452 in service © unknown - RVPT collection

452 at Pooley Bridge on an RVPT Lake District excursion © G. Meek

Notes:

Ribble bought 50 of these vehicles in 1954(the first 408 was delivered in 1953 and exhibited at the Motor Show). They were allocated mainly to depots that operated rural routes.452 was converted to OMO (One Man Operation) in the mid 1960's which meant that as well as fitting a ticket machine for the driver the rear emergency door had a glass window inserted to aid reversing, and it was fitted with seats of the type fitted to Leopards which were being delivered at the time. The Union refused to operate OMO vehicles with more than 45 seats, so several newly delivered Leopards were downseated from 53 to 45 seats.

452 seems to have spent virtually all its career at Kendal Depot (like several other vehicles in our collection). Prior to its withdrawal in 1967 it was used on a Ribble Enthusiasts Club tour of the Lake District.

It then passed in 1968 to Lockey's of West Auckland and was repainted into their distinctive Black and White livery, being kept in immaculate condition both externally and internally.

When Lockey's withdrew it in 1979 it was purchased by Joe Gornall on behalf of the RVPG (as we were then). The Trust had various outposts prior to moving to Inskip and 452 was kept at Crewe. Restoration work has proceeded over a long period and involved the vehicle having major structural work on the floor, many panels renewed, total rewired throughout, new floor coverings, new rexine, and an engine rebuild. It was first rallied in April 1997 .

It has been a workhorse for the Trust since then , though it has suffered from overheating and has a tendency to blow head gaskets.