Little Nel. Work is ongoing to preserve this 20 seater coach, which was built in 1969, but first registered in 1970. She first saw service In Liverpool, but also worked in Somerset, Wales and the Midlands. She was taken out of service in 2002 and was first preserved in Dorset where she changed owners in 2008. In 2014 Little Nel changed owners again and moved to Romford. She is powered (or more correctly “underpowered”) by a 220 cubic inch (about 3.6 litre) diesel engine and has a top speed of around 45mph. This coach is classed as the Embassy model, the seating ranging from 14 to 20. This is the 20 seater version. They were mainly bodied by Plaxton or Duple, but all those remaining (and they are few in number) are all Plaxton versions. Small coaches such as Little Nel were mainly used for feeder routes, sports clubs and schools. However, Little Nel has also worked as a bus on route 7 from Belchalwell to Sturminster Newton in Dorset, starting in December 1986 when owned by Brutonian during the time that Brutonian linked with Air Camelot. Most of the interior fittings are original, including the seating, and to keep her “honest”, preservation and slow restoration continues. Recently some steel work and some timber have been replaced, and new rubbers have been fitted to most side windows. Also, the emergency exit door has been rehung. It is hoped that further restoration will include chrome front and rear bumpers, some chrome wheel hubs and a respray. However, restoration is costly and therefore donations are always welcome. Follow on Facebook at Little Nel - Bedford J2
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 20:41:12 +0000