1970 Bristol RESL6L - TCD 490J

1970 Bristol RESL6L - TCD 490J

Type of Vehicle - Bus

Year Built/Registered - 1970

Vehicle Description - Bristol RESL6L / Marshall Camagna 2 B45F

Reg No. TCD 490J   Fleet No. 490

Livery/Operator - Southdown

 

New to Southdown in 1970, specifically for use around the hills of Brighton. Spent its later years out in Sussex, including Haywards Heath where I used to travel on it as a child. After Southdown led a long life with various operators until being bought by the 490 group in Worthing for preservation. A catastrophic engine failure led it yo becoming a store and not making it to the front of the queue was starting ti be stripped for its sister 481. A chance conversation with 481s owner led to me taking 490 for restoration. I didn't know how scary it would be but we got there in the end. I have owned 490 for 14 years now, and is still my favourite.