Preserved: Eastern Counties: VR190 (VPW85S) Bristol VR/ Eastern Coach Works

Now for the second Suffolk episode today, after a loud lively Leyland, let's instead turn to a beuatiful Bristol, and what better to show off than a wonderful native Bristol VR, with NBC coloured VR190. For the history. VR190 was new in 1977, which would be one 143 VRs of the Series 3 variety ordered between 1976 & 1981. However this particular VR was destined for the municipal Waveney District Council, however was diverted to Eastern Counties upon Waveney's closure. After a series of tests, VR190 entered service at King's Lynn garage, also spending time at the outstation at Northwold. 1982 saw the bus exchanged to Peterborough, becoming part of the Cambus fleet upon the dividing up of Eastern Counties in 1984. 1985 saw it given new fleet code 714, and later became B43 under Viscount ownership in 1989. After a brief spell under Stagecoacg in 1995. VPW85S was withdrawn from service in December 1996. Our journey sees us on a return journey from just outside the village of Levington back to Ipswich Transport Museum via Felixstowe Road and Warren Heath. VR190 is powered by a Gardner 6LXB engine coupled to a 5-speed SCG semi-automatic gearbox. A quintessential and undeniably excellent combination in my humble opinion. So hope you all enjoy!