THE SCOTTISH VINTAGE BUS MUSEUM – VD 3433
DETAILS
Chassis: Leyland Lion LT5A, built 1934, No 3697.
Body: Single-deck, Alexander B36F, built 1945, No 2992.
Engine: Leyland 6 cyl diesel, 8.6 litres, model ElC.
First Licensed: 4/7/34.
(Click
photo for larger image)
Exhibition Hall April 2009 (J Crichton)
BACKGROUND HISTORY
When Leyland announced an update to
the Tiger and Titan models with a more modern frontal appearance in 1933 it was not until the following year
that the 4 cylinder Lion was similarly treated with the introduction of the LT5A model. The opportunity was also
taken to incorporate the improved hydraulic servo braking system and other
refinements.
The Lion LT5A was only in
production for about eighteen months before being superseded by the LT7 and
several hundred were built. There are less than half a dozen survivors.
August 2001
Open Weekend (Gerry Cushley)
HISTORY OF THIS VEHICLE
VD3433 was one of an order for 110 Lion LT5A
models placed jointly by Central SMT Co Ltd and Lanarkshire Traction Co Ltd in
1934 (F5- 114) (VD3401 - 3510) and represented the largest single order placed
for Leyland buses up to that time. All were fitted with Leyland 32 seat saloon
bodies featuring a cutaway rear entrance which was a popular layout with some
Scottish operators. Another innovation was the fitting of the then-new 4
cylinder Leyland diesel engine to the earlier batch.VD 3433 (F37) was withdrawn
by Central in 1945 and sold to a Glasgow dealer, but with eight others was
bought by W Alexander & Sons Ltd of Falkirk. These were fitted with new
Alexander 36 seat semi-utility bus ~bodies incorporating Leyland-style framing
and all were fitted with 6 cylinder diesel engines (Leyland 8.6 or AEC 7.7
litre) necessitating a projection into the saloon which was covered by a cowl. VD 3433 became Alexanders
P721 and after operating on Perth City services was transferred to subsidiary David
Lawson Ltd of Kirkintilloch in 1953 and withdrawn and sold to a showman in
Stirling in March 1959. It was then used to tow a living van to fairgrounds all
over Scotland and was last licensed for this purpose in 1965. June 2002 Mill Street Perth (Scotbus)
RESTORATION DETAILS
P721 was discovered in 1973 in
basically sound condition in Stirling and purchased for preservation. Major
work required in its restoration included rebuilding the cab structure and
locating and fitting a suitable set of seats. It first appeared restored to
1945 condition (in the red livery used by Alexander for the Perth City
services) in 1976 and took part in that year’s HCVC London-Brighton run. Its
Leyland 8.6 litre engine proved troublesome over the next few years and this
was replaced with another unit from a similar vehicle (P705) in 1982. It has
appeared at many rallies up and down the country over the years.
Lathalmond 2008 (John McDonald)