Western SMT bought their first Leopards in 1960 when the model was introduced. In 1963 the first Y-type bodied Leopards arrived marking the beginning of a long association with the type. The last arrived in 1980. Western’s standard single decker until 1975 was the 4 speed manual gearbox Leopard with 49-seat Y-type coach bodies. Allocated to all depots, they were to be found on every type of work: local, long distance, express or touring.
L2366 was delivered to Kilmarnock depot wearing the traditional black and white livery. In January 1973 it was transferred to Inchinnan and operated from there until withdrawal in 1982.
In the early 1980s, Western’s workshop at Nursery Avenue, Kilmarnock had converted a number of older Leopards into Tow Buses for use by the company. This involved shortening the wheelbase, eliminating the rear overhang and cutting the body down behind the first window bay. In October 1982 L2366 was the first of three converted and sold to Highland Omnibuses, becoming number H12.
In the late 1990s H12 was sold to Lothian Regional Transport becoming their BD2.
Latterly sold to a private owner it has now been purchased by the Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust, joining the collection at Bridgeton on Wednesday 6th October 2004.
Photographs
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- Registration
- WSD 756K
- Chassis type
- Leyland Leopard PSU3/3R
- Chassis number
- 7200960
- Body type and seating
- Alexander AY R2F
- Body number
- 18AY/2670/4
- Date new
- June 1972
- Original operator
- Western SMT (L2366)