321 at Freckleton © G. Meek

Notes:

Unlike the previous batches of Bristol RE this batch had Marshall bodyworkto the BET style of the many batches of Leopards that had already been delivered. 321 was new to Preston Depot in May 1971 but quickly moved to Blackpool Talbot Road in July. It stayed there until 1978 when it moved to Clitheroe, then Penrith in 1982. It was withdrawn in February 1984 when as with most NBC vehicles it passed to APT at Bracebridge Heath near Lincoln. Several of this batch were then exported to the Falkland Islands, but 321 stayed a little closer to home by being exported to the grandly named Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway Co. Ltd. as their 284 re-reg IZS677 in October 1984. It is said it was taken in error with a batch of Marshall bodied Leopards ! Like most L&LSR vehicles it had a long life with them not being withdrawn until December 1997. It then remained at the back of Letterkenny Depot for 2 years until being found by Keith Severn.  A highly  amusing account of its repatriation  can be found in issue 15 of the RVPG Newsletter making the cost of a back issue well worth the money.

321 is low on the list for restoration because we have virtually identical DP version 811 already restored, so if 321 is restored it is likely to be fitted with a Leyland 510 Leyland National engine , as 328-330 were used as test beds for this engine.