Mitchell Hurd
On Moderation
- Joined
- 28 Oct 2017
- Messages
- 1,648
Slight typo - it's C454GKE
The issue with the Leyland Olympian coaches is that they were a reaction to the new world of double deck coaches so Leyland were keen to avoid firms choosing Neoplan Skyliners etc. Hence the prototype (ADD50Y) was rather rushed into service. In the event, it was clear that it wouldn't be able to compare with Neoplans or MCW Metroliners - it was a bus chassis at heart and the lack of development was really highlighted. Therefore, it became more of a commuter coach rather than a Rapide style motorway mile muncher, explaining why it was Eastern National, M&D, Alder Valley and London Country who were the main users.
I did enjoy them when some were sent north and worked for Northumbria on their expresses from Newcastle. One run (which may have been on a former M&D machine) from Newcastle to Hexham was perhaps one of the most relaxing journeys I've ever been on.
Having said my concerns over these type of Olympians basically, I did love that TL11 engine being given some welly. I went on one in display at Alton in July 3 years ago which sadly there wasn't time to do a trip on it. However the seats were very comfortable and felt as similarly spacious as a normal single-door Scania Omnicity double-decker only slightly more!