Preserved: Western National: 1157 (AFJ764T) Bristol VRT/ Eastern Coach Works

And now for a ride on some quintessential Cornish traction, with a ride on a more prevalent Bristol, with an upper deck this time, a whimsical, whiny and wonderous Bristol VR.

AFJ764T was new as part of a batch of 32 Bristol VRs delivered new to Western National between 1978 to 1979, where it would have operated across Cornwall. 1983 saw it pass to Southern National, then privatised to First 2001, where it ran for a further 3 years until purchase for preservation in 2004. During which time, under Southern National ownership, it would have run in the Weymouth, Yeovil, Taunton & Bridgwater areas

This is the first of two videos taking place on route 17, which runs from Penzance Bus Station to St Ives, Malakoff Bus Station via Long Rock, Crowlas, St Erth, Lelant & Carbis Bay, being one of the only mostly double-deck run routes at the Penzance running day.

1157 is powered by a Gardner 6LXB engine coupled to a 5-speed SCG Self-Changing Gears Semi-Automatic gearbox, and I am fairly it is being driven with straight through gear changes, so enjoy some vintage VR action.

Start: St Erth Station
Finish: Penzance Bus Station