News from the Teesside 500 Group

Two vehicles have been added to the stable in the last few months - both a bit more modern that H106 (our previous ‘youngest’ of the stable).

In February, we were approached by Cumbria Classic Coaches in regards to Volvo Olympian R833OVN - which they had purchased from Stagecarriage last summer and had developed engine problems. She returned to the region on the 28th February. An engine has been sourced and is waiting for the engineering team to find time in their busy schedules to fit it.

In recent weeks, 833 has been joined by a slightly older sister - Cummins L10-powered, Northern Counties Palatine-bodies M223SVN, one of the first vehicles to arrived at Stockton depot following the Stagecoach takeover in late 1994. It’s arrival was officially confirmed this evening following its successful passing of its MOT. Long term plan is to return it to its original condition in the Transit Deregulation livery (similar to Busways livery but with Green in place of Yellow and the coloured skirts).

Many who have attended recent rallies will have noticed the absent of H106 (and in some cases, the group entirely). Sadly, she was involved in a RTA on her way back from the Tyne Tees Run back in June, leaving the Group down to just 99 as it’s only working vehicle, meaning private work took priority over rallies (or in the case of one of them - our own extra event). The good news is that after a long period of external discussion, work on repairing the damage can now take place, once the chosen repairer has space to do the work.