Cornwall Bus Preservation Society (incorporating Western National Preservation Group)

Since the June update, Royal Blue Bristol RELHRear-engined single-decker bus or single-decker coach chassis built by Bristol Commercial Vehicles 1962 until 1982; widely considered most successful of first generation rear-engined single-decker buses; available in low (for bus) or high (for coach) versions; eventually totalled five variants: RELL and RELH (long), RESL and RESH (short), and REMH (maximum length) 14601969 Bristol RELH6G with ECW C45F coachwork; New to Southern National March 1969, transferred to Western National, remained in service until May 1981 when became part of BaMMOTT collection at Wythall. Purchased by WHOTT May 2005 OTA 632G | Bristol RELH | Fleet No. 1460 (OTA 632G1969 Bristol RELH6G with ECW C45F coachwork; New to Southern National March 1969, transferred to Western National, remained in service until May 1981 when became part of BaMMOTT collection at Wythall. Purchased by WHOTT May 2005 OTA 632G | Bristol RELH | Fleet No. 1460) has successfully completed the four days of the Royal Blue Run travelling from Birmingham to Liverpool, on into Wales and then finishing in Cheltenham. However back home, we discovered a bad fluid leak and on inspection it was found that the transmission seals on the gearbox needed replacing. Steve ordered parts but unfortunately they did not arrive in time to be fitted before the Tavistock Running DayEach year in April CBPG holds an Annual Running Day with free bus trips around West Cornwall - check our Events for more information on the 14 July 2019 where it had been due to take part.

On the 30 June 2019 we attended the annual Cornwall Coastal Commercial Run taking Bristol LH 1318Royal Blue; BDV 318L | Bristol LH | Fleet No. 1318 | CBPG (BDV 318LRoyal Blue; BDV 318L | Bristol LH | Fleet No. 1318 | CBPG), Bristol LHSBristol LH chassis range introduced in spring 1968, 3 variants: LHS at 26' (7.9m); 1254Former Western National Bristol LHS 1254 (VOD 124K), one of six purchased for Mousehole - Penzance route; acquired privately by Steve and Paul towards the end of 2017 (VOD 124KFormer Western National Bristol LHS 1254 (VOD 124K), one of six purchased for Mousehole - Penzance route; acquired privately by Steve and Paul towards the end of 2017) and Bristol VRT 1226November 2009, CBPG took over ownership of Bristol VR 38873(LFJ 873W) from Western National Preservation Group. Originally numbered 1226, she was the last new Bristol VR bought by Western National in 1981 LFJ 873W | Bristol VR | Fleet No. 38873 (ex 1226)/38873 November 2009, CBPG took over ownership of Bristol VR 38873(LFJ 873W) from Western National Preservation Group. Originally numbered 1226, she was the last new Bristol VR bought by Western National in 1981 LFJ 873W | Bristol VR | Fleet No. 38873 (ex 1226)(LFJ 873WNovember 2009, CBPG took over ownership of Bristol VR 38873(LFJ 873W) from Western National Preservation Group. Originally numbered 1226, she was the last new Bristol VR bought by Western National in 1981 LFJ 873W | Bristol VR | Fleet No. 38873 (ex 1226)) on the ramble around our beautiful county. It was a lovely sunny day and I am pleased to say that the LHS 1254 (VOD 124K) was awarded the cup for the second year running as the best PCV. 

So far this month we have attended the the two day KOVC Rally at Penhallow on 13 & 14 July 2019 with LHS 1254 (VOD 124K) and LH 1318 (BDV 318L), the event enjoying great summer weather. Thanks to Chaz and Dan Wye who took both vehicles around the ring on the Sunday while four off us went by car to the Tavistock Running Day. The event was very popular but made a nice change for us to ride on the old buses instead of driving them!

Still to come this month is the St Buryan Rally on Saturday  and Sunday, 27 & 28 July 2019. Entered are the LHS, LH, Dart and 1226 VR but this may be added to on availability of vehicles.

On 4 August 2019 is the 100 years of Devon General event at Newton Abbot race course. We are hoping to take both Royal Blue coaches, 1318 and 1460 to this event.

We are still on the look out for covered storage for our fleet in the west Cornwall so please let us know if anything found that will help us.

Although 'friends' membership runs from January to December, I don't mind when anyone joins up. For £3 a month (£36 a year) you can be part of CBPSCornwall Bus Preservation Society - formed by a group of bus and coach enthusiasts who are involved in maintaining, restoring and preserving a number of buses which saw operational service in Cornwall that have been bought, donated or even loaned to members of the group.

If you would like to become a 'friend' of the CBPS, please contact us (details on the site). Thank you.