I enjoyed your article in July Buses on the Foden NC double-deckers and would like to add a little more about the one delivered to PMT as 900 (WVT 900S).
It was delivered at the same time as Alexander-bodied Dennis Dominator Alexander 700 (XBF 700S) as trial vehicles for the National Bus Company. Both the Foden and the Dennis had badges on the front when delivered, but as you said in the article, they were removed before entering service.
Foden 900 was always based at Newcastle garage and operated on all its double-deck routes, but proved troublesome, so tended to be kept on routes close to the depot. Its regular route in the end was the Tesco Free Bus to Trent Vale, only a couple of miles from the depot, so within easy reach if in trouble.
In my photograph of 900 that you used in the article, the blinds are set for 208 Sheffield. This was wishful thinking. Apart from not being a Newcastle route, it was just a set up for the photograph.
The bus was apparently promised to the Potteries Omnibus Preservation Society for preservation by the original management of PMT, but when the company was sold to Badgerline the waters became muddier, as it was advertised in the trade press for £10,000 with the new owne…
