Dublin & Dún Laoghaire (Bus), 28-10-2017

Dualway 67-D-813, Dún Laoghaire Harbour, 28-10-2017

19670D 000813-2017_10280013

A relatively rare beast. 65 of these RMA variant were supplied to BEA to operate services from London to Heathrow. Geared for higher speed work, and operating with trailers for luggage from a central luggage check-in, they were withdrawn in the mid 1970s and purchased by London Transport.

The only other forward enntrace versions were also for non-London use, being a batch bought by Northern General. It is noticeable that, despite the protestations of it being an iconic design, engineering marvel and an advance over anything else, these were the only two non-London orders for the type from new, and they only spread their wings as cheap and cheerful "battle buses" in the deregulated era.

This particular bus spent time with London Sightseeing before arriving in Ireland; I believe from net searches it was converted to open top after export. The former RMA25, it is seen on display at the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Rally.

NMY653EDualway RathcooleBusIrish IndependentIrelandDún Laoghaire67D813RMA25