cummins-MC167 (preserved) & MC90.


A number have been preserved (see fleet list).

A selection of photos by preservationist Des Willis.

More to follow.

The Annual Irish Transport Trust Rally was held on Saturday April 26th in the grounds of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A large number of buses both current and preserved attended.

The Transport Enthusiasts Club attended with Des Willis' Ex-Dublin Bus DF839 and Ex- Bus Eireann CVH29. Also Mark Byrne's Ex-Ulsterbus Bristol RE 2449.

Dublin Bus attended with EV49,AX648 and VT70. Various operators had buses on display from north and south of the border.

Ex- Dublin Bus RA255 was also attended.

It was a great rally with some changes from other years. Some local road-runs were done in various buses including Des Willis' DF839 which did two runs with passengers to Holywood.

Thanks to...
- ITT -D Laffan
-D Hughes -G Manahan
-G Grant -D Willis
-J Gately -S King
-D Carolan -M Byrne

Fleet number: MA7
Registration: 93-D-8007
Year: 1993
Make: Mercedes-Benz 709D
Chassis: MB
Body: Alexander
Engine: MB OM364
Gearbox: Allison AT545 (AT)
W/d: 2002/5
Status: Restored

MA7 was one of 20 delivered new to Dublin Bus in 1993. It operated from Phibsboro garage mainly on the 120 Route. During it’s life it also wore a ’Chartbusters’ All Over Advertisement. It was withdrawn from regular service in 2002.

Most were sold to a number of private operators after Withdrawal. MA7 was kept in storage until Dublin Bus found a use for it. The seats were removed with the idea of a mobile workshop or breakdown unit in mind. It was used in Broadstone and Phibsboro Garages as a 'run about' for maintenance crew.

It was bought for preservation in July 2006. It was the first and still the only Ex-Dublin Bus mini bus in preservation. It still wore the 'City Imp' livery but required a re-spray. Genuine seat cushions and seats frames were sourced and fitted. The Bus underwent an extensive mechanical overhaul. Because its a vehicle type still regular use, parts and fittings were easily sourced.

It attended the ITT Cultra Rally in April 2007.

Fleet number: DF415
Registration: 415 ZD
Year: 1972
Chassis: Leyland
Body: CIE Met Sec
Engine: DAF 1160
Gearbox: Semi-Auto
Status: Restored

DF415 was initially restored in the tan livery for the Dublin Bay Rally, it was also painted to make possible a photo of D44 in blue and cream, DF415 in tan and D376 in the two tone green of Dublin Bus. That famous photograph was featured in various magazines.


It went across the water and was rallied around UK. DF415 stayed in the UK for a number of years and returned in 2003. It attended CIE60th the ITT rally in Cultra (Belfast) in April 2007. It had been repainted ahead of the rally loosing its adds.


A model was made of DF415 after it appeared at CIE60th.

Fleet number: R788
Registration:
Year: 1957
Make: Leyland Titan
Chassis: Leyland OPD2
Body: CIE
Engine: Leyland .600
Gearbox: Manual (crash)
W/d: 1977
Status: Restored


R788 is one of the best known preserved Irish buses around today. Since being withdrawn from active service in 1977 it has been in many Irish films and has even travelled abroad to rally in the UK. It has been on an Irish stamp and on the cover of a Dublin Bus Timetable. It was fully restored by Jimmy Conroy of Artane before being owned by it's current owner, Gary Manahan.

It entered service in Summerhill in January 1958 and into Ringsend in 1959. It operated on route 21 and was green until 1966 when it was seen in a publicity shot for D1 taken in Inchicore.

In September 1967 it transferred to Waterford along with R711 and 741 to replace earlier Rs.

It was the last standard R in service and was withdrawn in August 1977.

The Transport Enthusiasts Club went to the UK in 1990s and attended many rallies in places such as London, Birmingham and Manchester. The TEC have been the only group to represent the Republic of Ireland in the UK. More visits are being planned.

Some of the buses sent were :

-R788
-C26
-DF839
-DF415
-CVH4

DF415 stayed in the UK permanently during the 1990s and was rallied extensively creating a lot of interest.

CVH4 was the most recent - attending Showbus 2006.

R788 and R686 in the 1995 Film 'A Man of No Importance'. R788 (two tone green) was the featured bus however sister bus R686 (blue and cream) was used for the inside shots. The fleet number at the rear was changed for the purpose of the film.

These photos were taken in April 1994 behind the scenes at Broadstone and The Four Courts.

The Final Photograph shows R788 with Actor Albert Finney out side the Four Courts.

80 years old and still 'on the buses'. Imagine Billy’s surprise last Friday night when his family arranged to have a 50 year old Dublin green vintage open platform double deck bus take him with a “three bell load” of his relations on the lower deck from Kilbarrack to a party in Sutton.

Retired bus driver Billy drove buses from Clontarf Garage on routes 20, 20B, 54A, 29A from 1971 to 1986. The Transport Enthusiasts Club was contacted by his family to supply a vintage bus as a surprise for him on the night. Club member Des Willis, acted as conductor for the night and issued Billy and his family with souviner tickets from his old genuine C.I.E. ticket machine. There was a sing-a-long watched by passers by as the bus traveled along the road to Sutton, where Billy was surprised to be met by his retired conductor Shea Kane who worked with him for many years. A huge party was arranged for Billy, who had a great night indeed.

The bus Billy traveled on was R788. It built at Spa Road in Inchicore 50 years ago and appeared on an Irish stamp. It spent many years serving in Dublin and later in Waterford. It was restored over two years to a very high standard by Jimmy Conroy of Artane, Dublin.

Ex-Summer Hill Leyland Titan OPD2/10 - R788 in Dublin City over the Weekend 16th/17th Nov.

R788 was in Dublin for an occasion on Fridary 16th. On Saturday 17th, 788 visited Conyngham Road and Phibsboro Garage. Photos taken with AV24 in its trial tours livery. The livery has since been applied to the rest of the Tours fleet.

Visit our YouTube channel for a video.

22 coaches were built in Shannon for the L.A Olympics by GAC in 1984. Built on MAN chassis with left hand drive.

(C) Des Willis

Photos from Showbus 2007 at Duxford.

Dublin Bus invited the Transport Enthusiasts Club and enthusiasts to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the foundation of CIE.

The event was held at the new Dublin Bus depot in Harristown on the 30th of October 2005.