RCU 597S was delivered to Tyne and Wear PTE in May 1978 and worked its entire service  life in Sunderland.

It was the 26th of a batch of 30 with a Leyland Atlantean chassis and Willowbrook body.

The body choice was unusual as by that time Willowbrook were mainly building kits for export to Africa and Double decks weren't really their thing.  However, in the late 1970's British industry was struggling to produce anything and our preferred suppliers (Alexander, MCW etc) were quoting two year deliveries - on top of Leyland lead times for chassis.  Hence the decision to go Willowbrook.

The only other thing I remember about this batch was that when our then Chief Engineer (Moir Lockhead - now retired boss of First Group) went to inspect the build at the factory he was thrown off the site - because he was so critical of the work he saw.

I am not sure when 597 left the PTE (which became Busways) fleet.  It will have been sometime between 1991 and 1994.

According to DVLA it has not been taxed or MOT'd since October 1996 - so it probably spent a couple of years with a small operator somewhere running schools.

Throughout its service life it will have been well maintained as that is what Sunderland did with all their vehicles.

As it is steel framed you will just need to keep an eye out for chassis and body structure corrosion.

Techy details:

Leyland Atlantean AN68A/2R. chassis number  7608274 11.1 litre engine

Willowbrook body number 76527

High bridge body Height 14ft 6 in

Original seating configuration  48 upstairs 31 down.

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Conversion to Nessdecker

Nessdecker is the realisation of a lifelong dream. After many years of searching for a suitable bus to convert, RCU 597S was finally found. After its long journey on a flatbed trailer (it could have been driven but it would have been a very long journey at the speed of the bus as well as the cost of diesel!) it arrived at its new home. It was time to convert it into the best Bed and Breakfast Fort Augustus has ever seen. It was a labour of love that has now been a happy home for many guests.

Please contact us to book your stay on the bus, the best Bed and Breakfast Fort Augustus has to offer.

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