The Tasmanian Bus & Coach Society over the last year, have successfully acquired a Tasmanian Community Grant to restore the first low-floor Scania bus in Australia. Built in 1992, the N113CRB was built by Ansair (Kingston TAS) in a collaboration between Scania, Metro Tasmania, Ansair and the Tasmanian Government. A one-off prototype, it was the catalyst for the low-floor buses to follow. Built on the VOVII body design, it also featured independent front suspension, a feature seperate from all other vehicles in the Metro fleet. Alas, as time goes on, being a one-off, it outsold it's usefulness by mid-2014. The Tasmanian Bus & Coach Society decided the vehicle should NOT be scrapped, like many of it's kind, however preserved for enjoyment of future generations. Through a sponsorship deal with Scania Australia and a TBCS member, the bus was saved. Tireless hours have been spent by members of the TBCS to secure funding to take BUS #200 back to it's original condition from 25yrs ago. YES, it seems strange, but it's been 25yrs since the first low-floor prototype was released. Through the Tasmanian Community Fund's grant and tireless efforts of TBCS members, BUS #200 is almost looking as it did 25yrs ago. These past few weeks, the bus has been getting completed refurbished externally by Havnadip Bus Repairs, and is ready to take to Signrite (original signwriters) for measuring of the unique 'low-floor' signwriting. Below, are the progressive photos of BUS #200s transformation, with more to come when she's completed. The Tasmanian Bus & Coach Society would like to thank the following organisations for their support of this project. These include (and are not limited to) : TASMANIAN COMMUNITY FUND - HAVNADIP BUS REPAIRS - SCANIA AUSTRALIA - SIGNRITE - METRO TASMANIA - TBCS MEMBERyoda& TBCS MEMBERS who assist with their volunteer work.
A wonderful piece of restoration and a credit to all for bringing this back to life.Great also to see a high level of co-operation between all parties to achieve this result
This looks amazing - a huge congrats to everyone who did anything in this.
For some reason I love seeing newer buses being preserved and restored (and hope to do the same myself in the future) - but not to say I don't like old buses!
First person on 822, 865 (2016 re-route).
Last person on 164, 867, 868
Bus Suggestions wrote:
Yes, Tas Metro will most likely. They might even want you in one of their depots to repaint and restore all the old Low-Floor Scanias!
Not our work. All done professionally (albiet by the same guy who does repair Metro buses) We've done a lot of prep work and will be installing all the signwriting
ex 521 (MAN 10.180) is currently with Merseylink in Devonport (awaiting a motor I believe)
Bus Suggestions wrote:Any recent photos?? I'm itching for an update
No update as yet. Awaiting the signage to be manufactured. The Society has been busy with other endeavours in more recent weeks, but hope to get something done over the Easter period.
The resurrection of Bus #200
