(18/2/2017) London Transport V1 Volvo Ailsa B55 Mk3 (Voith gearbox) A101SUU - AMRTM Buses by Night

A101SUU was running on route 57 between Aldridge and Walsall at Aston Manor Road Transport Museum's "Buses by Night" event. Timetable here: www.amrtm.org/e...
In 1984, London Transport started the "Alternative Vehicle Evaluation" (AVE) trials, to determine which double decker could win future orders from LT. The four types of bus being tested were Dennis Dominator (H1-3), Leyland Olympian (L1-3), MCW Metrobus Mk2 (M1441-1442) and Volvo Ailsa (V1-3). Eventually LT ordered 260 Olympians in 1985, and that was the last large order for double deckers from LT.
The Ailsa is a front-engined design with set-back front axle which makes driver-only operation possible. With the engine at the front, a rear staircase and rear door can easily be fitted, as seen on LT's V3. The Hamworthy hub-reduction drop-centre rear axle of Mk1 & 2 shown structural weaknesses, and has been replaced by a Volvo EV85 axle on Mk3. The screaming alternator belt on earlier models has also gone. Mk3 is a more mature product, but lacks the distinctive set of sound on Mk1 & 2.
Like all B55, V1 has a Volvo TD70 turbocharged engine, but it has the optional Voith D851 gearbox and air suspension. The driver drove it aggressively, and floored the throttle quite often (especially in the return journey starting from 12:21), which made the ride more exciting. Note that apart from the distinctive retarder scream, there was also a low pitch hum when the retarder was working at high speed. The air suspension was better than the conventional leaf, but the prop shaft made the floor vibrate a lot at high engine rev, and massaged my legs throughout the journey, eliminated the suspension's merit.
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