Ward Dalesman Road Test.

An embarrasingly poor piece of video, but one made today to record the first brief run out of our prototype Ward Dalesman having just had a new clutch and flywheel amongst other things. Hopefully before too long the coach will have a new MoT, will be a useful spare bus and maybe turn a few heads at the odd rally it visits.
Power comes from a naturally aspirated Perkins V8.640 (approx 10.5 litres)

[@1973ts]

Hellfire! I can't wait to see / hear this one out and about. Thanks for saving it.

[@jet936]

Another beast ! Glad to see it's been saved though, a brave try by Ward's to give operators what they wanted.

[@sharkattack2012]

Wow what a machine that thumping perkins v8 sound is excellent she can move too I notice!! The very best of luck with her!!!

[@MarmiteCrumpets]

When SELNEC PTE inaugurated the Trans Lancs Express (later 400) from Stockport to Bolton they initially used ex Manchester Corporation Bedford VAL's which had been assigned to the Airport services. These were quickly replaced by new Plaxton Elite bodied Seddon Pennine IV's with front mounted Perkins V8s. They went like furies! So successful were they at increasing ridership on the route they were themselves replaced by Metro Scania double deckers in 1974. Within a few years of deregulation the route had gone altogether...

[@markthebusman]

What a beast... how on earth did they get a Perkins V8-640 into a Plaxton Supreme??? The rumble out of that monster under the floor must have got to the passengers, but what sweet music (roars even) it makes!!! Would have loved one of them on my school tours growing up, rather than the smoky old Leyland 680!!!

[@myvolks7182]

Perkins V8 Diesel 640. - 640.7 cu.in - 10.5L -215bhp @ 2600 rev/min - 485 lbf ft @ 1700 rev/min

[@JonNewstead-cy4qw]

Nowt wrong with 680😂😂😂