[WA] & [NSW] AEC Regal VI RHD chassis no 1 aka "500"

[Herbert]

In 1960 AEC introduced its "Regal VI" chassis as an export-only model. Large orders went to Buenos Aires (525) and Montevideo (125). In some countries they were badged "ACLO".

The first right-hand-drive chassis, U2RA001, came to Perth were it was MTT 500 and operated mainly out of Morley Depot. It was photographed on Walcott St, Mt Lawley, operating a 60 to Morley, February 1973:



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Already officially withdrawn, 500 was taken out on an enthusiasts' extravaganza & is seen in the West End Causeway busway near the MTT head office, 3 February 1980:



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500 was amongst a number of MTT buses bought by Smithfield Coach Imports in the early 1980s, though being the sole AEC amongst similarly-bodied Leyland Worldmasters. Passing on to Bosnjaks BS at Endensor Park, it was not operated by them but was on-sold to the Fairfield-Cabramatta Police Boys Club as KOV997. It is seen parked outside that club in Railway Pde, Cabramatta, in full MTT livery, 22 November 1982:





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500 went on to operate with Katoomba-Leura Bus Service as MO9476 ...





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... and more recently was discovered at Lawson in company with an ex-Perth Worldmaster:





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Adelaide & Melbourne also operated AEC Regal VIs. I also found this curious comment in the AEC Gazette of September 1962:

A recent delivery to Sydney, where a fleet of nearly 800 AEC buses are operated, was a special Regal Mk VI with torque converter transmission, air suspension, and direct air brakes. The chassis was to undergo experimental service trials with a number of Australian passenger transport operators.

Any of our Sydney experts care to comment on this?

[renaultartic]

Great pics. It's sad to see how this bus ended up after seeing it in it's working life through these series of shots. It's a shame to see any vehicle let alone buses rot away like that.

Leigh.

[ADX666]

Great story Herb, I like the fact that the MTT sold their buses in full livery, be pretty cool if they still did that!!!

[Q4004]

Two 0305s are still in the MTT livery but were sold to a school in WA, Think its reboth christian college, they always go through my area and i nee dto have a look, i think they are ex 260 and 261?

[renaultartic]

Two 0305s are still in the MTT livery but were sold to a school in WA, Think its reboth christian college, they always go through my area and i nee dto have a look, i think they are ex 260 and 261?

264 and 246 are the 2 O.305s that you are refering to however they were re-created to look like MTT livery. I think they still belong to Forest Rail.

Leigh.

[ADX666]

I have graphed both of those and the paintjob, although good, is not 100% correct on either of them.

[Herbert]

Forestrail now have a third O305 in arrowhead livery, ie ex-281.



However, regarding MTT disposals, it was unusual for them to dispose of buses without painting out the MTT livery. During the 1960s grey undercoat was applied to cover the MTT green below the windows. During the late 1970s/early 1980s some received "clipper" yellow, others red, others again light blue. I think 500, plus a few other Regal VIs and a sizeable number of Worldmasters, escaped repaint because they went to the eastern states.

[TP1854]

Hi herbert there is also a leyland panther in that livery with forrestrail. Any how thanks for sharing those nicely detailed photo's

[ADX666]

Hmmm Interesting, cant say I like those little lights beside the head lights tho!

Thanks for sharing.

[jonwil]

What is different between that livery and true MTT Arrowhead livery?

[renaultartic]

What is different between that livery and true MTT Arrowhead livery?

Are you serious?

Black window surrounds.
Arrow to low.
Black bumpers.
Black centre hubs.
Yellow hand rails at doors.
Black windscreen wipers and washer piece.
White nut guard on front wheels.
And no MTT sign.

I'll leave it at that.

Leigh.