NCT Last Atlantean Running Day, 27-11-1999

The end of an era. Nottingham had operated Atlanteans since 1964, developing in the process their unique and practical body style. To celebrate the end of all-day operation of these veterans, NCT arranged to operate service 84, City Bulwell Snape Wood via Radford Road and Highbury Vale, wholly with Atlanteans. A special day rider ticket was issued for the day, and all buses carried a small board commemorating the event. Despite the time of year, the weather held out with no rain, although it was dull at times.

After this date, a few Atlanteans lingered on for school and peak services, but the end was nigh, and no longer would the distinctive Leyland 680 engine roar and gearbox air release resound around the city.

NCT 314, Radford Road Nottingham, 27-11-1999

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NCT 314, Radford Road Nottingham, 27-11-1999

314-1999_11270007

One of the usurpers! Volvo Citybus 314 is seen heading towards the city and Trent Boulevard on service 85. While still bodied to Nottingham standards, these vehicles always looked somewhat top heavy. Difficulty in sourcing the smaller screens for the upper deck resulted in the deeper screen being used instead leading to a mismatch with the window line. In my opinion, these vehicles were a mistake from a passenger point of view - the underfloor engine meant reduced headroom on both decks (the traditional standard maintained 5'10" on both decks - the early ones had 6'1 upstairs and 6' downstairs!) and the high floor line meant steep steps, especially at the centre exit. They did however had a good seating capacity downstairs - always a priority in Nottingham, although perhaps misplaced in this instance given the downsides.

Scanned from an original print.

Chassis Builder : Volvo
Chassis Type : Citybus B10M-50
Chassis No : YV31MEC18FC009788
Body Builder : Northern Counties
Body Style : Nottingham Standard
Body No : 2819
Seating : H49/35D

Volvo Citibus Northern Counties C314NRC Bus NCT Nottingham GB Nottingham Standard