OTA 632G | Bristol RELH | Fleet No. 1460

This Bristol RELH 1460 (OTA 632G) 'Royal Blue' coach came under the custodal care of Melvyl Williams in 2005 from The West Country Historic Omnibus and Transport Trust (WHOTT) and then came under the CBPS umbrella when the group was formed in 2009.

New in March 1969 to Southern National and delivered in 'Royal Blue' livery she was based mainly in the Bideford, Barnstaple and Ilfracombe areas where it was used on tours and private hire work, At peak times of the year, she was used on 'Royal Blue' services working anywhere along side the main fleet to cover the then popularity of coach travel. Fitted with a semi-automatic gearbox onto the Gardner six cylinder engine, the type was very popular with the drivers.

The RE remained in service until May 1981 when it was withdrawn from service and became part of the BaMMOTT collection at Wythall. It was purchased by WHOTT in May 2005 and shortly afterwards transferred to Cornwall where she has remained.

Many times 1460 has been seen out at various events, taking part in the annual 'Royal Blue Run' including the marathon trip from Penzance to Aberdeen and back in 2009. Also a regular participant at the annual Penzance Vintage Bus Running Day held on the third Sunday in April each year.

In 2019, it was decided that the RE needed attention to her paintwork and with an exhaust system that was not in good shape, the RE was taken off the road. Graham and his team have given the coach a full repaint and a major overhaul of the exhaust system was done following attention to the gearbox seals by Derek and his team.

It was hoped that 1460. would have made the 2023 Penzance Runnimg Day but unfortunately, some serious overheating issues just before the event prevented this from happening. Steve and Derek soon found the problems, a blocked water pipe and a very worn water pump. This was fixed just in time for the annual 'Royal Blue Run' which, on the second day, ran through Cornwall. All went well, 1460 ran perfectly so look out for the 'Royal Blue' RE at various events in the future. The vehicle also attended the Isle of Wight in October 2023.

.Link to the vehicle page on the WHOTT website: http://www.busmuseum.org.uk/vehiclecollection/ota632g.htm