I might be in the minority (?) but I confess to preferring the aural delights of a Gardner RE to a Leyland. That great exhaust rasp is still there. The interior is bright, airy and uncluttered compared to many modern designs, and 51 to 53 seats! Western National ran these when new on the lengthy Plymouth-Bideford 132, 1 each Southern and 1 Western bus which would pass between Launceston and Holsworthy. The midday run from Plymouth was often heavily laden with parcels to almost halfway down the bus - for drop offs en route. I used to ride between Tavistock and Launceston before sometimes transferring to the connecting Bude service 335 - a bit slower with an LS5G. Lots of happy associations with these REs.
I agree - the interior of modern buses look as though they've been designed by a five year old using every one of their box of crayons. Gardner for me!
I love the whistle it makes when its decelerating. I prefer RE's with Leyland engines in them as they just growl a little louder and have a little bit more power but the Gardner engined RE's are slightly more refined.
Fantastic! I remember the first one at Brentwood c1971 (?) and thought it was so modern compared with our usual MWs and LEs. I think it used to work the Brentwood to Doddinghurst service (263?). Lovely video thanks. How do you book rides on these buses please? Is it through an enthusiasts society?
@@johng.lidstone2236 they are as you probably both know the same 10.45 litre capacity, but the LXB was updated to produce another 30hp at slightly higher revs.
Fantastic !!!
That noise as you change from fourth to top.... Ace..
It's what makes an RE. Perfect 👍
Makes me wish I was young again when these types of buses were everywhere and we took them for granted...
I remember my local NBC operator Crosville having these during my childhood in the early 1980s.
I Remember travelling on these buses as a kid in the late 70s in Gloucester.
We had them in Stroud as well
Love that 'Whistle 'n' Whine'
I might be in the minority (?) but I confess to preferring the aural delights of a Gardner RE to a Leyland. That great exhaust rasp is still there. The interior is bright, airy and uncluttered compared to many modern designs, and 51 to 53 seats! Western National ran these when new on the lengthy Plymouth-Bideford 132, 1 each Southern and 1 Western bus which would pass between Launceston and Holsworthy. The midday run from Plymouth was often heavily laden with parcels to almost halfway down the bus - for drop offs en route. I used to ride between Tavistock and Launceston before sometimes transferring to the connecting Bude service 335 - a bit slower with an LS5G. Lots of happy associations with these REs.
I agree - the interior of modern buses look as though they've been designed by a five year old using every one of their box of crayons. Gardner for me!
I love the whistle it makes when its decelerating. I prefer RE's with Leyland engines in them as they just growl a little louder and have a little bit more power but the Gardner engined RE's are slightly more refined.
The Gardner is better on fuel ultra reliable and has a longer working life
That's my mates bus. Nice one Dave E
Fantastic! I remember the first one at Brentwood c1971 (?) and thought it was so modern compared with our usual MWs and LEs. I think it used to work the Brentwood to Doddinghurst service (263?).
Lovely video thanks. How do you book rides on these buses please? Is it through an enthusiasts society?
First time on a RE was in 1967 with my mum it was a RE mk1
LNF 557Y - Manchester Cooperation 7 on this bus was in Manchester (10/04/2015).
In 1/12 Manchester Cooperation 7 - LNF557Y.
I'm a Leyland 680 RE fan myself, but this is a lovely sounding bus. This a 6LXB?
No Bristol RE was fitted with the 6HLXB engine when new, the 6HLX being the largest Gardner used.
@@johng.lidstone2236 they are as you probably both know the same 10.45 litre capacity, but the LXB was updated to produce another 30hp at slightly higher revs.
another Former northern bus