Leyland Leopard PSU3E/4R

MPE362 operated in the Central Region, part of Alexander (Midland) and in 1985 remained part of the smaller Midland Scottish fleet. During its career 362 operated from Larbert Depot, operating also from the now closed Grangemouth Depot and the soon to be closed Linlithgow Depot. It was not until 1999 that Midland, by that time part of FirstGroup, sold the bus, by that time renumbered 462, to Whitelaws of Stonehouse. Upon withdrawal 362 was purchased for preservation. Midland operated over 450 examples of the Leyland Leopard, the first being delivered in 1964 and the last arriving in 1982.

This vehicle is one of several with Alexander T-type bodies which are on display within the GVVT Bridgeton Museum, not all of them being on the Leyland “Leopard” chassis. The T-type, as originally conceived, was not quite a “coach”, but was more than just a “bus”: it was a so-called “Dual Purpose” (DP) vehicle, with high-backed seats, but finished not quite to the luxury standards of the long distance coaches of its time. It could be, and frequently was, used on such duties, but was also quite suitable for stage carriage and local private hire work.

The livery chosen for this vehicle by its owner is a much later one than when new, introduced not long before Midland was taken over by Grampian and therefore not widely applied. It is one which incorporated an azure blue roof and skirt panels. With it, Midland reintroduced the “Bluebird” theme of earlier years, and ultimately the title “Midland Bluebird” was settled upon. Although sported by some Midland vehicles with T-type bodywork, it is quite certain that EMS 362V itself never carried this livery in Midland service.