8332 U
Details
Chassis AEC Reliance
Chassis No MU3RA 1951 Y
Engine AEC 6 cyl. mid mounted underfloor AH 470 developing 112 bhp at 2000 revs p/m
Eng Number
Brakes Air assisted
Steering Unassisted
Transmission Manual 5 speed syncro
Body Plaxton Consort C41C Centre Entrance
Body number 2291
Date of first registration 1958
About
New in 1958, this AEC Reliance was part of 18 similar style coaches for Leeds based Wallace Arnold. 8332 U was used in their promotional film in 1959, and was owned by the firm until 1967, when sold to Scottish operator Carson, Dunvegan. By September 1970, 8332U was with its third owner, this time Alexander Northern, staying until around 1977.
Two further owners later and the coach was acquired by Mr. Andrew Dolan, Crook. Durham. In 1989 Wallace Arnold repurchased the coach and carried out an extensive five year restoration. 8332U was used from 1994 for special events and staff transfers. In 2005 the vehicle was acquired from Wallace Arnold, forming the base of our collection. The coach is still active, recently used in the ITV series Heartbeat.
The coach is still active and used regularly as a very reliable performer.
Subsequent action
Carson, Dunvegan, Scotland – April 1967
MacBrayne, Glasgow – No 173, Feb 1970
Passing to Highland Omnibuses, Inverness – May 1970
Then to Alexander (Northern), Aberdeen No NAC142
September 1970
Features
Webasto secondary interior heater
CD tuner with PA system
12/24 volt outlet for laptop/mobile phone & coolbox operation
Repairs and Servicing
March 05
Collect from Wallace Arnold, Lowfields Road
August 05
Loaned to Thornes of Hemingbrough for wedding and continental tour duties
September 05
To Independent for service and new batteries
March 06
Fit new exhaust silencer and tail pipe
Fit new fan drive coupling
To Wallace Arnold for MOT and Class VI test
September 06
Bleed the clutch
March 07
Repairs to heater and side window pillar trim
To Wallace Arnold for MOT inspection and Class 6 test
June 07
Fit new carpet to boot
July 07
Fit new angle iron to boot lip
April 08
MOT inspection and Class 6 test
May 08
Celebrates 50 years into service
Jan 09
Deep clean seats and floor
Feb 09
Polish aluminium trim
March 09
Pre MOT inspection and service, Class 6 test
July 09
Fit new rocker cover gaskets
Repairs to boot lock
March 10
Pre MOT inspection and service Class 6 test
Obtain new rear light lens from Sewells
March 11
Pre MOT inspection Class 6 test
Aug 11
Re afix headlining to rear dome
March 11
Pre MOT inspection Class 6 test
Deep clean interior/exterior
April 11
Fit correct period saloon clock
Fit hazard flasher switch
Aug 12
Full service
Sept 12
Top up injection pump with oil
Feb 13
Paint safety rails black
April 13
Charge batteries
July 13
Clean windows & alpine lights
Secure interior mirror
Oct 13
Wash off vehicle
May 2015
Carry out inspection
Top up steering box after making new filler plug
Gallery
Gallery – By Stuart J. Brown for the Plaxton Centenary book
Gallery – Sister Vehicles
Here we have a small selection of black and white photographs of sister vehicles in various locations.
Photographers unknown.
Gallery – At Unit 3 (06/02/06)
Gallery – At Keighley Bus Museum 2013 Open Day
Gallery of photographs supplied by Andrew and Mark Dolan when 8332U in their ownership and previous life
January 2016
Remove rear roof light and fit rubber seal, refit as required
Attend to rattling near and off side front sliding windows
Seal front roof ventilator
February 2016
Clean bright work
April 2016
Discover broken continental/alpine roof light
Remove opposite number
May 2016
Obtain perspex replacement
Windscreen Services, call and fit new glazing.
Wash off, clean and polish and prepare for season.
Classic Connections 
Hi We met briefly at the A.E.C.rally on sunday I was the one asking about the availability of the plaxton rear taillight/indicator lenses (also used on the yeates Europa) cheers Dave.
HI Dave
Yes I remember, I`ll be over at our depot later this week and will check on availability, so watch this space
Regards
Neil
Hi Dave
Sorry for delay, yes we can help on the rear light lens you want for your Plaxton coach. Check out our list of events and we`ll see if we can meet up somewhere.
Regards
Neil
HI Neil Thanks for the reply .I,m booked in at peak rail this Sunday ,will keep my eye out for the L.H. Cheers Dave.
Hi Neil,
I’d be delighted if you could bring one (or more!) of your Plaxton bodied coaches to the Heritage Plaxton gathering we’re holding at the Kirklees Light Railway on the 20th of October 2018. If you are interested in bring a vehicle, please could you get in touch with me to discuss details.
Thanks,
Owen Ryder
owenryder@hotmail.com
07733 118043
Hi. Does anyone have the current owner of this vehicles details please? I have a painting done by my grandfather in watercolour which may or may not be of interest…