SHOWBUS, DUXFORD - 27.09.09.

[geoff@meek]

Whilst 1036 had made its post-restoration debut at the 'Ribble 90' event on Preston Flag Market in June, had attended the Leyland Society rally in July and the 'Ribble 90' event at Carlisle in July, it was the look on David Prescott's face as he proudly drove 1036 into the Showbus site at Duxford which said it all: "20 years - it's been well worth the effort."

Showbus is probably the largest bus rally in the country and is always well attended - even when it rains.

The weather was good to us from leaving Freckleton at 0900 on the Saturday to arriving back shortly after 2300 on the Sunday.
We had uneventful journeys both ways. 1036 performed well, being driven there by David and by Chris Fenner for the return journey.

    We spent Saturday night just outside St Neots and were joined by a couple of Daimler Fleetlines from the Birmingham & Midland Museum of Transport at Wythall. Ex Walsall 116 (XDH516G) with Northern Counties bodywork and ex WMPTE 4622 (JOV613P) with Park Royal bodywork.

    On arrival at Duxford on the Sunday morning, 1036 joined the other Harrington coaches in front of the American Air Museum.

            'Harrington Heaven'.

        Other vehicles at the Rally which were of particular interest to RVPT members were former Ribble vehicles 366 (OCK366K), the Lancastrian Transport Trust's ECW bodied Bristol RE which was on the Busworks stand and 2198, (J198HFR), an Alexander bodied Leyland Olympian which is now with Centrebus.

    1036 seen at a refreshment stop on the way home.

    The Showbus Rally plaque.