The Merseyside Transport Trust

MPTE_Roundeljpg

Preserving Merseyside's bus heritage

L801 (FKF 801D) - Leyland Atlantean, new in 1966

L801(1)
L801(2)
L801(3)
L801(4)

L801 as new at the Pier Head After conversion to OMO Shortly after withdrawal At Burscough in 2003

INFORMATION

Fleet number:
L801

Registration:
FKF 801D
 
Chassis:
Leyland Atlantean PDR1/1 L45028
 
Body:
MCW
 
Layout:
H43/35F
 
New:
June 1966
 
Current Status:
Awaiting restoration

L801 was part of the batch of 120 Atlanteans (L700-L819) delivered in 1965 and 1966. It was one of the last Atlanteans to be fitted with a Leyland 0.600 when new as the larger Leyland 0.680 engine was fitted as standard from L820 onwards.

L801 received a 0.680 engine in February 1968 subsequently receiving a 0.600 unit at some later date. It was converted for one-man-operation in July 1969, by Pennine Coachcraft but still retained its single door layout. This conversion was internally known as the Mini. L801 passed to the MPTE in December 1969.

Withdrawn ten years later, it was sold, along with L791, to Speke Airport Authority for use as an airside bus, transferring passengers from aircraft to the passenger terminal. In August 1984, after being replaced by a number of ex St. Helens AEC Swifts, L791 and L801 were kindly donated by the airport to the Mersey & Calder B.P.G.

L791 was stripped for spare parts for the group's other Atlanteans (L501, L801 & L835) and work commenced on restoring L801. Unfortunately, the loss of secure undercover accommodation at the Large Objects Store in Liverpool saw the work being stopped on L801 and it was placed into long term storage.

Despite being extensively stripped in readiness for restoration its body frame is in excellent condition, and just requires repannelling. Unfortunately, mechanically, it requires a bit more work but nothing too serious. It is hoped that restoration will recommence as soon as the time and resources become available.